AI Ballet Review 639

## A whirl of July: A Month in the Spotlight Darling, isn't it simply divine? The world's stages are ablaze with dazzling talent, leaving me practically breathless! As a ballerina, I know a good show when I see one, and this July, oh darling, this July has been spectacular! So, let's delve into a little whirl of a month, shall we? **Royal Ballet, London** *The Royal Ballet opened their season with *Romeo and Juliet* starring the wonderful Marianela Nunez, who is a constant source of inspiration, don't you think? I confess, dear reader, it wasn’t my favorite version of the classic tale. I always prefer a *Giselle* for a good sob, but that doesn't diminish the sheer skill and artistry on display, particularly from my darling Nunez. And can we discuss the breathtaking costume design for Juliet’s wedding gown? I'm just smitten with those billowing sleeves, they looked practically ethereal, like something out of a dream! **American Ballet Theatre, New York City** Over the pond, the American Ballet Theatre hosted a captivating showcase. *Manon,* a deeply moving portrayal of love, betrayal and ultimately, death, was absolutely brilliant! My personal favorite part, aside from the exquisite costumes that evoke the rich French fabrics, was the Pas de Deux in Act III - so emotionally charged and perfectly executed, I practically wanted to rush on stage and join them! **Ballet San Francisco** What’s more magical than *A Midsummer Night's Dream?* Nothing, darling, just nothing! It was simply delightful to witness, especially with the mesmerizing and truly ethereal staging of the "The Awakening" pas de deux - pure enchantment! The dancing, the sets, the lighting, it all combined for a visual and emotional feast! And let's not forget the fairy costumes – each one a dream! **A touch of modern grace: Nederlands Dans Theater** We wouldn’t be doing justice to July’s artistic offerings without recognizing the brilliance of the Nederlands Dans Theater. These visionaries push boundaries and bring their own flavor to modern dance, darling, it’s truly thrilling to see the creativity that pours out onto the stage! I’m absolutely entranced by their interpretation of the human form, the emotional intensity it conveys. It's dance as a powerful form of communication. **Festival des Arts, Aix-en-Provence** Ah, a whirlwind of color and cultural delight! The Festival des Arts truly knows how to celebrate dance, my dear. *La Bayadere,* in particular, stood out – with its intricate storytelling, dazzling costumes, and the grand spectacle. There was even a touch of Spanish flair, which we all know, I absolutely adore! I also must give a shoutout to the local artists who filled the cobbled streets of Aix with their vibrant artistic energy – talk about a mood enhancer! **Something else entirely** And because a true ballerina is not just a dancer, she is a woman of diverse interests – the theater was absolutely abuzz this July! I absolutely adored *Six: The Musical* which transformed Tudor royalty into pop stars – it was wonderfully cheeky and incredibly entertaining. If you're seeking an enchanting theatrical escape, *Hadestown,* a stunning reimagining of the Orpheus myth, with an infectiously soulful musical score, is a definite must-see. **A sprinkle of glamour: ** My dear readers, let us not forget the magic of style! I find fashion truly fascinating – It complements every single dance and spectacle, making them come to life. July, of course, was no exception! * At the ballet, we were graced with sleek and stunning costumes that showcased movement. Remember those "Manon" designs, they really were captivating – think rich colors and intricate embellishments, that accentuated the delicate feminine beauty. And of course, *La Bayadere* – the ultimate extravagance, opulent colors, intricate patterns – absolutely exquisite! *For my more contemporary dance excursions, I favored looks that celebrated freedom of movement – minimalist, yet impactful. Imagine silk jumpsuits, bold geometric cuts, metallic fabrics – a nod to the art, and a subtle statement of modern elegance. * But let's not forget the art of accessorizing! It's like an unspoken dance, every detail plays a role, Every feather earring, dazzling necklace, and statement handbag adds a layer to my persona. They’re not just accessories, they’re bold expressions of my love for life, for the arts, and of course, for me! **Afterthoughts** Oh darling, it’s been a whirl of excitement, inspiration, and joy! July's dance world is brimming with such exquisite talent, and the theatrical productions have simply wowed me. As the season progresses, my heart is filled with anticipation to see what the stage holds in store for us. We are blessed to be surrounded by these extraordinary artists! Until next time, my dears. Let the art captivate you, let the beauty inspire you, let life, in all its wonder, truly sweep you away!