Darling, let's dive into the delightful dance world of April, shall we? It seems like just last week, the February snow was settling, and now, spring is absolutely blooming in the air and all around the world. What a time to be alive, my dears, and especially in the midst of all the enchanting ballet that's about to unfold.
Firstly, you simply **must** make it to the **Royal Opera House in London** for **The Sleeping Beauty** (running April 4th to April 27th). My darling, it’s absolutely divine! Every little detail, from the hand-stitched costumes (such impeccable craftsmanship) to the sparkling stage set, just pulls you into the enchanted tale. This is an absolutely iconic classic, with the most beautiful choreography that will leave you spellbound (yes, that is pun intended!). You just **have** to see the legendary Sylvie Guillem in her final performance before retirement. It's sure to be an event you won't forget for years.
Meanwhile, across the pond in the heart of New York City, at the **New York City Ballet**, the always exciting **Spring Gala** (April 18th and 21st) is offering an enchanting collection of brand new, cutting-edge works from up-and-coming choreographers. What an exciting opportunity to catch a glimpse of the future of dance, isn't it? There is such vibrancy and freshness. We can expect a glorious blend of classical and contemporary ballet styles that will set the tone for the future of ballet. Don't you just adore seeing something different and cutting-edge, especially if it's in the most beautiful venue in the world, that breathtaking jewel that is the New York State Theatre.
Then we travel a little further east to the magical **Mariinsky Theatre** in St. Petersburg, the cradle of classical Russian ballet. I had a simply splendid time catching **Giselle** there at the end of March, darling! This was not a regular production, but a one-night gala affair, a rare chance to see **the world's finest ballerinas** dance in one night! My dear, you must absolutely take yourself to Russia to see a real ballet - I was lucky enough to have an enchanting trip in March. The theatre was buzzing with energy; there was simply magic in the air! Such talent in those legendary walls!
While St Petersburg is renowned for its romantic classical repertoire, the company's repertoire is also wonderfully modern and full of experimental pieces, including a spectacular production of **Prokofiev's Cinderella**, a masterpiece of classical storytelling but with such wonderfully vibrant and contemporary costumes (there was this simply spectacular gold gown on the fairy godmother!), set against the breathtaking scenery of St. Petersburg, which was the epitome of fairy tale magic.
On the subject of fairytale magic, I would definitely recommend taking a look at **The Nutcracker** in a slightly more "adult" form, for those of us with a bit of a dark and edgy edge! You must find your way to **American Ballet Theatre** (April 15th to 28th in NYC). I must tell you, the staging here is a masterpiece! The director has used such captivating effects, from special effects and incredible stage lighting to absolutely breathtaking scenery - it's like nothing you have ever seen before. A true visual treat that will make you think about the iconic piece in a completely new way!
While you're on a journey through fairytale, there is something for every ballerina in **Birmingham Royal Ballet’s The Sleeping Beauty** (May 2nd to 14th at Birmingham Hippodrome). What makes this production such a joy, darling? It has the classic steps and traditional romantic elements (which, let’s be honest, we all just adore), with a bit more playful and fresh approach. And how delightful to find such talent so easily, only a couple of hours away from the bright lights of London, in the vibrant city of Birmingham.
However, don't forget to step away from the classics and give the new generation of choreographers a try. Have a glimpse into the future, as it were. Here are a few little gems not to miss:
- At the **Paris Opera Ballet**, "**Les Limbes**" by Angelin Preljocaj is set to mesmerize with its contemporary aesthetic and unique expression.
- In **San Francisco**, the always impressive **San Francisco Ballet** has some of the best modern contemporary works, such as **"AnOther"** by **Wayne McGregor**, a work that will truly ignite the senses.
- And over at the **Dutch National Ballet**, the ever so brilliant **"The Seventh Veil"** by Pavel Gurevich - a masterclass in dynamic expression, perfectly complementing the breathtaking setting of Amsterdam, where ballet, you might be surprised, is simply thriving!
This is only a small glimpse of the vast landscape of the world of ballet. We live in such an exciting age for the arts. It’s an honor to live in a time of such amazing, innovative dance, isn’t it, my dears? Ballet truly brings us all together!
I hope you'll be captivated and enchanted this April. And be sure to let me know what you think, and of course, tell me about all the exciting new works you’ve discovered! And if you want a more intimate experience, a backstage sneak peek or a tea party with an incredible choreographer, we can make it happen. We all deserve to be a part of this magical world. After all, ballet is about elegance, grace, and above all, it is about the celebration of life in its truest form! Let's keep on dancing, my dears.