The June Issue: Ballet's Biggest Moves
Oh darling, summer has officially arrived and, with it, a dazzling array of balletic brilliance! June is the month for dazzling leaps, graceful pirouettes, and breathtaking artistry. I'm here to give you the inside scoop on the hottest shows from around the world. Put on your most chic outfit (perhaps that new Valentino?) and grab a glass of champagne, it's time for some serious ballet indulgence.
First on my list is a trip to the **Royal Opera House** for a spectacular performance of **Giselle**. Now, I know what you're thinking: "Giselle again, darling? Been there, seen that". But trust me, this production is pure enchantment. The sheer talent of **Natalia Osipova** in the role of Giselle, a delicate, heart-breaking beauty, truly captivated the audience. The first act was, of course, breathtakingly romantic, her portrayal of love's youthful bloom absolutely exquisite. But the second act? Pure magic. I mean, that pas de deux is truly the most heart-wrenching spectacle on the ballet stage. My dear, her portrayal of a betrayed soul driven to madness brought tears to my eyes!
Now, I must share the divine **Paris Opera Ballet**, performing **Swan Lake**. The opulent costumes! The sheer athleticism! I simply adore the delicate portrayal of Odette's innocence, contrasted with Odile's alluring black swan. It's simply spellbinding! I also adore the vibrant energy of the **corps de ballet**, a stunning spectacle of perfect precision. It's the sheer passion that the **Paris Opera Ballet** delivers that makes the show truly divine. I found myself dazzled, then completely enthralled, a feeling I just couldn’t resist sharing with my darling friend, Lady Charlotte, who practically leaped from her seat during the final act!
I've always said, one simply can't miss the **American Ballet Theatre's** opening season, especially with the sublime **Svetlana Zakharova** starring in **Manon**. My dearest, she's a ballet icon. I particularly adore her interpretation of the tempestuous Manon - there’s a raw vulnerability to her character that simply pulled you in. **David Hallberg** made a delightful and powerful Des Grieux. This couple, truly divine together. It's a true spectacle of breathtaking technique, passionate storytelling, and dazzling costumes. This production was pure glamour and, dare I say, quite seductive.
But June wouldn’t be complete without a little modern inspiration, and darling, that’s exactly where the **New York City Ballet** delivers. This season’s performance of **George Balanchine’s** **Agon** had everyone buzzing, a real head-turner. The sleek and stylish choreography is incredibly innovative - you’ll be saying ‘divine!’ at every unexpected twist. The athleticism, grace and speed in the piece are absolutely mesmerizing - and I love how it really showcases the talent of the company’s top dancers. I'm thinking of **Tiler Peck** and **Amar Ramasar**, pure brilliance. You have to be there to witness their absolute magic.
On the other side of the globe, in Sydney, I was completely captivated by the **Australian Ballet**'s production of **The Sleeping Beauty**. Such a fairytale! And **Alina Cojocaru** was simply heavenly. The ballet world’s best fairies? Right there! My love for **The Sleeping Beauty** is deep. And this time, it felt more whimsical and delicate than ever. Each **pas de bourree** felt more playful, and those dazzling, glittering costumes! The sheer extravagance, darling, simply stunning.
Now, speaking of extravagant, I had the pleasure of attending a private showing of the new **Gucci** ballet collection - imagine! Inspired by the golden era of Russian ballet, it featured sumptuous gowns in hues of scarlet, sapphire and gold, embellished with delicate crystals and **swarovski** sequins. Imagine! Just when you thought couture couldn't get any better. This **Gucci** collection truly brings the glamour to **ballet**. Let’s just say my little black book has a lot of new entries!
A final stop to round out my journey through June's best ballets: **The Bolshoi** in **Moscow**. They have so much heart and emotion. The **Bolshoi**’s production of **Don Quixote** had me spellbound. A story bursting with laughter, a little mischief, and incredible ballet technique! I truly enjoyed the **pas de deux** of **Olga Smirnova** and **Semyon Chudin**. I adored **Smirnova**’s captivating grace and strength - and I dare say her technique is a dream! As for **Chudin**, well, his effortless, captivating leaps and athleticism really set this performance alight.
And speaking of dancing hearts, here’s what I love about June. This time of year, we don’t just watch ballet, we feel it. There’s so much more to this dance, than simply beautiful movement. It’s an emotion, a story that grabs your heart and soul, a dazzling symphony of emotion that speaks to the depths of who we are. This month, immerse yourself in the captivating narratives of each piece, in the passion that resonates through every pirouette and **jeté**. Don’t forget, my dears, we’re the audience, the final touch of magic in these extraordinary productions, so let your applause ring loud and let those dazzling costumes inspire your next sartorial adventure! Until next month darling!
What to wearIt wouldn't be a ballet evening without an outfit to perfectly compliment your evening. Now, when I'm on the hunt for the perfect look, it has to be elegant and graceful, while being chic and sophisticated. It’s all about an artfully created ensemble - one that makes an elegant statement! I just adore a **little black dress** by **Givenchy** with classic ballet flats from **Manolo Blahnik** or perhaps an exquisite ivory jumpsuit from **Versace** for an unforgettable modern statement!
Don’t forget the statement jewellery! Darling, **Tiffany** always comes to the rescue for a touch of brilliance - I love those pearl necklaces! For a dramatic entrance, look to **Dior’s** exquisite gold chains, or maybe those beautiful **Balmain** earrings that frame your face so wonderfully.
Beyond the curtainMy darlings, every ballerinas life must be complemented with the right lifestyle and indulgences. When it comes to a perfect meal after a long performance, a crisp Chardonnay with the finest oysters and a perfectly made truffle pasta at **L’Artusi** in **New York**, never fails. You know it's a place that attracts all the A-listers too, a place that just whispers glamour. The conversation is as divine as the dishes! For a Parisian indulgence, a perfect bottle of **Dom Perignon** at **L’Ambroisie**, a three-Michelin-starred institution! The most delightful culinary symphony!
But sometimes a girl wants something different. My guilty pleasure - a heavenly **chocolate soufflé** from **Le Bernardin**. Oh darling, that little slice of decadence. For some retail therapy, there’s **Chanel**. I can’t resist those classic, exquisitely made tweed jackets that exude both comfort and style, so Parisian, so sophisticated.
Life’s a little bit brighter with a **Versace** little black dress with those perfectly sleek stilettos! And let's not forget my monthly ritual: a divine afternoon at **Claridge’s**, tea, of course, in that most opulent, elegant setting. I’ll take **Earl Grey** with my clotted cream and jam, then stroll to **Bond Street** for a spot of window shopping, darling. After all, a ballet girl simply needs to keep her eye on the latest trends.
And don’t forget - you can keep up with me, my darling, through the magic of my new instagram, #MyBalletLife .