AI Ballet Review 663

## A July of Grace and Grit Darlings! Summer is officially here, and as the city heats up, so too does the cultural landscape with a sizzling calendar of dance spectacles. From London's grand stages to Paris' chic performance halls, the world of ballet is ablaze with artistry, and my dears, this little ballerina has been taking notes, as always. **The Royal Ballet: A Royal Flush** My usual haunts, the hallowed halls of the Royal Opera House, are as opulent as ever. The season kicked off with a dazzling "Romeo and Juliet." The drama of Prokofiev’s score was given a contemporary twist under the baton of the brilliant Edward Gardner. * **A New Juliet**: We have to talk about the exquisite Olivia Cowley, a rising star in the Royal Ballet. This Juliet was radiant; she commanded the stage with an airy, fragile beauty that brought the character to life, her graceful moves punctuated with raw passion. Her "Mad Scene," with its tragic heartbreak, was utterly captivating. * **The Prince and the Pauper:** The Prince's passion was equally believable thanks to the superb Vadim Muntagirov. He truly embodied Romeo's intensity, the torment, the grief, his anguish resonated through the whole theater, leaving everyone in a breathless silence. * **A Triumph for Choreography**: While I confess to feeling slightly disappointed by the set design (oh, the clichés!), the choreography, particularly during the balcony scene, was masterful. It showcased the dancers' athleticism and interpretive talent, leaving me breathless with the sheer poetry of their movement. **Parisian Passion at the Opéra Garnier** The Opéra Garnier always has that undeniable "je ne sais quoi" and July proved to be a real highlight. It wasn’t just the shimmering crystal chandeliers or the plush velvet seating – though I do confess to enjoying those - it was the vibrant energy on the stage. * **A Midsummer Night's Dream**: What a truly unique take on the classic! The production featured intricate sets with an almost magical realism feel. I adore how choreographer, the phenomenal Marie Chouinard, incorporated whimsical elements while preserving the dramatic essence of Shakespeare. Her vision made for a captivating ballet full of surreal charm. * **The Dream Cast**: Every single dancer was sublime. From the graceful nymphs and mischievous fairies, the dancers evoked an almost otherworldly presence with each leap and arabesque. A special nod to Étoile étoile Marie-Agnès Gillot whose interpretation of Titania was pure magic. She made her every movement look effortless, a true embodiment of fairyland grace. **Contemporary Delights at the Barbican** Now, while the Royal Opera House is undeniably fabulous, let's face it, sometimes, we need something a little edgier, something a bit more contemporary, don't we, darlings? The Barbican Centre is just the place. They are recognised for showcasing cutting-edge choreography, and July was no different. * **The Body Electric**: "The Body Electric", by the legendary Wayne McGregor, was a sensory overload, quite literally! It felt like a raw and primal exploration of the human body. I must say, I adored the use of light, shadow, and projected imagery. The combination was mesmerizing, as if I was watching a living, breathing masterpiece. * **A Tour de Force of Expression**: This ballet demanded immense technical strength and the company truly delivered. I was particularly struck by Isaac Hernandez's masterful control, the way he used his body as an instrument. He evoked a sense of both power and vulnerability in a way that was both physically arresting and profoundly moving. **Beyond London: The Dance Buzz in Amsterdam and beyond** Now, dear readers, this is a global dance scene. Let’s take a peek at the captivating creations from around the world. **In Amsterdam, at the National Ballet, I saw something truly extraordinary: ** * **The Dutch Choreographic Talent**: Dutch contemporary dance, my darlings, is becoming quite the sensation, thanks to some wonderfully innovative talents. I saw "Shed" at the National Ballet and I can’t stop talking about it! The intricate set design, the fluid choreography, the emotion... all wrapped up into a beautiful whole. The whole experience felt wonderfully personal, as if the dancers were speaking directly to my soul. I loved the focus on human relationships and the way the movement reflected complex emotions - it made me feel every heartache and jubilant embrace. **Next stop: Berlin. ** * **German Mastery:** I caught a performance of "Giselle," at the Staatsballet, Berlin, and I'm thrilled to say that the production didn't disappoint. The costumes were elegant, the staging grand, and the dancing flawless. I loved how this version preserved the tradition of the ballet while allowing room for creative interpretation. The Berliners have a gift for delivering beautiful classical choreography. ** And last, but not least, my foray to the East…** * ** The Grand Ballet of Beijing: ** They are a testament to the richness of Chinese art, a cultural jewel shining in the ballet world. They performed "The Legend of the White Snake" in a truly magical way, their delicate footwork, their poetic use of gestures... it felt like a cultural awakening. And, let’s not forget those costumes, my dears, truly stunning works of art. **Beyond Ballet: New Forms and New Voices** It isn’t all about tutus and tights. July brought a vibrant fusion of contemporary dance, performance art, and music to the stage. Here's what I enjoyed most. * ** "Bodies in Motion: An Immersive Experience**: At The Barbican, I attended a show "Bodies in Motion" where the dancers literally took over the entire space. I loved how the show transcended traditional stage limitations. The dancers flowed seamlessly between audience members and performed alongside projections on the walls and even in the walkways! I found myself surrounded by a beautiful, raw form of physicality, and that was an amazing feeling. * ** A Symphony in Motion : ** Another captivating performance featured dancers dancing with instruments, creating an inspiring symphony of movement and sound. This particular show, at the Roundhouse in London, blended dance and live music for a completely immersive experience. **So many stars, so many stories: A Ballet Lover's Paradise.** I could go on and on, my darlings, about the spectacular array of dance performances I saw this past month. It was, as usual, a veritable feast for my senses. Whether you're looking for classical masterpieces or a more cutting-edge, modern take on the art form, the world of ballet has something for every taste. But whatever you do, darling, go out and get your cultural fix. See the world of dance in all its glory, let it sweep you away with its emotions, its elegance, its sheer physical prowess! Until next month, darling, stay glamorous!