Darling, what a delightful start to the year it's been! So much to discuss, so many exquisitely rendered ballets to swoon over, and, as ever, some truly unforgettable performances. Let's dive in, shall we?
January at The Royal Opera House, London
Oh, darling, the Nutcracker. It's simply divine to see it again this year! The Royal Ballet really did pull out all the stops with this one, don't you think? Those glorious costumes and sets! You simply must catch it before it's gone â the snowflakes, the sweets, the ever so elegant Clara, played to perfection, oh it all makes my heart just melt! And to top it all off, I even saw that fabulous Tamara Rojo in the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy! Absolutely breathtaking â simply captivating.
And, of course, dear darling, the sheer joy of watching those young, nimble little dancers! The purity and innocence! You can practically smell the champagne and the sugared almonds at every turn.
Then there was the wonderful revival of Sleeping Beauty in the middle of January! Oh, it's such a timeless classic! And what could be more divine than the ultimate sleeping beauty Aurora, so elegant and ethereal! The set and the costumes â they simply took my breath away! There was just something special in the air, a sense of enchantment, that brought everyone right into the fairytale.
Taking a Whirlwind Trip Across the Atlantic!
And my trip to New York was pure heaven, darling! You know, you really canât miss the magical ambiance of Lincoln Center when itâs chilled in winter! And, of course, darling, you can't talk about winter without mentioning the iconic George Balanchine's "The Nutcracker". Just utterly charming, the epitome of the romantic ideal!
I caught the New York City Ballet performing, and oh darling! This company knows how to show off! Those stunning dancers were simply a feast for the eyes! I especially enjoyed their production of "The Four Temperaments". It's just such a perfect show, you really can't help but be swept away by its elegance and poise.
I spent several days at the gorgeous and decadent Metropolitan Opera House, indulging in that fabulous "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King", which was absolutely extraordinary and brought ballet to new, glittering heights.
Back to London and to The Royal Opera House
Back in London this January, there was Christopher Wheeldonâs delightful âThe Winterâs Taleâ . Oh darling, you must go see it, it's an absolute joy! A perfect balance of playful energy and deeply moving storytelling! So captivating! And his âThe Dreamâ was nothing short of a revelation! There was a captivating performance that truly took my breath away. Oh, and darling, the set! You must see it! I think this production will be with me for a very long time to come!
More Than Just Ballerinas
Oh darling, this January wasn't just about the classic ballets though. We also witnessed some exciting new things! And you won't believe this but my darling friend "X Factor" star and pop-star darling, Louisa Johnson, joined The Royal Ballet at Covent Garden this January as they premiered their first new work for the 2024 season in âThe Turningâ. And it was a truly unique, magical, and simply spectacular new take on âThe Nutcracker.â She absolutely stole the show, as you would expect, in a dazzling performance!
Ballet's Future, In Good Hands
Oh, darling, the future of ballet is definitely in safe hands â there's so much talent out there! The sheer creativity and skill of young dancers and choreographers are just phenomenal! Theyâre pushing the boundaries and making ballet fresh and relevant for todayâs world!
One absolute showstopper this month was the London School of Ballet at the Barbican. Darling, their annual showcase, âDance Reflectionsâ, was truly magical! These young, aspiring ballerinas were simply astonishing! Their artistry, their finesse and their incredible commitment to perfection was awe-inspiring! The Barbican stage is certainly a very special stage, and the lighting in that auditorium really highlighted their breathtaking moves.
The Next Generation in Paris
My darling! If you havenât been to Paris for a bit, you've simply got to add it to your to-do list right now! The OpĂ©ra de Paris was absolutely buzzing this month. And this is the time when they gave the best platform to their most talented younger dancers, bringing us a stunning series of ballet and contemporary performances that have me just utterly buzzing.
But, darling, there were a few shows this month that werenât for everyone, and you have to see it for yourself. The more experimental performances, well, I guess you have to really enjoy the more avant-garde styles. Now donât get me wrong, it was very well performed by this particular group, but oh darling, some of the costumes were definitely more "interesting" than fabulous. The lighting was more atmospheric than classical - so perhaps not your standard ballet.
But what makes it even more special is the ability to see and watch and appreciate such incredibly talented young dancers. Their sheer, raw talent just jumps out from the stage, doesn't it! The most incredible, graceful lines and elegance... Oh darling, just the best.
Some Must-See Productions
And don't you worry darling, I will definitely let you know about those âmust seeâ productions when they happen! The Ballet world is constantly on the move. It's important to keep a keen eye out, to discover those hidden gems!
And donât forget, darling, with all these upcoming shows on the calendar this year, you really can't go wrong with some seriously fabulous shoes to go with the occasion. I am loving my new pink crystal heels this month! Absolutely stunning with a little black dress, and they go perfectly with a touch of a red lipstick and mascara.
Darling, with the ballet world more thrilling and innovative than ever, this year looks simply dazzling! You just simply must join me in celebrating this exquisite art form, from London to New York, Paris and beyond. Keep a lookout in my magazine for what's happening in ballet across the world as the year goes on. There's something for everyone. Enjoy the beautiful grace, the intricate steps and, above all, the pure artistry. Until next month, darling, dance like nobody's watching!