Darling, oh my darling! The world of ballet continues to mesmerize and enchant, and as we step into the glorious month of July, let's dive headfirst into the crème de la crème of performances taking place across the globe. Our diaries are overflowing with breathtaking talent and daring artistry, promising a month filled with elegance and grace that'll have us all on the edge of our sequined seats.
The Royal Ballet's Midsummer Night's Dream, LondonFirst stop: the jewel in the crown, our own Royal Ballet, which is bringing Shakespeare's beloved comedy to life in a dazzling rendition that's simply exquisite. We all know the tale of fairies and lovers, mistaken identities, and a mischievous Puck, but what truly captures the heart this season is the sheer beauty of the choreography. Christopher Wheeldon's adaptation is a feast for the eyes, incorporating elements of classic ballet with an air of whimsy and lightness. The ethereal dancing is as enchanting as the tale itself, making this an absolute must-see. Look out for the captivating performance of Sarah Lamb as Titania, her grace and precision making her a veritable queen of the night, and the spirited energy of Edward Watson as Oberon, his dynamism leaving us spellbound. You'll be absolutely transfixed by their magical ballet.
While the storyline might be familiar, the artistry in every move, the exquisitely designed costumes, and the delicate touches of humour scattered throughout the performance elevate this production beyond any expectation. And let's not forget the incredible score by Mendelssohn, played with heartfelt beauty by the Royal Opera House orchestra, perfectly weaving together the whimsical elements of the production. Just thinking about it makes me yearn for a tutu and some good, old-fashioned pirouettes!
If you're looking for an evening of enchanting escape, then darling, the Royal Ballet's Midsummer Night's Dream is the answer. Book your tickets, you'll thank me later!
New York City Ballet's 'Symphony in C', New YorkAcross the pond, New York City Ballet is taking the stage with 'Symphony in C', a magnificent and daring production that's a true spectacle. You'll be mesmerized by the electrifying choreography set against the beautiful sounds of Leonard Bernstein's symphony, which brings an element of pure, joyous freedom to the performance.
The company's iconic dancers showcase their brilliance and their sheer athleticism, soaring through intricate combinations that leave the audience breathless. The energy of the production is contagious, with the dancers truly taking you on a journey with each dynamic, beautifully choreographed move.
However, a ballet this modern demands a more discerning eye, a refined understanding of contemporary movements. But if you can embrace the sheer, exuberant athleticism, this is definitely a show that'll leave you invigorated, reminding us why the elegance of ballet can feel truly liberating.
Mikhailovsky Ballet's Swan Lake, St. PetersburgFrom the vibrancy of New York City Ballet, let us turn our attention to the enchanting charm of St. Petersburg and the enchanting ballet that never fails to enchant - Mikhailovsky Ballet's 'Swan Lake'. Itâs like revisiting a classic, a vintage movie that never loses its elegance and charm, like the perfect little black dress of the ballet world. Here we have an interpretation of the original, an interpretation that focuses on the grace and poise of the dancers. The renowned principal dancer, Yulia Makhalina as Odette, absolutely captivates the audience with her poise and elegance. A truly iconic ballet - one to enjoy and cherish! It's not just the masterful artistry of the ballet that steals our hearts. We are also captivated by the rich and evocative costumes, the beautiful sets and the dramatic Tchaikovsky score. If ever there was an event that evokes pure elegance and refinement, this is it! Donât forget your champagne - the show truly calls for it!
San Francisco Ballet's "Romeo and Juliet", San FranciscoFrom the shimmering streets of St. Petersburg to the bustling city of San Francisco, the renowned San Francisco Ballet has graced us with a fresh interpretation of the classic Shakespearean tale of love, tragedy, and forbidden romance, 'Romeo and Juliet.' Helgi Tomasson, the artistic director of the ballet company, has captured the intensity of the original tale, with passionate dances and dramatic storytelling, allowing the dancers to display both fierce intensity and beautiful fragility. This 'Romeo and Juliet' takes you through an intricate exploration of the complex emotions the characters go through, and truly evokes their passions, love, despair and despair. If you're looking for a more contemporary take on this familiar story, then look no further. Be sure to have your tissues close at hand!
Paris Opera Ballet's 'La Bayadère', ParisNow, let's make a graceful step into the world of Parisian glamour. The Paris Opera Ballet is presenting 'La Bayadère', a ballet that's the perfect blend of exquisite technique and dramatic storytelling. This is one that combines dazzling costumes and breathtaking choreography to deliver a truly immersive experience that takes you to the opulent world of ancient India. The set is visually captivating with elaborate sets, sumptuous costumes and brilliant, atmospheric lighting, while the balletâs renowned âKingdom of Shadesâ sequence, a breathtaking tableau of white-clad corps de ballet, showcases an exquisite spectacle. Oh my darling! You'll be dazzled!
But let's not forget the dancing, of course! The stars of the Paris Opera Ballet bring to life each scene with elegance and emotion. This truly is a ballet for the ages!
Dance in The City, TorontoNo month dedicated to the delights of dance could be complete without mentioning 'Dance in The City' a spectacular dance festival held every July in Toronto. It's an explosion of creativity, encompassing an array of disciplines including modern dance, ballet, hip-hop, contemporary, and everything in between. It's a wonderful platform to discover emerging talent alongside renowned choreographers and dancers. The spirit of creativity fills the air. Oh my darling! It's an opportunity to embrace the joy of movement, discover hidden gems and indulge your passions! This year, be sure to see the acclaimed modern dance piece âThe Weight of Goldâ by Ballet Jorgen - a provocative work that touches on themes of power, strength and female resilience - itâs one to look out for!
From âDance in the Cityâ you can get a truly diverse taste of Canadian dance, so, for all of you who find yourselves in Toronto, you mustnât miss out. Itâs an incredible platform to get in touch with dance in its rawest, most original and creative form!
Edinburgh International Festival, ScotlandThe magical atmosphere of Edinburgh in the month of August can be intoxicating and the Edinburgh International Festival certainly is the cherry on the top of this delicious artistic experience. There you can enjoy an incredibly diverse program of arts, theater and dance - one that is sure to enchant all visitors. As a true ballet aficionado, my heart immediately skips a beat when I see a performance by the Royal Ballet of Flanders, an established dance company that has wowed the world with their artistry and their ability to seamlessly combine traditional dance styles with bold contemporary elements. You mustnât miss the exquisite âGiselle,â a timeless tale of love, betrayal and sorrow, choreographed to the music of the incredibly talented Adolphe Adam.
Oh my darling! For ballet fans seeking to expand their knowledge of the world of dance and witness some exciting, thought-provoking new pieces, Edinburghâs dance offerings in August truly canât be beaten.
London's Fringe FestivalNow let's indulge ourselves with a taste of the exhilarating world of Londonâs Fringe Festival! This is a whirlwind of artistic expression and daring creativity, a unique chance to get a glimpse into the heart of underground, experimental performance art, including everything from captivating solo performances to avant-garde ensembles, each bringing its unique charm and originality. While it might not be strictly ballet, the raw energy, and the bold experimentation are always enticing and inspire new interpretations of traditional art forms. The best part, darling? It's incredibly diverse. Oh! the sheer abundance of talents and possibilities ! This festival is a must for every avid art lover seeking a fresh, unique and vibrant cultural experience.
If you find yourself in London during August, then venture into this dazzling mix of theatre and performance - you will leave feeling revitalized, empowered and enthralled by the boundless creative potential! There truly is a performance for everyone to adore!
July promises to be an exhilarating month for dance enthusiasts. There's truly a show for every taste! Whether it's the ethereal grace of the Royal Ballet's "Midsummer Night's Dream", the dazzling spectacle of the Paris Opera Ballet's "La Bayadère", or the avant-garde artistry of the Edinburgh International Festival, let's embrace the artistry and immerse ourselves in a world where dance ignites our imaginations, evokes profound emotions, and leaves us feeling inspired and beautifully recharged!