December 1997
My darlings, The festive season is upon us, a time for sparkling jewels and sugarplum dreams! But before we all succumb to the excesses of Christmas cheer, let’s take a moment to review the glittering world of ballet, a world as intoxicating as a perfectly chilled glass of champagne.
This month, my dears, saw me dashing around the globe, soaking up the divine offerings of ballet from Paris to New York. There is such a variety of work to be seen – everything from traditional classics given a modern twist to brand new productions that are as avant-garde as the latest Chanel collection.
My first stop was **Paris**, and what a joy to see the **Ballet de l'Opéra National de Paris** performing **Giselle**, that hauntingly beautiful masterpiece. The dancers, in their ethereal costumes, were simply magnificent, the ballerina soaring through the air like a feathered angel. And what an emotional performance! I had tears streaming down my face, but they were tears of joy, my darlings. What a triumph for the company, and the legendary choreography by **Jean Coralli**.
In **London**, **The Royal Ballet** gave a simply sublime rendition of **Swan Lake**, a ballet I’ve seen countless times. Yet this performance was different, the dancers were exquisite, particularly the graceful, mesmerizing **Darcey Bussell**. Each plié, each jeté, spoke volumes of their artistry, drawing the audience in to the tragic tale. A superb display of traditional choreography with a contemporary edge.
Over in **New York**, **New York City Ballet** continues to impress, their recent production of **The Nutcracker**, a festive classic, was infused with vibrant new costumes, colourful staging, and that distinct New York edge – I especially loved the **Rat King** and the whimsical, delightful **Sugar Plum Fairy**. What fun! Truly a charming interpretation for all the family, a perfect introduction for little ballerinas who dream of the stage.
Whilst in New York I took in the magnificent** American Ballet Theatre** in a stunning production of **Don Quixote**. I was absolutely captivated by the dancers' power and precision, and the energy was electrifying. I was reminded, my darlings, that ballet can be so much more than just a pretty, ethereal display. The Spanish flavour of this production was a truly unique experience!
But it wasn't all about established names, this month saw the rise of several promising new ballet companies, who have arrived on the scene with a passion for innovation. One such company was **BalletCollective** based in **Washington DC**. They have an exciting modern approach, and **Ashes & Dust**, a new piece I saw this month, has become my favourite. It's edgy and deeply moving with choreography that was unlike anything I had seen before. What a thrilling glimpse into the future of dance.
It wasn't all just ballet, my darlings! While I was in the States, I also saw a spectacular show at **The Met**. The **Martha Graham Dance Company** were giving an unforgettable performance, celebrating their 85th anniversary. They showed their strength, commitment, and incredible artistry, and left the audience in awe of this iconic and revolutionary dance company.
Back to **London** now, the **Birmingham Royal Ballet** always do a wonderful festive season offering and this month was no exception. I'm always partial to **The Nutcracker** at Christmas time, and the dancers performed beautifully, especially the gorgeous, enchanting Sugar Plum Fairy. I saw it with my young god-daughter, and she was completely entranced, a true ballet enthusiast in the making.
Of course, the season wouldn't be complete without the legendary **Royal Ballet Gala** at **Covent Garden**. My, what a glittering display! It was all glamour, from the elegant gowns worn by the audience to the impeccable performance from our brightest young stars. My favourite was a vibrant rendition of **Daphnis & Chloe** which simply had me enthralled from the very first step. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of seeing ballet at its very best.
You know, as I reflect on my dance travels this month, one thing becomes increasingly clear: ballet is about so much more than simply beautiful movements. It’s a journey of emotion, an expression of humanity that transcends language, cultural differences, even time itself.
So, whether you are a seasoned ballerina like myself or just beginning to discover the wonder of dance, I encourage you to explore, to seek out new works, to challenge your perceptions. The world of ballet is an infinite canvas, waiting to be explored.
Remember, darling, ballet is an exquisite and evocative experience. It is a magical realm, where dreams come true.
With much love, Your faithful Dance Diva, Veronica