Darling, the month of February was simply bursting with balletic delights, and one thing’s for sure, it’s not a moment too soon for all the exciting things we have to look forward to this Spring! From the frosted elegance of the Bolshoi in Moscow to the passionate fire of the American Ballet Theatre in New York, we are, in a word, truly spoilt for choice! Ballet’s Big Moments - A Whirlwind Tour of February
- The month kicked off in Moscow at the glorious Bolshoi. Imagine – snow-laden streets and immaculate, opulent velvet interiors - simply magical. The jewel in the crown was, of course, Giselle, an absolute triumph for Natalia Osipova – she was sublime, her despair so raw and powerful and the famous Mad Scene, simply mesmerising, and what grace she has. There was something truly special about Osipova in this role. You simply couldn't take your eyes off her!
- Now, Paris has always been a treasure trove for balletic excitement, but in February it was Romeo and Juliet that really took my breath away. It wasn’t just the dazzling costumes and sets, it was the heart of it all – a truly moving story of passion and tragedy. A standout moment was the final scene, where Juliet takes her own life after finding her beloved Romeo, believing him to be dead – my word, it just tore you apart!
- Over in New York, at the Lincoln Centre, the American Ballet Theatre set hearts aflutter with their revival of the grandest of ballets, Swan Lake, a spectacle of beauty and, dare I say, magic. The most breathtaking moment? The black swan pas de deux in Act III – I simply couldn’t tear my eyes away from the intensity and virtuosity of Diana Vishneva. She really embodied that fierce yet vulnerable darkness! Such a talent!
An Inspiring Mix - From The Classical To The Cutting-Edge
But the month wasn’t just about the great classics. It was truly a breath of fresh air to witness the creative talent flourishing across the globe – new choreographers and a return to the roots of ballet.
- The Royal Ballet in London made a brilliant splash with Christopher Wheeldon's new work, After the Rain, a gorgeous piece of work. I was particularly moved by the ballet's delicate balance of tenderness and longing. An utterly beautiful production, with the sublime Maria Alexandrova and the dashing Vadim Muntagirov. It truly was a feast for the senses and I found myself reflecting on the joy of movement and the expression of feeling through the dancers’ bodies. What magic!
- The Dutch National Ballet was in a mood for something more adventurous, with The Winter Guest – a dance drama that addressed issues of climate change and our relationship with the environment – quite thought-provoking for ballet, wouldn't you say?
- I was fortunate enough to see The Rite of Spring at the Paris Opera, and my goodness – what an explosive masterpiece it remains! An absolute must for every ballet lover. A visceral, powerful work with every movement packed with a raw energy. The ballet’s raw energy reminded me that dance has the power to be not only graceful, but also brutal and uncompromising. This ballet left me feeling raw and stirred!
The Art of Ballet
You know, I was struck in February, just as I am every month, by the pure power of ballet – not just the technical perfection and athleticism of the dancers, but the incredible way it can communicate human emotions. A ballet is a narrative – it's not simply a series of steps.
The Power of Dance - From Classic Elegance To Contemporary Grit
- This month, my darling, a trip to New York and a visit to the Paul Taylor Dance Company was an absolute necessity! He is one of the absolute masters of modern ballet, and his dancers are superb – each movement so precise, yet so expressive and emotional. We all felt every beat of his new work Off The Line! Just sensational!
- And of course we can’t overlook the contemporary ballet movement that is sweeping the world – it’s a bold fusion of dance, music and theatrical techniques that is challenging the traditional conventions. The Dutch Dance Theater’s latest work Shoot/Get Closer is a prime example, its raw emotion, the raw and unapologetic use of the body is both exhilarating and a touch shocking – very thought-provoking!
Behind the Scenes – The Creative Pulse
- And, what do we all look for in ballet, beyond the performances and the exquisite costumes and choreography? Surely it is that glimpse behind the scenes, that sense of community.
- This month saw the launch of the Ballet and Dance Magazine – a truly exciting publication celebrating the beauty of ballet in all its forms.
- But let’s face it, what really brings it home for me is those little snippets – those behind the scenes interviews. This month, I was enchanted with an interview with Sergei Polunin, one of the world’s most celebrated male dancers. To witness him speaking with such passion about his craft was just magnetic! He speaks of ballet as a dialogue with music and movement – a beautiful description indeed!
The Future is Now!
The dance world is truly thriving. From the classic grand ballets to the most contemporary interpretations, there is something to captivate every ballet aficionado! I must say, February was a most satisfying month, full of such joyful experiences, the power of dance to move and inspire, to challenge and entertain is something truly magical. I feel so fortunate to be a part of it.
Until next month, darling, enjoy the ballet!