A September to Remember: From Parisian Perfection to Russian Romance
September! The air is crisp, the light is golden, and for us, dear dancers and dance lovers alike, it’s a month of reinvention, of new beginnings. From the glistening Parisian stages to the storied halls of the Bolshoi, this September brings a whirlwind of ballet brilliance. I, for one, am absolutely thrilled to share my thoughts, my impressions, my observations – yes, a little bit of my own heart and soul - on the masterpieces that have captivated audiences worldwide. Let us dance into September together.
Paris: Where Dreams Take Flight
Let us begin with Paris, the city that whispers romance in every cobblestone and every cafe, and whose ballet scene simply hums with elegance. I found myself utterly swept away by the Paris Opera Ballet's revival of "La Bayadère." The sheer beauty, the delicate storytelling through movement – this was the ultimate love letter to ballet. Sylvie Guillem, my darling, is an absolute vision as Nikiya. Her vulnerability, her grace – it took my breath away. Each pirouette was perfection, a swirl of silken fabric and air, a fleeting but unforgettable vision. The corps de ballet, as ever, were a tapestry of synchronized movement, like a thousand blossoms opening in the spring. They danced with precision, passion, and utter joy - and the audience, mesmerized, mirrored it right back.
And then, there’s "Le Corsaire," a classic for a reason, darling! The choreography was both elegant and demanding, and the costumes - oh my, a visual feast. The dazzling spectacle, the high-flying leaps – truly a treat for the eye. The story itself, a grand affair with pirates, beautiful maidens, and, of course, true love, unfolds with effortless panache. There's something utterly exhilarating about being swept away in the swirling, vibrant atmosphere. It's no wonder the piece is beloved by audiences the world over.
London: A Ballet Boutique
London, our home, a vibrant kaleidoscope of ballet offerings. First stop – the Royal Opera House. It's always a privilege, darlings, to step into the ROH. This month, "Giselle" returned, a haunting, beautiful tragedy that always manages to leave me emotionally raw. Alina Cojocaru, her exquisite portrayal of Giselle, was truly touching – vulnerability and strength intermingled so beautifully. She danced with a heart-wrenching intensity, captivating the entire audience. It was as if each move was fueled by raw emotion.
And how can I not mention English National Ballet's new production of "Sleeping Beauty." A spectacle to behold, it reimagined the classic fairytale, but the artistry of the ballet itself – that remained untouched. A true treat for the eyes! The sets, the costumes, the overall visually-driven theatricality - it brought a new vibrancy to the tale. I was particularly impressed by the seamless work of the corps, each a flawless cog in the beautifully orchestrated ballet wheel. A must-see!
Moscow: A Whirlwind of Virtuosity
Onwards to the heart of ballet itself: Moscow! Here, you witness virtuosity like nowhere else. At the Bolshoi Theatre, I was absolutely captivated by the premiere of "A Dance for the Queen," a piece born from the minds of Russia’s most celebrated ballet visionaries. The story, a tale of the power of love, and artistic dedication is simply heart-stopping, a masterpiece of emotional dance theatre. Svetlana Zakharova was the quintessential leading lady – she moved with a captivating magnetism that held you in its sway. Each movement felt spontaneous, organic, imbued with the soul of a woman fiercely devoted to her art. You’ll be blown away by her masterful footwork and effortless control of the air. It was a testament to the enduring artistry of ballet and its power to transcend language and time.
But I wasn't just mesmerized by the stars, darlings. I was captivated by the collective energy, the unity that exuded from each member of the Bolshoi company. This, my dears, is the essence of ballet, the magic that truly comes alive when the entire ensemble works as one.
Beyond the Stages: A Moment in Time
The excitement surrounding ballet in September is truly electrifying. I attended a fascinating panel discussion at Sadler's Wells. It delved into the evolution of contemporary dance. We talked about the changing role of women in ballet, a particularly timely topic this season, about re-imagining classics and challenging perceptions, a discussion that felt utterly alive and vibrant. The energy was tangible. I believe these talks, these dialogues are vital – we, as dancers, need to always push boundaries, evolve and create the next chapter in our beautiful art form.
Style in the City: Ballet's Echoes
And finally, I'd be remiss not to discuss how the spirit of ballet has truly taken hold this season. From Paris, where swirling silhouettes are embraced with a chic nod to “La Bayadère," to London, where a soft blush is a nod to Giselle’s romantic essence. Ballet, it's not just a stage, it's a mood, it's a movement. It's about capturing the elegant and ethereal - a touch of elegance in the everyday.
My darlings, this September, like every September, is about appreciating the power and the passion, the drama and the delicacy, of dance. It’s a testament to human expression and a celebration of the eternal, graceful movement of our art form.
From my dance floor to yours,
Natasha