October 1998: A Season of Ballet Belles
Dearest readers, October whispers of change, the air crisps with autumnal scents, and a new season of ballet blooms across the world. My own tour is in full swing, so while my body might be on a plane or traversing a stage, my heart and my eyes remain glued to the whispers and flourishes of our art. I thought I'd share my recent experiences, a whirlwind of exquisite artistry and sheer exhilaration.
I confess to having a soft spot for the timeless grandeur of the Russian Ballet. So when I landed in Moscow, a sense of nostalgia swept over me. The Bolshoi Theatre, an opulent jewel box of crimson and gold, is a place where time slows and the very air thrums with history. The Kirov (Mariinsky) Ballet, on the other hand, is a study in youthful vigour, their Sleeping Beauty a cascade of delicate beauty and athletic grace. I was enchanted by the radiant young Olga Smirnova, her Aurora an embodiment of youthful joy, a genuine delight to behold.
From the grand old world to the vibrant energy of the US, a trip to New York wouldn't be complete without visiting the American Ballet Theatre. They held my attention captivated with their captivating performance of Giselle. Misty Copeland, with her raw power and captivating stage presence, delivered an inspiring portrayal of the ill-fated heroine. Her leaps soared, and her fragile sorrow seemed to hang in the air, reminding us of the depth of human emotions.
Next on my list, and quite the coup for me, was an invitation to see the Paris Opera Ballet perform at the Palais Garnier. The opulence and elegance of this landmark was truly something to behold! They were performing Swan Lake, the quintessential romantic ballet, and I was treated to a veritable tour-de-force by the elegant and powerful étoile, Sylvie Guillem. Her portrayal of Odette/Odile, that duality of swan maiden and seductive femme fatale, is simply spellbinding. Watching her effortlessly move from vulnerability to fierce confidence, all the while embodying the fluidity and grace of the white swan, left me mesmerized.
But ballet isn't confined to these iconic stages, my dear readers. It finds its way into the most unexpected places. I stumbled upon a delightful contemporary ballet troupe performing in a small converted warehouse in Berlin. The choreography was visceral, raw, and daring, pushing the boundaries of ballet tradition. I can't deny I felt a bit of my old competitive fire come alive! It's in these independent companies, fueled by passion and fueled by a thirst for innovation, that ballet truly blossoms.
While on this voyage of discovery, let's also journey inwards and appreciate the diversity and ingenuity within our art form. My travels brought me face to face with some exquisite examples of how contemporary choreography breathes new life into this time-honoured form. Here are a few standouts:
Modern Movements- A Powerful Duet in Copenhagen! The Danish Dance Theatre presented a piece that I can only describe as a poetic clash of light and darkness. Choreographed by a young talent called Alexander Ekman, it used darkness, sharp movements, and powerful duets to tell a tale of loss and redemption. There were no traditional costumes, only sleek black clothing that emphasised the human form and its potential for graceful athleticism.
- The World's Ballet Stars In Tokyo: The sheer opulence of Tokyo was mirrored in the elaborate sets and costumes of the K Ballet Company, directed by the famed Makio Tsujita. His interpretation of the traditional ballet classic La Bayadère brought a sense of modern dynamism to the intricate choreography, making it a captivating visual experience.
- Unveiling Emotion in Madrid: I find myself increasingly drawn to contemporary dance, especially the way it unveils raw emotion in movement. In Madrid, I was treated to a remarkable display of athleticism and raw emotion by the Compañía Nacional de Danza, under the artistic direction of Nacho Duato. Their piece, inspired by the poems of Pablo Neruda, explored the themes of love, longing, and loss with an intensity that left me breathless. The dancers’ emotional expressiveness and innovative choreography created a profound visual language, one that speaks beyond the traditional steps.
Now, for the truly daring dancer, nothing can beat a visit to the avant-garde scene, where ballet explodes out of its classical box. A performance at the Lyon Opera truly blew my mind. This group embraced provocative choreography, combining the lyrical with the industrial, and a score that blended classical sounds with electronic beats. This piece left a profound impression, one that lingered long after I said goodbye to Lyon.
Finally, what ballet wouldn't be complete without its enchanting music? It is the lifeblood of our craft. One of the most impactful experiences was a night spent listening to an orchestra play an extended composition of Mozart's 'Requiem'. My feet almost danced unconsciously beneath the velvet chairs, the melody filled my heart, and the emotional depth it conjured up brought a tear to my eye. I had to admit, my own repertoire was dancing in my mind! There's no substitute for a true symphony in the realm of ballet.
I believe that as dance lovers, we're fortunate to be living in a time where this ancient form constantly evolves and adapts to the modern world. It flourishes on the grand stage and in small independent troupes. Ballet, in its raw beauty, in its graceful strength, is an art form that has never stopped evolving. This month, it takes the stage with all the elegance and excitement you can imagine. Go and witness the spectacle! Let its rhythm pulsate through your veins, let its stories be a part of your heart.
With love and passion,
Natalia