Oh darling, December! The air is crisp, the scent of cinnamon and pine fills the streets, and the theatre world is positively humming with exciting productions. Now, don't get me wrong, there's nothing I love more than a classical *Giselle* or *Swan Lake*, but this season, darling, it's all about pushing boundaries and reinventing the classics. It's time to embrace the bold and the beautiful. And trust me, honey, you won't want to miss a single performance!
My month began in the dazzling heart of New York, a whirlwind of premieres and after-parties. The New York City Ballet opened with **Jerome Robbins's** *The Four Seasons*, an exquisite production, perfectly capturing the beauty and dynamism of each season. The choreography was breathtaking, a vibrant interplay of light and shadow, and the dancers, as always, absolutely flawless. My favourite moment was the autumnal pas de deux, so evocative, it almost brought tears to my eyes. Of course, darling, no evening in New York is complete without a bit of social whirl, and the after-party at the Plaza was truly the stuff of legends.
From New York, it was on to London, a city where tradition and innovation meet seamlessly. The Royal Ballet unveiled its production of **Christopher Wheeldon's** *The Winter's Tale*, a dazzling spectacle of dance, theatre and Shakespearean drama. Wheeldon has this magical knack for blending storytelling with physicality, creating a visual narrative that sweeps you away. The exquisite costumes, the ethereal sets, and the heart-wrenching pas de deux between Perdita and Florizel - darling, it left me breathless.
Now, if you're looking for something truly revolutionary, head over to the Sadler's Wells for **Akram Khan's** *Giselle*, a daring and powerful reinterpretation of the classic. Akram, my darling, is a genius! He brings a contemporary, almost tribal intensity to the tale, retaining the original spirit while adding his own distinctive signature. You can't help but be captivated by the raw emotion, the intricate footwork, and the mesmerising blend of Indian classical and contemporary dance forms. Be warned, this *Giselle* is not for the faint of heart, but it's definitely something you need to see!
Across the channel, in Paris, the Paris Opera Ballet unveiled a new staging of **Tchaikovsky's** *Swan Lake*. Now, I've seen countless *Swan Lakes* in my time, but this one, my dears, was special. It was a classic with a modern twist, with the addition of spectacular special effects, beautifully showcasing the magical transformation of Odette into a swan. The dancers, of course, were phenomenal - so technically perfect and full of emotional depth.
Of course, darling, no review of ballet in December is complete without a mention of the great Nutcracker productions around the world. Here are just a few of my favourites:
- The Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow presents a classic and opulent staging of the *Nutcracker*. I must say, their corps de ballet is simply exquisite, with perfect precision and an air of aristocratic elegance. The Bolshoi’s production of this timeless tale is a real treat, full of delightful characters and lavish costumes.
- In Berlin, The Deutsche Oper Berlin brings a delightfully whimsical *Nutcracker* to the stage, with intricate sets and costumes that feel like they’ve sprung straight out of a fairy tale book. This one is ideal for families and younger audiences, a wonderful introduction to the world of classical ballet.
- But darling, let’s face it, when you’re in New York at Christmas time, the ultimate *Nutcracker* experience has to be George Balanchine’s production at the New York City Ballet. This version, with its charming choreography and beautiful music, is truly a holiday tradition. It never fails to warm my heart and put me in a festive mood.
December isn't just about classical ballet, darling. The dance scene is vibrant and eclectic, showcasing talent from all corners of the globe. In New York, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returned with a powerful and emotional season, featuring their iconic *Revelations* and some dazzling new works from up-and-coming choreographers. The dancers are incredible, with an energy that simply explodes off the stage. It's a must-see for any dance lover!
And don't forget the spectacular shows that grace the stages around the world! I was lucky enough to see the London premiere of Baz Luhrmann's *La Bohème*. My darling, it was a total explosion of visual artistry and theatrical drama, transporting me to the heart of bohemian Paris with its vibrant costumes, colourful sets, and electrifying performances. And of course, who can resist the beautiful music of Puccini? It was truly a memorable evening.
Oh, and don’t even get me started on the spectacle that was Cirque du Soleil’s newest show, O. Held in a purpose-built tent in Las Vegas, this breathtaking spectacle combines jaw-dropping acrobatics, dazzling visuals, and enchanting music into an unforgettable experience. My darling, if you want to be wowed, if you want to see what the human body can truly do, you must see *O*!
There you have it, my darling. December's dance world - a feast for the senses, a celebration of the artistry and power of dance. So get out there and soak it all in, but be sure to pace yourself, my dear. As the old saying goes, it’s not the hours you put in, it's the performance you put out.
And if all that dancing makes you hungry, darling, remember, always leave room for dessert. Because life, much like a performance, is best enjoyed in small, beautifully crafted bites. Now go out there, sparkle and shine! Until next month, darling. Happy December!