March 1999: The World in Pointe
My darlings, March has arrived, and with it, a kaleidoscope of dazzling ballets, vibrant performances, and, of course, the whispers of spring in the air. As a woman who has danced for a lifetime, witnessed countless leaps and pirouettes, I find myself drawn to the stories whispered through movement. This month, I’ve journeyed from the romantic heart of Paris to the pulsating pulse of New York, savoring the ephemeral beauty and enduring passion that are ballet's essence.
Let us begin with Paris, the City of Light. The Opéra Garnier, resplendent as ever, unveiled a breathtaking revival of "Giselle." It is a piece that never loses its potency, a ballet that speaks of both unbridled joy and profound loss. As I watched, a little sigh escaped me. There's a certain melancholia that haunts the most brilliant of ballerinas. The ballet's star, a wisp of a creature called Marie, gave a performance that was both graceful and heart-wrenching. You could see the entire story play out on her face; the hope, the love, the pain. Oh, it was simply divine. And that final curtain call? A true tearjerker, darling. I must admit, the costumes, oh my, they were exquisite. Those flowing tulle skirts! Like clouds woven into artistry, my dear. Such romanticism, such elegance. I was utterly swept away. It truly was a divine evening.
Moving on to New York, a city where the rhythm of the city's pulse sets the stage. Here, the stage at Lincoln Center's David Koch Theater was ablaze with the frenetic energy of "Rodeo." This is no saccharine, gentle piece, darling. It's pure American fire, infused with an undeniable, visceral excitement. The choreography, stark and raw, pushed the dancers to their limits. The corps de ballet were fierce, powerful. The solos? Breathtaking displays of strength and agility, the sheer power of their bodies as they danced across the stage was nothing short of captivating. I, myself, found it truly exhilarating, such energy! And you know what? The final moments of the ballet, where all the dancers join together in a final flourish of dance - pure genius! A stunning testament to the unity of movement, and of human energy.
Next stop, my darlings, London. The Royal Opera House was buzzing with anticipation for "The Nutcracker." Of course, there's a timeless magic in Tchaikovsky's music. The score, it's enchanting, truly bewitching, you can feel it swirling in your veins. And the dancing, oh, the dancing! From the shimmering elegance of the Sugar Plum Fairy to the youthful charm of Clara, each dancer seemed to embody their role with exquisite precision. As I sat entranced in the Royal Opera House, the audience, a diverse sea of humanity united by the magic of ballet. It is one of those ballets that transcends generations, a cherished spectacle. And I, darling, I simply felt like a little girl again, awed by the wonder and beauty unfolding before me.
But March is not just about big names and grand stages. In a quaint, tucked-away theater in Copenhagen, I discovered "Sleeping Beauty." A smaller production, yet full of charming details, such a treasure! What struck me most was the youthful exuberance of the dancers, so fresh and spirited, brimming with energy. They performed the familiar steps with such passion and commitment, truly a testament to the beauty of simple, yet compelling, choreography. This is the true magic of ballet, to touch your soul through raw talent and honest emotion. It reminds you that sometimes the most wonderful discoveries happen in the least expected places.
Then, back in London, I stumbled upon an exquisite piece that completely took me by surprise. It was a smaller production at Sadler's Wells Theatre. "Dance of the Shadows," it was called. I love these lesser-known ballets, sometimes they offer an element of surprise and a freshness that more famous works lack. The piece was a masterpiece of storytelling, weaving together tales of love, loss, and the search for meaning in an abstract dance format. The choreography, so fluid and poetic, drew me in and held my attention until the final curtain call. You could almost smell the sea, taste the salty air. It transported me, darling, transported me!
And, darling, you can't talk about ballet in March without mentioning a certain gala in Vienna, now, can you? The Vienna State Opera Ballet, it's simply magnificent. Every year, the most renowned dancers come to Vienna, all gathered for one night of extraordinary artistry. You know what they say about Viennese balls, but this? This, my darlings, was ballet in its purest form, the pinnacle of excellence and grace. I am lucky, truly lucky to have witnessed it. So much artistry, so much skill, so much pure delight.
However, my dear readers, beyond the famous productions, beyond the grand theaters, it is the smaller performances, the independent studios and the passionate instructors, where we find the real heart of dance. A young dancer, still wet behind the ears, a choreographer struggling to make his or her mark, these are the seeds of inspiration, waiting to bloom. They are the future of ballet. It is to these artists, to their unwavering spirit and burning passion that I turn with admiration. I see myself in them, a woman in her youth, filled with an undying love for the art of ballet.
My dears, this month, allow yourself to be swept away by the captivating allure of ballet, its intoxicating magic, its delicate elegance. Be transported to distant lands and emotional depths. Discover new favorites and revisit cherished classics. Above all, remember that dance is a language understood by all, a story woven with passion, precision and breathtaking beauty. And that, my darling, is a language worth speaking.
A Peek at What's to Come
- London - A glimpse into the world of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet in the Royal Ballet's masterful adaptation.
- Paris - The Paris Opera Ballet is expected to present a stunning new creation by the award-winning choreographer, George Balanchine.
- New York - American Ballet Theatre's new production of Swan Lake promises an edgy, modern take on the timeless classic.
- Moscow - The Bolshoi Ballet celebrates its historic grandeur with a grand performance of Sleeping Beauty , a production filled with opulence and tradition.
- Tokyo - An avant-garde interpretation of Giselle at the renowned Tokyo Ballet is certain to stir the senses with a mix of traditional technique and bold innovation.
March, my darlings, it is the season for new beginnings, for blossoms bursting forth, for the beauty of movement. Go forth, my lovelies, and enjoy the dazzling spectacle that is ballet, the world dancing in pointe.