Oh darling, what a whirlwind of balletic delights March has brought! We've flitted from the hushed reverence of the Bolshoi to the shimmering brilliance of the Paris Opera Ballet, leaving a trail of glitter and applause in our wake. Let's dive into this exquisite month's balletic bouquet. **From Moscow with Love** Ah, Moscow! There’s a reason the Bolshoi is synonymous with majesty. In the hallowed halls, we witnessed a breathtaking revival of **Giselle**. The Bolshoi's dancers have a passion, a depth, that's positively thrilling. Ekaterina Krysanova, oh, her Giselle was exquisite! The delicacy, the sorrow, and a powerful resilience – she was a whirlwind of emotion. Partnering her was Vladislav Lantratov as Albrecht. His princely bearing and captivating presence were almost enough to make us forget the poor, doomed Albrecht. But alas! He carried Giselle’s tragic fate beautifully, showcasing those elegant Bolshoi men once again. **Parisian Chic** A little detour to Paris, the city of romance and, oh darling, the most breathtakingly chic ballet company on Earth! At the Opéra Garnier, the **Le Corsaire** truly had us dazzled. You wouldn't believe the scale of this production - it felt like we'd stepped into the belly of a gilded treasure chest, all shimmering silk and jewel tones. The star of the evening? That's gotta be the one and only, Marie-Agnès Gillot, in the role of Medora. She practically breathed fire and passion into this Mediterranean drama. Her movements were a flurry of passion and desperation, leaving the audience captivated and speechless. **Diamonds and Déjà Vu** Next up, a trip to the glittering land of the New York City Ballet. I'd heard about their legendary **Jewels**, and it did not disappoint! The first piece, "Emeralds," was pure Ballets Russes glamour with a delicate touch. "Rubies," oh dear! That energy was pure fire – a vibrant tapestry of athleticism and raw power. Then, finally, "Diamonds" – a ballet that practically begged you to reach for the champagne. A timeless, elegant piece, a classic for a reason. **London's Light** Let's not forget the heart of it all – London's Royal Ballet, a true icon of the balletic world. I found myself thrilled by the season's opener – **Manon**. This piece is all drama and heart, and the Royal Ballet's young dancers simply ate it up. I particularly loved Marianela Nuñez's portrayal of the fickle Manon. The woman's a powerhouse of emotions. Oh, the way she could tear your heart out with a single gesture, then lure you back in with the flick of her hand – it was magical! **Across the Atlantic** For something truly unique, we jetted to Miami City Ballet. And guess what, darling? This little company blew my mind! I never would have thought, Florida of all places. But their version of **Swan Lake** was the best I've seen in years. I am a little biased, as this was the production where I first discovered the wonderful Carlos Acosta - and you know how much I love that man. **Beyond the Dance** March brought us not only exquisite dance, but also a fascinating glimpse behind the curtain at a unique program – the International Dance Council’s (CID) "Dance Education and Community Development" conference. Such a worthy endeavor, truly bringing dance into the world’s very heart! And, my darling, we met the most enchanting people - all connected to dance! What a delight, connecting and sharing the passion. And for something completely different, the "London Choreographic Awards" truly shook us up! Such a brave and bold program showcasing the next generation of choreographers. Oh darling, it was a rollercoaster of emotions! And to think that some of the best dance we'll see tomorrow is just getting started... **The April Outlook** April promises a continued dazzling adventure in the world of ballet! I, for one, can't wait for New York's American Ballet Theatre to dazzle us with their productions, and of course, a must-see Royal Ballet season of favorites – it never gets old, dear, never! Don’t forget to keep a watchful eye out, because this beautiful world of ballet has a new, shimmering, magical surprise for us every day. Until next time, darlings, remember to wear your best frock and your most knowing gaze - after all, you've got front-row tickets to a masterpiece unfolding all around!
