Oh, darling, this summer promises to be utterly divine for us ballet devotees! The whispers of anticipation I’ve been hearing throughout the dance world have proven to be true – this month, I am simply dripping with excitement to report back on the exquisite happenings across the globe. The season is off to an absolutely phenomenal start!
The first thing I must tell you about, darling, was the **Royal Ballet's** *Giselle*. You know my eternal love for this Romantic masterpiece – a perfect blend of sorrow and hope, a ballet that never fails to send shivers down my spine. The Royal, at its usual majestic best, did not disappoint! Alina Cojocaru and Johan Kobborg are absolutely stunning together, they move as one, and the technical skill and passion are absolutely exquisite. And can we talk about the Corps de Ballet? Absolutely faultless! Their ethereal movement and perfectly-timed unison created an atmosphere of pure magic. To top it all off, the orchestra’s playing, particularly that achingly beautiful Adagietto, simply took my breath away.
But if you think you’ve seen *Giselle*, darling, wait till you see what the **Paris Opera Ballet** has in store! The sublime **Sylvie Guillem**, as if she is auditioning for sainthood herself, gives a heartbreaking, utterly electrifying performance that will leave you speechless. Guillem and Nicolas Le Riche - oh that man, simply a panther on stage! their duet in the Act II is breathtaking, the passion and technicality of their moves simply electrifying. Paris itself was buzzing after the show – such a sensation! If you find yourself in the City of Lights this summer, you absolutely must see this performance.
Now, speaking of sensation, the **American Ballet Theatre** has delivered another triumph with *Swan Lake* - oh the sheer beauty and tragedy of that story! I must confess a slight preference for **Misty Copeland** as the White Swan – so beautifully delicate, her every step and gesture speaks volumes! And the evil Odette in the form of **Diana Vishneva**, darling! She has this brooding intensity, a perfect darkness to set against the white light of the Swan Queen. Their dramatic interplay was electric! Of course, you simply have to see *Swan Lake* at least once in your life – a classic which never grows tired! And don’t forget the fantastic set designs! You could feel the magic of this ballet filling the entire theatre. You can't go wrong with the American Ballet Theatre; they are truly at the top of their game.
And if you're feeling like venturing beyond the classic repertoire this summer, darling, I simply have to recommend the **San Francisco Ballet** production of *The Rite of Spring*. The work was created for Diaghilev’s legendary Ballets Russes and is still one of the most shocking and beautiful works ever choreographed. **Helgi Tomasson** has crafted a bold and provocative piece that’s incredibly powerful, yet delicate. His intense choreography takes you through an emotional roller coaster. This is dance that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go! You will not be disappointed.
And darling, don't think for a moment that ballet is limited to traditional stages. The world is teeming with innovative choreographers pushing the boundaries and, let me tell you, some of them are truly making a splash.
From London to New York, Dance as ArtI found myself enchanted, darling, at the **Sadler's Wells** in London. **Matthew Bourne’s** *Swan Lake*, oh, so bold and contemporary, and the way he turned the male swans into these sultry, powerful beings? A stroke of pure genius! And the music - Tchaikovsky, reimagined. Oh darling, the whole theatre was pulsating with energy! Bourne's bold and innovative take on a classic ballet, completely transformed, truly pushes the boundaries. You need to experience this reimagined ballet – a truly unforgettable piece!
You're likely to find me in New York later this summer for the **Martha Graham Dance Company**. Graham is, of course, the legendary dancer and choreographer. She changed the landscape of ballet forever with her raw emotion and dramatic interpretations. Their upcoming performance of *Appalachian Spring*, darling, is going to be incredible. The story - an early American family working through hardships and triumphs – is beautifully and sensitively told through Graham’s movement vocabulary. If you want to see a performance that transcends technical virtuosity and digs into the depths of human emotion, you can’t miss Graham.
And speaking of transcending the ordinary, you simply *must* go to see the **New York City Ballet**'s production of **Christopher Wheeldon's** *After the Rain*. Wheeldon's work is the very essence of artistry, his choreography simply ethereal and filled with emotion, delicate but strong, romantic yet contemporary. It’s a true celebration of movement, like poetry in motion. You will leave that theatre, darling, floating on a cloud!
Now darling, we are all so busy rushing about, flying all over the world, that I wanted to remind you that some of the most spectacular dance happens close to home! Don’t overlook the opportunities within your local community - there is truly a treasure trove to be found. Take the time to check out what’s on offer in your town or city - a local dance school recital, perhaps? A summer ballet program at your favourite arts centre? I guarantee, darling, you will be surprised and delighted!
Beyond Ballet: Where The Rhythms RiseAnd if, after a weekend of graceful ballet, you're looking for something a little bolder and with a bit of spice, don’t hesitate to explore the world of dance beyond the stage.
I had a delightful experience this month at **The Jazz Dance Festival** in London. The **New York City Ballet** really brought the heat. It was such an energy-filled evening with an incredible diversity of artists - the dancers really blew the audience away with their energy and incredible moves. You can feel the music inside these performances; the moves simply take your breath away. And those incredible costumes! They brought all that 1920s glamour right to the London stage. I think everyone felt the allure of that "Roaring 20s" feeling!
And, let me tell you darling, the **Candoco Dance Company** in London was just absolutely remarkable. I always admire the incredible strength and grace that shines through from these artists who move in ways we never expect, and yet with a seamless flow and elegance that is deeply captivating. Their power and resilience, they make me want to reach out and give them all a hug. This Company truly redefines what we perceive as dance – and is quite frankly, incredibly inspiring!
And the summer wouldn’t be complete without a trip to a music festival, right darling? And there’s nothing quite as magical as seeing the **Northern Ballet’s** *The Car Man* performed in the open air! I caught it at **Latitude Festival**. The stage lights are sparkling, the stars are twinkling overhead and the entire audience is buzzing with energy. That's the spirit, darling! It's a pure thrill to see this amazing work in this magical environment!
Summer is truly the season of festivals - a perfect chance to see artists in different, and often unconventional, settings. Don't let this opportunity to explore the vibrant dance scene in a relaxed setting pass you by!
Where To Find the Dance World in Print:I often find myself lost in the beauty and wonder of these wonderful magazines, darlings. If you are looking for some delightful inspiration and beautiful photos that will give you all those "can’t-miss-this-show" cravings - I recommend, you simply have to check out:
* Dance Magazine: always the go-to resource for dancers and enthusiasts, with insightful articles on every facet of dance from technique to philosophy. * Pointe Magazine: perfect if you love stunning photos, it covers all the ballet you can possibly desire. * Dance Europe: a more European focus and truly wonderful if you love seeing dance beyond the UK and the US.You may be asking, darling, what exactly are my own plans for the summer. Well, you know how I am, I am a creature of the summer sun, I love a seaside stroll and an afternoon indulging in some of my favourite magazines! However, you will also find me darting into one of those iconic ballet studios on the Côte d'Azur, keeping my feet in top form, of course!
I hope your summer is filled with exquisite dance, darling! I can't wait to see what awaits us in the fall!