Oh darling, isn't it divine to be back in the spring air again, after all those winter months. Everything is suddenly a little lighter, even the way you feel. As if it's all meant to be, like a new pas de deux waiting for its grand finale, just the start of something extraordinary, oh yes indeed, something beautiful.
I, personally, simply can't wait to see the wonderful new Royal Ballet production of Giselle at the Royal Opera House on the 1st of April. Apparently there are two debut roles for new stars, who I just know are going to be the new faces to watch, the rising stars of the international stage, who I just know you'll be seeing a lot more of in the next few months. It is going to be sensational.
Speaking of sensational, have you seen what they've done with Swan Lake at the Bolshoi in Moscow this year? Well, darling you just must. An amazing fusion of the classical with a little touch of, well, shall we say something a little avant-garde for the second act? I mean, you wouldn't know if you were in London, Paris or Moscow. But the dancers, oh darling they really do know their art. If you love Swan Lake this really will be an unforgettable evening, well it's already a favourite in the Russian press.
Over in Paris, the ballet world's eyes will all be on the Opéra de Paris as they take us on a whirlwind tour of The Sleeping Beauty at the start of April. If there's a new star dancer it will be at this performance. Let's be honest, everyone wants a taste of that beautiful Parisian magic, which of course comes straight down to the magical style of French ballet and, frankly, it just doesn't get better than this.
Oh darling! Do try and get to see it while it is still playing - if you haven't already - or indeed, while you are there on a trip to Paris. You can combine the glamour with a touch of Parisian sophistication to take in the world's most sophisticated city, so darling why not.
What’s OnIt has been announced that the legendary New York City Ballet will return to the London stage in a truly special treat. They will grace the Royal Opera House stage in the spring with a selection of works choreographed by George Balanchine in a series of gala performances. And they are being supported by a wonderful guest star lineup too, but it's all under wraps so do just check your listings and catch these rare treats while you can, because these ballets will really only be in town for a fleeting few days and, well, you just don't want to miss out, because they do only perform at the very, very best.
On the classical side there will also be new performances of some of the well known masterpieces like the Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake by the Bolshoi in Moscow and La Scala in Milan, where they are starting a run of shows which promise to delight both audiences and the critics, too.
But of course the real gem in the classical season will be the new production of The Nutcracker in Paris by the Opéra National de Paris. The Paris Opéra will have a star studded opening with a few debut roles thrown in for good measure. If you want the latest choreography, this is the place to be.
For Those With a Modern TendencyOver at the English National Ballet we are being treated to a mixed programme this month which combines both classic and modern work and what's lovely is, it looks as though there are some stunning costumes planned, darling and we've been sent a sneak peek of them - yes they are divine. You can't get much more chic. The show features a wonderful ensemble of both classical ballet pieces and contemporary works, so expect an interesting and entertaining mix for those with a more modern taste. But let's face it - we can always use a touch of modernity in these times. I just feel so excited. And to see these new, new stars is an absolute joy - to think where their next leap will take them.
Where You Need To Go - And WhenSo darling, I hope this has helped you put together your Spring ballet tour and yes, do get those tickets. Oh, if I had more time, if I had only twenty-one hours in a day instead of twenty four and we would all be in the audience.
A Tour of Our Favourite Spring Ballet Delights, With All That's Worth Looking Forward To * The Bolshoi’s new production of The Sleeping Beauty is in the running to take out all the top awards for this season’s new ballet production . If you've seen all the classical staples of The Sleeping Beauty you will be quite astonished by how this ballet has really got the modern dance-lovers in a frenzy and as always the costumes look extraordinary - absolutely divine. * In New York the Ballet Theatre of New York have just released tickets to the very highly anticipated, if I may use that word, performance of the new choreographed Swan Lake. Everyone’s expecting it to be pretty amazing. If there’s a more high fashion costumed ballet in town right now you simply have to seek out these stunning garments before you indulge in that rather extraordinary piece of work, that’s the choreography of the ballet I’m talking about, but that is simply stunning too. I just can't get over this production, I'm actually considering adding an impromptu trip to New York just for this - oh to see those wonderful costumes at such an impressive venue.* But I’ll be sure to take in The Royal Ballet’s Giselle. Now it will be on tour after the start of the month in the United Kingdom, but of course, they start with London. I’m hearing it is already an astounding new interpretation, so if there is something special in the ballet world to watch for this year - you’ve found it here. They look like the ultimate fashion icons doing the pas de deux - yes the stars look sublimely chic on the London stage - I can’t wait. And So to Some Wonderful Spring Specials - Just a Taste of This Month’s Divine Offerings.
What you have here is the essence of what makes Spring a wonderful time to experience dance around the world and how those wonderful ballerinas have really caught the spirit of Spring. Here is an invitation for a delicious tour of dance productions with their delightful costume themes.
This month you could be attending The Sleeping Beauty and, darling you'll need the most exquisite gown - for that most elegant night out, or even a trip to a world class art exhibit or gallery of some repute. Yes, you need an exquisite black satin gown for a really truly beautiful touch of elegance and to make the most of that truly glamorous night at the ballet - don't forget to add a matching clutch. You can look wonderful for this, the entire audience will think you've walked straight out of a Paris fashion magazine.
And if you’re doing the night club circuit this month, to celebrate spring, you just must take in The Royal Ballet’s rendition of Giselle and, darling you must wear a flowing chiffon number. An alluring white for the Giselle character, to take you into that light and airy world of the ballet. Oh, just lovely. I must give the costumes, those of the performers, a nod of approval.
And then let's make it something a bit different, something quite unexpected, for a spring visit to the London’s ballet production, as we try a rather modern dance evening at the English National Ballet with something with an exotic flavour. And here the ensemble of dances with both classical pieces and modern pieces call for that wonderful bold black dress and statement earrings - something a little more on the modern side - it's a mix up this time! Darling you'll really enjoy a rather more casual chic with something, say an exotic flower or a floral motif, a beautiful design to break that bold, black number, so elegant and beautiful for spring's, and that perfect dance evening.
This month will be an opportunity to discover dance around the world. Be on the look out for those extraordinary dance outfits, because of course, that special night out, the dance performance, just doesn't feel complete without it! Darling! These outfits just become a lovely keepsake and the story of the ballet itself - those gowns are the true symbol of what makes that evening so divine. There is nothing, not even a visit to an Art gallery, a world famous museum, an exquisite boutique or indeed a trip to the theatre that is just as inspiring and a perfect start to spring - with the wonderful new season, of course! And when there are some fantastic and simply brilliant dancers gracing the stage - it really doesn’t get much better! Oh darling!