Ā 

Pink Tutu Design and Make at www pink tutu com

My darlings! August, darling August, the month that feels like a sigh after a gloriously busy summer season. But let me tell you, thereā€™s never a dull moment for a ballerina, even in the "off-season". So letā€™s delve into the delightful dance events gracing stages across the globe this month, shall we?

From The Royal Opera House, a Love Affair With The Classics

Well, one canā€™t fault the Royal Ballet for sticking with the classics, can one? In August they're revisiting the heart-wrenching Romeo and Juliet. Of course, my dear, the sheer beauty of this production always takes my breath away. Thereā€™s something so deeply moving about the eternal dance of love and loss. As ever, Darcey Bussell as Juliet embodies that fragile grace and strength with such poise. A performance thatā€™ll leave you weeping with both sadness and admiration. You mustn't miss it.

A Breath of Fresh Air: A Trip To The Bolshoi

And then thereā€™s Moscow! Oh, my, the Bolshoi is in top form this month with their new rendition of The Sleeping Beauty. Of course, every ballet company in the world has their own take, but the Bolshoi, they are just *unbelievably* grand! The sheer scale of it all, the breathtaking costumes and, oh, those glorious, technically-perfect dancers, simply breathtaking. A must for every discerning ballet lover! And my favourite part? Their Aurora - a young, absolutely beautiful dancer, fresh faced and bursting with energy!

Do tell, did anyone else notice the *slight* controversy brewing around the costume designs? Darling, a *few* feathers were ruffled when they brought in a new designer, but I personally adored the sleek lines and modern touches! Gives the whole thing a feeling of fresh elegance. Just the perfect contrast to the old world grandeur of the rest of the production.

A Parisian Escape: From Tutus toā€¦Trapeze?

Letā€™s take a quick flight to Paris! For a bit of theatre beyond the classical realm. Paris is *always* so incredibly avant-garde, and this month theyā€™re celebrating Cirque du Soleilā€™s latest show, ā€œAlegrĆ­a.ā€ Now, I know, this isnā€™t traditional ballet. But my darlings, you cannot *imagine* the strength and grace of these acrobats! I mean, the sheer athleticism of it all, frankly, quite dazzling. There are leaps, tumbles and flips - oh my! Honestly, they leave me quite breathless! And of course, it wouldnā€™t be a Cirque du Soleil production without vibrant colours, captivating costumes, and of course, stunning choreography. A visual treat!

Oh, and did I mention that there is a ballet component to the show too? Not just *your* traditional tutu ballet, mind you, more of a fusion of acrobatics and elegant dance. Just exquisite! Of course, a bit more avant-garde than what we see on traditional stages, but beautifully executed, darling. Absolutely a must-see for the curious amongst you!

Something Special in the States: Beyond The Main Stages

But let's take a trip across the Atlantic, darling. Right now, you need to put Americaā€™s "New York Choreographic Institute" on your dance-watching bucket list! And oh darling, *New York*, thatā€™s just *everything*, isnā€™t it? Fashionable, daring, ever-so-exciting! Anyway, let me tell you about these exciting new dancers. They're bursting with creative energy! Every piece, darling, is *thrilling*. I saw a work just last week called ā€œUnderneath the Pavement, the Sea,ā€ based on a line from a 19th-century poem. Now I *am* quite familiar with contemporary dance, mind you, and yet this production floored me. Oh darling, it was so emotionally charged. They literally bring you right into their own raw energy. *Quite* unique!

You need to take advantage of these small productions, my dears. There are these incredibly talented artists popping up everywhere, and you can truly see their heart and soul poured into the performance. The intimacy, the sense of raw creativity! It truly is a pleasure. Donā€™t get me wrong, a night at the Royal Ballet is utterly *splendid*, but sometimes these intimate settings give you that feeling of witnessing something special - like you are seeing a diamond in the rough.

Not Just A Performance: Ballet Becomes The Exhibit

So you thought the season was over? Darling, oh my, not at all! In New York's Fashion Institute of Technology, youā€™ll find "In the Light of Black: A History of the Black Ballerina." It is absolutely a must-see, darling! Now, this is quite different, a beautiful blend of historical documentation and contemporary artistry. Oh darling, they have these wonderful costumes from the most influential black ballerinas from the 19th Century up to present day. Absolutely captivating, my dear, a real glimpse into balletā€™s rich history.

Donā€™t Forget Your Choreographerā€™s Touch: New Looks for Summer

Now my darlings, if you think you can waltz your way through the season in last year's look, think again. This year, itā€™s all about modernizing your wardrobe. My personal mantra: *comfortable, chic and oh so sleek.*

Forget those fussy, uncomfortable tutus - this year is all about sleek, form-fitting leotards in vibrant colours. Yes, darlings, think crimson red, cerulean blue, even a vibrant turquoise if youā€™re feeling daring! This is about celebrating that gorgeous athleticism and feminine form. Accessorize with sleek, diamond earrings and some delicate, yet chic bracelets, perfect for your graceful wrist! A timeless ballet look, perfect for *any* occasion.

Oh, and while youā€™re at it, darling, do a *little* research! Look for new and emerging brands pushing those boundaries in both fabrics and style. Yes, itā€™s not just the performances that should have you moving with excitement!

Until next month darlings! As ever, sending you all the best.