Darlings,
October! The leaves are turning, the air is crisp, and the season is brimming with an intoxicating energy that makes my heart sing! It's a time for new beginnings, for bold statements, and of course, for exquisite dance.
Let me guide you through a dazzling kaleidoscope of performances I've had the absolute joy of attending this month, starting with...
Paris: A whirlwind of emotions
Paris, as ever, a city pulsating with artistry and elegance! At the Opéra Garnier, I was utterly captivated by the sheer spectacle of Rudolf Nureyev's "La Bayadère." It’s truly a showstopper. I swear, my darling, the corps de ballet were simply a vision – precise, passionate, a symphony of motion.
As for the principal dancers, my dear, let's just say, there was magic in the air. The sheer intensity of the romance between the lead roles, the haunting melodies… everything about this production transported me to another realm.
London: A feast for the eyes
London, the cradle of classical ballet, did not disappoint. At the Royal Opera House, the staging of "Giselle" was just sublime. The artistry, the lighting, and the costumes… my word! You could almost smell the fresh pine needles and feel the dewy earth on your face.
The Royal Ballet has a way of making classics feel so timeless, so relevant. I was moved by the effortless artistry of the lead ballerina – her interpretation of Giselle's heartbreak, her vulnerability, it was so palpable, it practically bled into the audience!
But it wasn't all about the traditional at the ROH. I was incredibly impressed by "The Rite of Spring", such a vibrant, raw exploration of life, creation, and sacrifice. It was almost unnerving how much power it evoked. It reminded me why we adore the art of ballet: its ability to move us on such a visceral level.
Moscow: A taste of history
In the heart of Russia, the Bolshoi Ballet continues to leave its mark. "Swan Lake", the quintessential romantic ballet, is just as breathtaking as I remember it from my youth. I watched it with my daughter, and we were both enraptured.
It’s not only the classic ballets that thrill here; I witnessed a breathtaking contemporary performance from the Moscow State Ballet Theatre. It pushed boundaries, it embraced new techniques, it was thrilling. I could barely contain myself during the finale – pure exhilaration. It felt so very "now", even with such strong roots in history! The company's youthful vigour, their artistry, it just oozed off the stage. A pure delight!
New York: A bold fusion of styles
Now, my darlings, no review would be complete without acknowledging New York. I simply couldn’t miss "The Sleeping Beauty" at the American Ballet Theatre. The stage was aglow with opulent sets, stunning costumes, and a score that left me spellbound.
My favorite part, without a doubt, was the grand ballroom scene, a feast for the eyes with shimmering costumes and enchanting music. The dancers – utterly effortless, each movement with a sublime sense of rhythm. This is how you celebrate the grand spectacle that is ballet.
But it wasn’t all classical elegance at the ABT. I found myself absolutely mesmerized by a modern work choreographed by the avant-garde artist. Bold, cutting edge, and raw - a thrilling experience, a bold interpretation that reminded me just how far ballet has come. I am a firm believer that, just like our wardrobes, ballet shouldn't be limited to classic looks!
Berlin: An intoxicating blend of emotion and artistry
For my final stop, I was lucky enough to travel to Berlin for the "Cinderella" at the Staatsoper Unter den Linden. It's a ballet you have to experience in the vibrant energy of the city – such passion and emotion radiating from every dancer on stage!
I must say, their interpretation of Cinderella had such depth. This Cinderella wasn't a simple, passive character; she had a strong voice and presence! It was so incredibly empowering!
And don’t even get me started on the sets, darling! The whole experience was quite literally magical. It made me think about all the little girls, my daughter included, dreaming of twirling onto a stage. It's truly magical, wouldn't you agree?
Beyond the stage: Inspiration everywhere!
From dazzling stage lights and thunderous applause to quieter moments of inspiration, October has been an absolute whirlwind for a ballet-lover like me. The performances are just the start. This month, I’ve been inspired by:
- A ballet exhibit at the Louvre that left me mesmerized. A collection of breathtaking sketches and costumes chronicling the evolution of ballet across centuries! It’s remarkable how this art form continues to evolve, just like fashion, yet retains its timeless essence.
- A masterclass with a legend! I found myself in awe watching him move with such elegance and grace. His knowledge and wisdom seeped into the very atmosphere of the room. It was an invigorating reminder that ballet is never a finished product, it's a lifelong journey of refining, exploring and expressing ourselves through movement.
- A new book on ballet history that left me with goosebumps. A historical voyage through ballet, each chapter transporting me back to a different era. From the grandeur of the Russian courts to the revolution of modern dance in the 20th century. This month has given me a new appreciation for the journey of this art form, its incredible resilience. The art of ballet, my darling, has a timeless spirit that makes it endlessly captivating.
As we embrace the chilly October evenings, it’s clear the season is perfectly ripe for elegant performances, captivating books, and breathtaking artistry. As a true ballet devotee, I feel like I’ve soaked in an exquisite vintage of culture this month, and, just like the finest wine, it is a taste to savour.
And remember, darlings, there’s a bit of the dancer in all of us, a yearning to move with grace and expression. Embrace your inner artiste, put on some beautiful music, and move with the soul. I, for one, am off to my weekly ballet class. See you in the studio!