Darling, the curtain has just come down on a spectacular 2000 - and what a whirlwind of a year it's been for ballet! From the ethereal beauty of Paris to the electrifying energy of New York, the world stage has been a canvas for breathtaking performances that have left me, and I suspect many others, breathless. So, let's take a sip of champagne and reminisce, shall we?
January was a whirlwind of exquisite refinement, kicking off with the annual gala at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. Oh, darling, the sheer glamour! I could scarcely take my eyes off the exquisitely crafted costumes and the breathtaking performances. Svetlana Zakharova, simply divine in 'Swan Lake', melted my heart with her delicate grace, a perfect balance of power and femininity. And who could forget that mesmerizing pas de deux between the glorious Dmitri Belenkevich and his captivating partner? A symphony of perfect movements, a masterpiece.
Across the Atlantic, New York came alive with the sizzling energy of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. The 'Revelations' performance was simply unforgettable. The raw emotions and powerful choreography moved me deeply. Those stunning costumes! Those joyous leaps! Oh darling, it was an explosion of raw talent and powerful artistry. A true highlight of the month.
February brought with it a much-anticipated return to Paris. The Palais Garnier was ablaze with elegance at the Opéra de Paris's production of 'La Bayadère.' Sylvie Guillem, simply a vision in white, delivered a performance so impressive it left me speechless. Every move she made, every glance, whispered poetry. It was as though the story of the beautiful Bayadere was flowing from the very core of her being. The Parisian crowds roared with applause, and so did I.
March found me in the charming, cobblestoned streets of Amsterdam. The Dutch National Ballet took us on a thrilling journey with their production of 'Giselle.' It was the perfect fusion of passion and precision, showcasing the sheer talent of the company. The beauty of the production simply left me enthralled. The choreography was breathtaking, and I found myself transported to the fairytale world of the story. It was simply divine.
April witnessed a stunning ballet extravaganza in London as the Royal Ballet took on a production of 'Don Quixote'. It was a whirlwind of color, excitement, and of course, exquisite choreography. Darcey Bussell, an absolute darling, sparkled as Kitri. She danced with such captivating grace, her every move a whirl of elegance and delight. A true performance that stayed with me long after the final curtain fell.
By May, I had found myself basking in the sun of Barcelona, ready for the annual Barcelona Ballet Festival. The Spanish heat was contagious, and it found its way onto the stage as the local company brought flamenco dance and traditional Spanish music to the fore. Oh, the passion and spirit, simply divine! I was captivated by their intense movements and the beautiful interplay between the dancers.
Come June and it was back to Paris again, to take in the prestigious Prix de Lausanne, the international ballet competition that attracts young stars from around the globe. Oh, darling, the talent was simply incredible! It was truly heartening to see these bright young things, all so gifted and dedicated, pouring their hearts into every move. Such raw, beautiful potential. I simply couldn't help but feel a spark of hope for the future of ballet.
July found me in Florence. What better place to be than the heart of Italy's artistic renaissance? This month was all about ‘Romeo & Juliet’. A truly beautiful and poignant piece brought to life by the Florence Ballet Company. The emotional depth of the production, coupled with the company's stunning technical skills, brought a tear to my eye. I simply loved the power of this production.
In August, it was all about escape for me. Time to take a break from the ballet world and recharge my batteries. The annual Scottish Highland Games, filled with the sound of bagpipes and the smell of wildflowers, provided the perfect escape.
By September, the creative juices were flowing once again. And where else but Berlin to experience cutting-edge ballet? The Berlin State Ballet showcased 'Rite of Spring' by Pina Bausch, and it was simply mesmerizing. A powerful and evocative performance that left me deeply affected, its message of raw emotion and human struggle hitting a chord deep within me.
October was a month of grandiosity, and I couldn't help but find myself back in Moscow for the Bolshoi Ballet’s gala performance of ‘Swan Lake’ and ‘Giselle'. It was a thrilling mix of traditional grandeur and modern flair, the perfect expression of Russian ballet’s continued influence on the world stage.
As the chill of November set in, I found myself back in New York again, but this time it wasn't for the Ailey Company, but for a performance of the New York City Ballet. Their performance of ‘The Nutcracker' had me mesmerized. It was the quintessential holiday treat, filled with unadulterated joy and magical spectacle. There was nothing quite like watching those bright young dancers pirouette across the stage with such boundless energy.
December rolled in like a soft snowflake, and I knew just where to be: in London, taking in the annual Royal Ballet Christmas gala performance of ‘The Nutcracker.’ The West End simply came alive with joyful anticipation as the grand spectacle unfolded on stage. And who could forget those delectable petits fours served during intermission, darling? Such elegant treats! A perfect way to cap off another magnificent year in the world of ballet.
And so, as 2000 comes to a close, I can only say that I feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of this extraordinary world of dance. From the sparkle and glamour of the stage, to the sweat and dedication of the dancers themselves, the world of ballet never ceases to inspire me. It is, indeed, an art form that has touched my heart and shaped my soul. I look forward to what the new millennium holds for us all, my dear friends, but for now, I bid you farewell and hope you enjoyed this little tour through the year that was!