Oh darling, the September air is crisp, the leaves are starting to turn, and you know what that means: the ballet season is in full swing! It's a time for exquisite artistry, soaring leaps, and delicate pirouettes, all set against a backdrop of exquisite costumes and shimmering lights. This month, my dears, we've had the pleasure of seeing some truly unforgettable performances, both here in London and across the globe.
Let's start with our own Royal Ballet. They have really outdone themselves this season with their production of **Giselle**. The sheer emotional depth of this ballet is undeniable, and this production was just brimming with it. Alina Cojocaru as Giselle was simply breathtaking – her vulnerability, her strength, her heartbreak, all expressed with such incredible grace and clarity. And to think she managed that all whilst balancing those delicate white tutus!
Speaking of delicate tutus, can we talk about **Swan Lake** at the Bolshoi? The sheer scale of the production is jaw-dropping. From the sweeping costumes to the exquisite choreography, everything was pure spectacle. But what really blew me away was Svetlana Zakharova as Odette/Odile. She effortlessly transformed from the delicate white swan to the captivating black swan, drawing you in with every single gesture. Truly spellbinding.
London's Must-Sees: * **The Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House:** * **Giselle:** The exquisite Alina Cojocaru stole the show as Giselle. Her heartbreak was palpable and her graceful portrayal captivated audiences. But don't think the rest of the company disappointed! The men's ensemble was truly brilliant, and those beautiful pas de deux, just perfection. Do yourself a favour, darling, don't miss it. * **Cinderella:** This year the Royal Ballet has created a new and stunning production of **Cinderella**, choreographed by the incredible Frederick Ashton. Every piece of the story from the Pumpkin Coach to the clock striking twelve felt completely new. * And the cast! Natalia Osipova, our own **Cinderella**, danced the role like no one else, the lightness in her dancing is beyond compare. * **English National Ballet at the London Coliseum:** * **La Bayadere:** What a truly romantic ballet, darling. The music just washes over you, and the dance sequences are just exquisite, especially the 'Kingdom of the Shades.' I daresay, you could easily be lulled into a dream state by the hypnotic quality of it all.Across the globe, darling, there was much to celebrate.
On The International Scene:Across the channel, we saw the *étoile* of the Paris Opera Ballet, Sylvie Guillem, give her final performance of **Carmen** by Matthew Bourne. This ballet isn't for the faint of heart! Bold, sensual, and packed with energy and raw emotion, Carmen certainly pushed Sylvie Guillem's considerable abilities to their very limit. A captivating performance from a legend, darling.
Then there was **Sleeping Beauty** at the Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg, Russia, a production known for its breathtaking spectacle and classical precision. There's really no need to explain what I'm talking about, you've just got to see it for yourself. But be warned, this show is nothing short of *haute couture* - each and every aspect has been meticulously crafted.
Don't forget to keep an eye out for **The Nutcracker**, which is sure to be cropping up all over the globe soon. It's always a favourite at this time of year, and there are plenty of beautiful, fantastical productions out there to choose from. Look for a performance near you - they make the perfect holiday outing! Think of all the exquisite costumes and those twinkling snow scenes - pure magic darling.
The Season's Standouts: * **Alina Cojocaru** (The Royal Ballet, Giselle). She brought the very essence of tragedy and pure beauty to this demanding role. * **Svetlana Zakharova** (Bolshoi Ballet, Swan Lake). This beautiful dancer danced as though weightless, capturing the duality of the White and Black Swan roles perfectly. * **Sylvie Guillem** (Paris Opera Ballet, Carmen). We couldn't let Sylvie, our dancing *Queen*, leave the stage without giving her another standing ovation! You won't see a performance of such physicality and depth again!As always, darling, we're looking forward to an incredible ballet season, filled with artistic triumphs and captivating performances. Remember to grab your tickets, wear your favourite black cocktail dress (with just a touch of sequins for good measure) and prepare to be swept away by the enchantment of ballet.
Until next month, darlings, take care.