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A Dance Devoted: A Look at the Month’s Enchanting Performances Oh my darlings, what a month it has been for the arts! I've had the privilege of witnessing some truly breathtaking performances, from the hallowed halls of the Royal Opera House to the vibrant stages of Paris and beyond. And oh, what a whirlwind it's been! This month, dear readers, I'm absolutely bursting with inspiration. So, grab your champagne flute, and let's take a whirl through a tapestry of ballets and theatrical extravaganzas that have truly left me captivated! London: The Essence of Elegance Starting our tour right here in London, let's dive into the hallowed halls of Covent Garden, my dearest love. At the Royal Opera House, the Bolshoi Ballet’s rendition of 'Swan Lake' was simply breathtaking! It felt almost as if one had stumbled upon a cherished family heirloom – something imbued with generations of history and passion. I can't say I'm a devotee to their classical style, perhaps a tad rigid for my taste, but the artistry was impeccable. Natalia Osipova’s graceful rendition of the White Swan was truly transcendent, bringing a lightness and depth that was nothing short of enchanting. And her Odette? Well, let's just say the stage practically crackled with her dramatic power. On another stage, the English National Ballet took to the stage with 'The Sleeping Beauty.' This production is a staple for the young dancers in the corps de ballet, a brilliant opportunity for these young ladies to shine. They were beautifully presented and the choreography allowed their strength and skill to blossom, particularly in the “Rose Adagio”. Meanwhile, just around the corner at Sadler's Wells, a thrilling new ballet company is creating quite the stir. 'Ballet Black', with their bold approach to dance and storytelling, made their presence known with 'Carmen,' a fiery, captivating fusion of flamenco and ballet that kept me absolutely enthralled. Paris: The City of Romance in Motion Darling, Paris is always an adventure! At the Palais Garnier, my heart swooned for the Parisian Opéra Ballet in their revival of 'La Bayadère.' This ballet is so quintessentially Romantic; I almost wanted to skip out of the theater with my head in the clouds. The Grand Pas Classique was simply divine, the perfect ballet for showing off technique and classical prowess, while the opulent set design evoked that Belle Époque decadence so dear to the soul. The ensemble was sensational; there was not a single fault to be found. This truly felt like a showpiece and for all the technical achievements I found it curiously emotionally flat. This, to me, seems an indictment on our age that even in these lavish ballets there seems a distinct lack of real engagement in the performance. And speaking of romance, how can I not mention the ever-so-daring choreography of Angelin Preljocaj's 'Le Parc.' The piece, as usual for Preljocaj, was intensely thought-provoking. We were taken through the sensual language of contemporary dance, intertwined with classical ballet. Preljocaj's dancers were, of course, utterly superb. This is not ballet as spectacle or romance; it is an assault on the senses. He makes his work accessible to all while forcing the audience to look for meaning beyond the surface, an important element for all audiences. I find that one of the downsides of 'classical ballet' as a performance form is its very inaccessibility. All those tutus, beautiful as they may be, are simply decoration without real artistic meaning. It takes a brave choreographer to stand up and present ballet with a genuine social commentary, and that's what Angelin Preljocaj does and does exceptionally well. From Beyond: Artistic Horizons Expanded And we can't forget our dear friends across the pond. In the States, I couldn’t resist experiencing the extraordinary talent of the New York City Ballet in their season opener. 'Jewels' - a veritable feast for the senses! You can always trust the NYCB to execute Balanchine with an unsurpassed precision and effortless brilliance, and this production was certainly no exception. And, finally, no international ballet pilgrimage is complete without a trip to the Kirov Ballet in St. Petersburg. The majesty and tradition of this historic ballet company still reigns supreme. There I caught their rendition of the perennial favourite, 'Giselle.' Honestly, there is no performance quite like seeing Giselle danced in St. Petersburg. The raw, authentic quality of the performance combined with the Kirov’s deeply established and storied history truly touched my heart. However, as always, their style can seem almost archaic in comparison with their Western counterparts. While the technical feats are flawless and the dramatic moments are truly heartbreaking, they do not, in my opinion, translate to the modern dance scene in quite the same way. The use of pointe work throughout the entirety of the ballet did seem a little dated to my eyes but this ballet is so steeped in history that a modern approach would perhaps seem even more jarring! The Dance Beyond the Stage The dance, darling, it is more than just a show, isn't it? This month saw some captivating exhibitions around the world as well, which, like a good ballet performance, spoke volumes with their grace and precision. At the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, the exhibition 'Degas: The Painter of Dance’ gave a mesmerising glimpse into the soul of the iconic artist. It truly showed just how the artistic mind captured the fluidity and dynamism of the ballerina through their own unique, passionate expression. It truly had me spellbound. And what a truly brilliant exhibition took place at the V&A in London, “Ballet: Dancing on Air”. They did a brilliant job of representing the evolution of dance through historical artifacts and multimedia. From a stunning exhibition of ballet slippers, from the past right up to the present day, through to interactive experiences and projections, this exhibition offered something truly captivating for all audiences and gave a brilliant glimpse into a world that many see only through the medium of stage productions. And as the Curtain Falls… This month has been an intoxicating whirlwind of artistic beauty and inspired movement. It reminded me why I'm still so captivated by the art of ballet and why I'll always keep coming back for more! The energy of the stage, the dedication of the dancers, the enduring artistry... it's a passion that will forever have me dancing through the aisles of these legendary institutions. The beauty and wonder of these performances, like exquisite diamonds, hold a place forever in my heart! However, let's raise a glass to the dancers who carry us into this world of grace, poise, and artistry. To the tireless practice, the disciplined dedication, and the constant pursuit of perfection, you are an inspiration! Onwards, darlings! To a month filled with the exquisite thrill of dance, and until our next foray into the wonderful world of ballet.