Dearest readers,
Welcome to another month of pirouettes and panache! Itâs hard to believe weâre already halfway through the year, the summerâs been flitting by with all the grace and lightness of a swan dive. As the season progresses, my darlings, it seems the dance world continues to shimmer and shine! Weâve seen such magnificent productions, the artistry and elegance has truly been breathtaking. Let's dive into a delicious exposĂ© of the ballet highlights of June 2003, shall we?
The London stage, that dazzling beacon of talent, held court again this month with "Giselle" at The Royal Opera House. Darling, what a revival! I must tell you, the opening night performance was pure magic! The legendary Natalia Osipova as Giselle was positively spellbinding, her vulnerability and heartbreak resonated in every gesture, her fouetté leaps practically taking your breath away. And the ethereal Diana Vishneva as Myrtha, the Queen of the Wilis, sent shivers down my spine. This performance wasn't just a display of talent; it was an embodiment of raw emotion and exquisite technique, a poignant reminder of why ballet holds its place as the pinnacle of artistry.
Speaking of spellbinding, it was a pure joy to see the Royal Balletâs "Swan Lake" in the glorious Covent Garden. Thereâs nothing quite like the enchantment of the White Swan pas de deux, the timeless elegance of Tchaikovskyâs music weaving its magic around the entire performance. It's the story, darling, that truly touches the soul â the fragile beauty, the cruel twists of fate. I was mesmerized by the captivating Tamara Rojo in the dual role, she transitioned seamlessly between the innocence of Odette and the chilling majesty of Odile, her grace and power simply stunning. The entire ensemble was truly outstanding, each movement, each step, adding to the spell of the production.
Of course, no trip to London would be complete without visiting the magnificent Sadlerâs Wells. This month we were blessed with the incomparable "Romeo and Juliet" by the New Adventures Company, a contemporary interpretation of the classic. Now, my dears, you may be thinking, "contemporary, isn't that a bit⊠modern for our dear ballet?" But darling, trust me! Matthew Bourneâs brilliance lies in reimagining the classics while respecting their soul. This "Romeo and Juliet" was both raw and heartfelt, the dancing was as expressive as the choreography. It's simply phenomenal the way Bourne captures the yearning, the conflict, the tragic passion â and of course, the unforgettable Romeoâs final leap!
Across the Atlantic, the heart of the American ballet scene, New York City Balletâs "Jewels" has left me dazzled once again. An exquisite spectacle, each movement a shimmering gemstone. Balanchineâs brilliance is truly on full display in this elegant showcase, three ballets â "Emeralds," "Rubies," and "Diamonds," â each a unique expression of pure elegance and technical prowess. The company was superb; I simply canât pick a favorite as they each brought such a special charm to their individual dances.
From the iconic New York City Ballet to the burgeoning Boston Ballet, a dance troupe with a fresh, exciting vibe. Their recent production of "The Sleeping Beauty" has been drawing rave reviews and deservedly so, my darling! I heard it was a magical performance. The enchanting music of Tchaikovsky paired with stunning choreography gave the story a new, captivating depth. You must put it on your list for next season, if you can get tickets! This company truly has its finger on the pulse of dance today, balancing tradition with fresh, contemporary takes.
But it's not all grand stages and well-known companies, you know! Thereâs magic to be found even in the smallest of venues. The enchanting Scottish Ballet's performance of "A Midsummer Nightâs Dream" was pure enchantment, held in a beautiful historic theater, bathed in soft lights, this performance felt like a whisper of magic in a bygone era. Their interpretation of Shakespeare's classic was fresh and enchanting; it truly gave new meaning to the phrase âsweet dreamsâ!
For those seeking an alternative to the traditional, the innovative, Nederlands Dans Theater, based in the Netherlands, is where you need to look. Their daring and dynamic style of dance pushes the boundaries of the art form. This month, they unveiled a groundbreaking "Dances by Crystal Pite" production. Imagine, if you will, the fluidity of water mixed with the ferocity of fire. Itâs a stunning piece of artistry that will make you question what dance can be, truly pushing the envelope on contemporary ballet.
Beyond the stages of the great metropolises, we have a multitude of talented companies around the globe, each adding their own distinctive touch to the tapestry of dance. I was fortunate enough to witness the Polish National Ballet's captivating performance of "La Bayadere" in the stunning setting of Warsaw's grand Opera House. The dancersâ passion and technique left me breathless! It was a pure spectacle, my dear! From the dramatic intensity of Nikiya's tragedy to the sheer joy of the celebratory Grand pas de deux, this production was a perfect blend of drama, grace, and beauty.
Back in Europe, we saw the Paris Opera Ballet performing the ever-classic "Don Quixote". I have a confession to make, my dear, it's the comedic elements that always grab me, especially with "Don Quixote!" And what comedic talent this troupe possessed, especially their mischievous, playful interpretation of the lead character. And can we talk about the grand spectacle of this production! With exquisite sets and elaborate costumes, it was as visually impressive as it was exhilarating to watch, leaving me with a lingering sense of awe. Oh, my dear! There are certain shows, like this, that leave a lasting impression on the heart, an imprint on your memory for years to come.
Even as we embark on this dazzling dance journey, it is vital to celebrate not just the dancers and choreographers, but also the extraordinary, silent heroes who support them. Think of the costume designers who, like a second-skin sculptor, drape and dress their characters; the lighting designers, who with a brushstroke of light, transform a stage into another world, and of course, the orchestral maestros who, through the vibrant symphony of music, give life and emotion to every dance step. These talents behind the scenes deserve every bit of recognition as the dancers themselves, as without them, the magic of ballet would never come to life. Their efforts bring the whole magic of the performance into a whole new dimension.
Well, darling, Iâm simply breathless after this whirlwind tour of the dance world! Thereâs so much to appreciate, so many captivating stories told through the elegant vocabulary of movement. The beauty, passion, and elegance on stage make it hard not to fall head over heels for the sheer magic that is ballet.
Till next month, my dears, I leave you with this piece of wisdom, passed down by one of the most revered ballerinas of the last century, âBallet is poetry, danced!â Keep moving gracefully,
Yours, in elegance,
Margot