Darling, it's February, and the world is dancing! February, for me, always means the first stirrings of spring after the cold bite of winter, the colours are becoming richer and warmer, and of course, it’s that time again for our wonderful ballet season to come to life! It feels like such a luxurious escape to be swept away into a world of beautiful costumes, gorgeous sets and enthralling, emotive performances, a perfect antidote to the bleakness of midwinter! I must say I’m feeling wonderfully pampered this February. Let's dive in then and see where my trusty tickets have taken me this month, and where the dance world is going from strength to strength, so here it is – all for your delectation …
Paris! A Trip To The Paris Opera Ballet
Now who doesn't dream of Paris? My dear darling friends – I can just feel the romantic aura radiating off the Paris Opera Ballet, just so Parisian! The dancers, effortlessly stylish, simply ooze sophistication, that classic French savoir-faire you see? I know there is nothing like an evening in this enchanting, atmospheric and very glamorous building for an uplifting experience, and, of course, a glimpse into the life and style of Parisian culture. This month I made a special visit to see the Paris Opera Ballet performance of 'Giselle'. Oh darling, it really did just make my heart soar – I just love the haunting romanticism of 'Giselle', such tragedy, it just pulls you in with that powerful intensity. The Paris dancers simply live the story, each and every moment felt as real as could be, a complete immersive experience, their graceful movements and beautifully honed bodies so beautifully in harmony with this story. They danced the heartbreak with such delicacy and feeling and it had a powerful effect, such elegance and tenderness.
From Paris To Russia.
I jetted off to Moscow this month to catch a performance of the Bolshoi ballet! It's all about that magnificent Bolshoi Theatre and that gorgeous red velvet. So opulent! For an authentic ballet experience this has to be your place to go. Such incredible depth of tradition in every single aspect. This month I was totally entranced by ‘La Bayadère' which for me epitomises Russian ballet style with that strong sense of drama and intense emotionality. This show is so famous for its spectacle, and it didn't disappoint. The 'Kingdom of Shades' is unforgettable. Simply breath-taking and jaw-dropping – oh darling – the 'White Act', the epitome of classical beauty, so heavenly. So exquisite in its choreography, it's that ultimate ballerina experience, pure grace and technical precision.
London, The Royal Ballet – Now There’s Elegance For You.
Oh, The Royal Ballet – that lovely traditional British style, so full of finesse and refinement and exquisite detail. The heart of London's dancing life! Darling, what a pleasure to spend the month surrounded by these elegant dancers in that splendidly refined setting – The Royal Opera House. What’s not to love? I had a wonderful evening enjoying ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ The sets were magnificent, as befits this wonderful classic tale – truly enchanting – such craftsmanship. This production, an absolute joy! This month they also introduced us to ‘Diana and Actaeon’ which has really just caused such a buzz, very controversial with the inclusion of the nude statues. A little racy, some say, I must agree but, beautifully done, as always! And the dance – absolutely breathtaking, so intricate, so perfectly in tune, it’s so exciting to see what the Royal is creating now.
A Big Favourite, New York City Ballet.
Oh my darling! How absolutely divine the New York City Ballet looks with that fresh and youthful energy. New York just oozes glamour and it is absolutely electrifying. Every time I return, I am mesmerised! Just think, what's so wonderful is they manage to blend classical beauty with this incredible contemporary dynamism, so very very American! What is more the NYCB are at the very heart of everything exciting happening in the world of ballet at this moment. This month, 'The Four Temperaments', so beautiful, and very, very different I’m always fascinated by Ballet Theatre’s revival of Balanchine's choreography. It’s like a feast of wonderful dance steps, pure energy and artistry. It was a must see for me.
The Royal Ballet Of Flanders – A Very Stylish Gem,
This is a really delightful company. They bring a lot of stylish drama to ballet in Europe, and I particularly like their commitment to pushing boundaries, introducing a range of diverse new talents to the world. For me, what I really love is the sheer exuberance they bring to the stage and they are just so bold! A breath of fresh air really, in that exciting European way, oh I love Europe, so cultured and cosmopolitan! The Royal Ballet of Flanders’ interpretation of ’Giselle' really brought this story to life! Every performance was so full of fire! So much passion, so authentic, it really felt very different to the way I’ve seen this story performed before. Oh, just so beautifully done, the story and dance totally coming together. This production was very thought-provoking as it gave me a completely different and rather modern view on this classic work.
London’s Other Side, The English National Ballet.
Now for another gem on our shores, the English National Ballet! I can just tell you how delightful it was to see their ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ again! Simply wonderful. This production is the perfect choice for a delightful family outing, a classic piece, beautifully and lavishly presented. And, so impressive, a performance so perfect for showing a younger generation what wonderful art ballet can be, really lovely. Of course it had that quintessential English elegance, but I have to say it felt rather daring in the choice of music, the musical style that was used. A bit less traditional but actually a really rather exciting interpretation – well done!
Australian Ballet.
Well of course I made the trip down to Sydney to indulge my passion. Such vibrant creativity here. The Australian Ballet, oh, they really are an exciting, vibrant company! There is something very different and special about their performance style. I just adore their vitality – it is a refreshing experience compared to the other, slightly more traditional European companies, that kind of exuberant feeling they just can't quite reproduce! This month I felt really swept away by their performance of ‘Swan Lake' Their production really felt so fresh and beautiful - full of elegance and style. Everything so polished – every performance just oozed such talent. The Australians always deliver, such a wonderful showcase for the most exciting ballet talent of today!
The Dance World Just Never Seems To Stand Still, And Now for Something Rather Different, The Rambert Dance Company – Always Challenging and So Thought Provoking
They are such a wonderful bunch. So committed, this company pushes all kinds of boundaries. They are always inspiring the very highest level of talent – their dancing style is really distinctive! I was intrigued this month by their interpretation of ‘Flock’, an exquisite piece about nature. There is such depth and feeling, you are literally taken in by the story they create through dance – so powerful and so creative. They are certainly a must-see for any ballet fan, and their current season just proves it’s always worth making the trip, they always have something wonderful to show us, a really exciting group of dancers!
Dance At Home
My darlings I know we love the atmosphere of those amazing ballet houses – The Bolshoi in Moscow, the Grand Opera House in Paris, or London’s Covent Garden. We love being out and about and I know how I like a glamorous evening dressed up – darling, don't we all love a bit of the sparkle?! And we enjoy seeing the incredible work done on those stunning stages with those grand and magnificent sets. And, of course the gorgeous costumes! But this month I must also add a bit of home life! Do take the time, darling to watch some of those absolutely beautiful productions on TV. You have everything from classic ballets, through the wonderfully quirky, and a beautiful showcase for some great young, new talent emerging – something for every ballet lover!
Now for my absolute favorite dance book of the moment, ‘ Dance Like a Man.’ By Mikhail Baryshnikov.
Now, what could be more delicious to read than the memoirs of a dance legend like this? Baryshnikov’s book really offers an interesting insight into his world, and it's a great look at how things used to be. He certainly paints a very exciting and colourful picture. You’re right darling, a fascinating account of his own remarkable story, and an interesting peek behind the scenes of that fascinating world! And he is a dancer that absolutely takes your breath away, pure masculine power and style. What a legend, he’s the very best and such a wonderful dance ambassador for the world to enjoy.
So as I've mentioned – this is a truly great time to be a lover of the world of dance and the glamour that comes with it, so I really hope you enjoy the month's performances and maybe get your own tickets booked up. Oh darling, the world of ballet is alive with so many talents to marvel at. And there are some amazing creativity, innovative pieces emerging in the dance world now – oh, the things they'll be teaching the younger generation in the years to come! I look forward to seeing you out in the world of ballet, oh, my darling friends, make the most of this fabulous season. I can’t wait to catch you in the audience.