Septemberâs Ballet Blooms: A Season of Grace and Grit
Dearest readers, the leaves may be starting to turn, but the world of ballet is positively blossoming! From the cobbled streets of Prague to the glittering towers of New York, the stage is ablaze with artistry. As always, my seasoned eyes have been everywhere, soaking up the energy, the sweat, the sheer *je ne sais quoi* that makes this form so intoxicating. This month, Iâm sharing my favourites, the moments that stayed with me, and a few thoughts on where this art is headed.
First, letâs raise a glass to the *crème de la crème*, the productions that took my breath away. In the very heart of Prague, at the National Theatre, the National Ballet has finally revived their version of âGiselleâ, choreographed by the legendary VĂĄclav NiĹžinskĂ˝. This was, dear reader, a masterclass. There is a quiet intimacy to NiĹžinskĂ˝'s work that resonates so deeply. It's as if he speaks to the very soul of the ballerina. **Veronika KlĂmovĂĄ** as Giselle was exquisite. She was light, she was ethereal, her sorrow was palpable, yet her joy... well, it simply lit up the entire theatre. The company, all beautifully in tune, had the audience rapt with every delicate move. This, my loves, is the ballet as it should be.
Now, let's whisk across the Atlantic to the bright lights of New York, where the American Ballet Theatre is on fire with the bold and daring work of **âThe Prodigal Sonâ**. Now, this wasn't a delicate whisper of classical dance, but a passionate roar! The work is a masterpiece of movement and drama, with stunning visuals by **James Schuette** and music that just takes your breath away. **David Hallberg**, well, he is an absolute tour de force. Every move was charged, his body a magnificent instrument. This is modern ballet at its finest, pushing boundaries without sacrificing artistry.
And speaking of modern masters, the **Nederlands Dans Theater** always leaves me feeling rejuvenated and inspired. Theyâre at the top of their game right now, and the recent production of **âRainâ** by **Paul Lightfoot and Sol Leon** had me buzzing for weeks. They're not afraid to experiment, to play with the very concept of dance. Thereâs a starkness to their style, a boldness that is almost unsettling, but itâs precisely this rawness that grips you and refuses to let go.
But let's not forget about our beloved classical masterpieces. The Bolshoi, now, they really know how to deliver **âSwan Lakeâ**. Every turn, every arabesque, every pliĂŠ was a pure joy to behold. **Svetlana Zakharova**, with her elegance and control, was a revelation as Odette/Odile. She was not simply dancing; she was living every emotion, making the swan's tragic fate absolutely palpable. The Bolshoi's power is that they maintain that traditional essence of classical ballet while adding their own touch of intensity.
This month, I also saw the rise of several young stars who are making their mark on the world. I was enchanted by **Daria Klimentova** at the Mariinsky Theatre in St Petersburg. Her technical prowess is, quite frankly, astonishing, but her artistry goes far beyond simply flawless execution. Her performance as **âLa Bayadèreâ** had the audience held captive. She moved with an ease and a joy that made me believe I was watching someone born to dance.
But itâs not just the dancers, my loves, that make this world so magical. I want to take a moment to acknowledge the power of costumes and scenery. The costumes in the Royal Ballet's production of âThe Sleeping Beautyâ were nothing short of glorious. From Auroraâs sparkling, whimsical tutu to the richly textured designs of the evil Carabosse, each garment was a feast for the eyes. Itâs that extra detail, that attention to every single thread, that lifts ballet beyond just a performance. Itâs storytelling on a level few can reach.
As we embark on this new season, I sense a shift in the world of ballet. There is a yearning for more experimentation, a hunger for innovation. And weâre seeing it manifest in every corner of the world. Itâs fascinating. We have a new generation of dancers, not afraid to push the boundaries of what it means to move. We're seeing them collaborating with visual artists, musicians, and designers. Itâs thrilling to see where these new collaborations will lead. Ballet, in its very core, is a dialogue, a conversation between the dancers and their audience, a conversation thatâs always evolving.
I am excited, my darlings, to see where the future of ballet takes us, to see how this art form continues to grow and evolve. It's an art for the ages, for all ages, a universal language of emotion, beauty, and pure expression. This September, go out and see the ballet. Embrace the energy, the power, and the beauty that unfolds on those wooden floors.
Your dance-loving correspondent,
Olivia
âFrom the Cobblestones to the Catwalkâ
With a month of dance-inspired chic, our September fashion focus moves from the cobblestone squares of Prague and the grand theatres of Europe to the dazzling streets of New York City. The **"Après Ballet"** look blends the graceful elegance of the dancer with the edgy swagger of the urbanite.
Ballet Noir: This month we see dark romanticism meeting classic glamour. Think black velvet, dramatic chiffon scarves draped asymmetrically, and statement jewellery with an antique touch. Look to designers like **Alexander McQueen**, **Valentino**, and **Dior** for inspiration.
On the Boards: For that touch of elegance and an undeniably effortless sense of style, take a page from the **"Swan Lake"** playbook. Opt for delicate ballerina shoes, simple, yet exquisite gowns, a delicate pearl necklace, and a touch of black satin for eveningwear.
In the Groove: Inspired by the movement and energy of **âThe Prodigal Sonâ** and the contemporary edge of **"Rain",** consider leather jackets paired with silk dresses, dramatic jumpsuits in rich, metallic tones, and statement jewellery with an architectural vibe.
Beauty Tips for the âAfter the Danceâ Glow
This month, let your inner ballerina shine through your makeup. The look is all about radiant, dewy skin and a touch of glamorous color. Start with a foundation that enhances your natural skin tone and allows a healthy glow to show through. And of course, thereâs the indispensable red lipstick. The ultimate after-the-ballet statement.
For the eyes, look to smoky shades that evoke the depths of the stage lighting while staying true to a subtly elegant palette. Use brown shades with just a touch of sparkle for a hazy and mysterious look that's both captivating and chic.
And don't forget the finishing touches - use a light scented moisturizer for a dewy sheen and choose a light, fresh floral scent to create a soft trail of ballet perfume. Let the perfumes of the dance floor and the energy of the performances be your inspiration, dear readers. The dance floor is waiting!