Darling, October is upon us! The air is crisp, the leaves are starting to turn, and the ballet world is alight with the thrill of new productions. This month, I've been fortunate to experience a diverse selection of shows from London to Paris, and trust me, there’s plenty to talk about!
London’s Splendour: A Whirlwind of Emotion at Covent Garden
Oh, darling, you can't mention October without mentioning the glorious opening night at the Royal Opera House. They launched their season with the most sumptuous, decadent production of "The Sleeping Beauty" – I simply can't imagine a better way to welcome the autumn. The set designs were breathtaking! A tapestry of velvets, silk, and gold, reflecting the story's fairytale atmosphere. The choreography? Perfectly preserved, yet so fresh, and oh, the corps de ballet! Absolutely flawless. My dear, their movements were so crisp, like a kaleidoscope of diamonds. And those tutus! Each one, a work of art in its own right, a symphony of layers and delicate lace.
The highlight, however, was Marianela Nuñez’s Aurora. The very embodiment of a young princess in love. Her technique was divine – light and lyrical, effortless yet masterful. Her acting? My dear, simply captivating! From the sweet innocence of childhood to the ethereal beauty of the awakening, she drew me in, her performance was sheer magic! But, the moment she spun and spun, those incredible fouetté turns? They were, to put it mildly, divine!
A Touch of Glamour: "La Bayadère" at the Bolshoi
From London, I whisked off to Moscow. What a treat, to immerse myself in the Bolshoi's glorious tradition. "La Bayadère", darling, it was simply breathtaking! I've seen countless versions of this masterpiece, but this one? It had a raw, untamed energy, yet still retained that air of opulent drama. The spectacle was mind-boggling! A whirlwind of costumes, colours, and elaborate sets. The choreography, of course, remains classic - so full of precision and powerful lines, particularly in the famous Kingdom of the Shades.
And darling, Natalia Osipova, as Nikiya. A vision in white! Her every movement was infused with power and tenderness. A powerful ballerina who never once relinquished her sense of feminine grace. The famed "Grand Pas de Deux"? It was absolutely exhilarating! Their lifts, soaring high above the stage, seemed to defy gravity. And the final scene, when Osipova's Nikiya sacrifices herself for love... well, let's just say, tears were definitely shed.
Paris, Always a Source of Inspiration: A Romantic "Giselle" at the Opera Garnier
My next stop, the grand dame of Parisian ballets, the Opéra Garnier. You can't go wrong with this theatre, darling! Their October offering was "Giselle" - a ballet that’s eternally in fashion. But this production felt so...refined! It retained the raw emotion, the yearning, the anguish of the story, but it also had a refined touch, a delicate sense of elegance, particularly evident in the sets. A dreamy landscape of forest glades and the spectral world of the Wilis.
Aurelie Dupont’s Giselle. Now this dancer, she embodies ethereal grace! So tender, so vulnerable, yet powerful in her vulnerability. Her solo in the second act, amidst the Wilis... simply sublime. And Mathieu Ganio as Albrecht? He had a wonderfully soulful performance. You could feel his struggle, his torment. Their "Grand Pas de Deux", it had a heart-wrenching intensity, a true ballet of lost love.
It’s not just the classical repertoire that captivates! Here are a few more highlights of my autumn tour:
Beyond Tradition: Modern Ballet and New Choreographers
- From Paris, with Love: A Breath of Fresh Air at the Théâtre de Chaillot - A performance by the company at the Théâtre de Chaillot in Paris had me utterly spellbound! Their production was a kaleidoscope of modern ballets, showcasing emerging choreographers from across Europe. The energy was electrifying. So fresh, so modern, it had my toes tapping and my spirits soaring!
- A Bold Move in Berlin - I travelled to Berlin and enjoyed a superb night at the Berliner Ensemble. I fell in love with a contemporary ballet by a talented German choreographer. It had raw energy and edgy visuals, yet it was beautifully sculpted and full of poignant emotional depth. It certainly challenged my perceptions! It’s fascinating how modern choreography, sometimes with little more than minimal sets and props, can convey a depth of meaning and feeling.
- A Ballet for Our Times at Sadler's Wells - This London gem, Sadler's Wells, truly knows its modern ballet! Their programme offered several new pieces that were exciting, thought-provoking and beautifully danced. One, with a distinctly theatrical flavour, was about finding strength in adversity, another had an underlying social commentary – really clever and topical! The choreography, you could feel, had its roots in the streets. I love the way Sadler’s Wells always manages to stay current and push boundaries.
Oh, but I’d be remiss not to mention a very special event that was quite the spectacle - a collaboration between dancers from all the big companies. You wouldn't believe, darling, a dazzling collection of ballet stars - a veritable constellation of talent! They were celebrating the 150th anniversary of a prestigious school of dance, and trust me, this was one glittering gala! The costumes! The grandeur! And it showcased not just technique, but an amazing array of choreography – some classic, some more contemporary – it was really something special.
A Dance Feast For the Senses: From Stage to Screen
Of course, my love of dance doesn't stop at the theatre! This month I was completely engrossed in a fabulous film by a legendary ballet company. The dancers were simply captivating. Their stories, beautifully woven into the narrative. It was almost like I was experiencing the production on stage - the set designs, the atmosphere. It was so powerful. Oh darling, the emotion! The film managed to capture the intimacy, the vulnerability, the raw passion of dance. This was not your average dance documentary. It felt as immersive and captivating as the stage performances themselves.
From Tutu to Trend: The World of Dance in Fashion
Let's face it, darling, a ballerina's wardrobe is an ever-evolving statement. From the elegance of tulle to the allure of sequins, ballet has always had a huge influence on fashion. And this season, it seems that influence is stronger than ever. We're seeing a distinct emphasis on ethereal silhouettes and graceful, flowy shapes. You know, my dear, everything about ballet – the grace, the poise, the passion – is reflected in the clothing that is inspired by its beauty.
My favourite designer has launched an exquisite collection, inspired by the tutus of some of the most famous ballerinas. Everything from shimmering dresses, and floaty gowns to a dramatic sequined jumpsuit – simply gorgeous! I've been buying every single one! I may be slightly obsessed, darling. I love the way it reflects a love of movement and flow. It's like wearing a little bit of magic on your body!
I’ve even found my favorite brand using ballet as an inspiration for their jewelry collection – earrings shaped like ballet shoes, delicate diamond pendants adorned with ballerinas and shimmering necklaces inspired by the patterns of a dancer’s movements. A little piece of magic to wear every day. Absolutely irresistible!
And darling, let's not forget about the shoes! Ballet flats have always been a timeless staple. They've gone through some bold transformations this season. There’s everything from sleek satin pumps in bright jewel tones, and pointy-toed ballet flats that look so elegant and stylish. You can just feel the ballerina within coming to life!
Darling, that’s it from me this month. Keep your eyes peeled for next month, because I’ll have all the scoop on what the ballet world has to offer - and perhaps a fashion tip or two, as well. Enjoy the season, darling, and dance the night away!