Darlings! Another month is upon us and with February comes the undeniable chill of a Parisian winter. Of course, as seasoned ballerinas, we embrace this crispness, its air carrying a quiet energy that I find perfect for the ballet. This month, we have some truly magnificent spectacles happening around the world, all promising to both invigorate and transport us.
Let's start in Paris, shall we? The Paris Opera Ballet is dazzling with its revival of **Giselle**. I attended opening night last week and I was swept away by the grace of the company's principal, Marie-Agnès Gillot. Her interpretation of the young, love-struck Giselle was delicate and utterly believable, her portrayal of grief at the tragic climax utterly heart-wrenching. What a performance! One doesn't need a microscope to see her mastery of the art - a delicate pointé here, a powerful plié there, Gillot effortlessly glides between the worlds of human and ethereal, embodying Giselle with nuance and raw emotion. You know I always admire the classics, but seeing them performed with this degree of finesse is an unforgettable experience. Truly a delight to watch, and certainly not to be missed!
Moving eastward to the hallowed halls of the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, we are in for a treat. The Bolshoi Ballet has just concluded its new production of The Nutcracker. And honestly, darlings, it is the very definition of opulence! Imagine, a vast, gleaming stage adorned with the most intricate set design, costumes so lavishly embellished that one feels transported to another realm entirely. There's nothing quite like the spectacle of a Bolshoi production. And the dancing is as dazzling as the visual spectacle - powerful yet precise, technically brilliant with an air of utter self-assuredness. The Bolshoi dancers never cease to amaze, and their new production of The Nutcracker is no exception! My favourite was undoubtedly, Dimitri Volkov, the epitome of elegant male classical artistry. He seemed to embody the character of the Prince completely. It was captivating!
And now let us take a trip across the pond to the bright lights of the Big Apple, my dear! New York City Ballet continues to charm us with its artistry, its current offering being the new ballet **La Nuit**. Created by renowned choreographer Alexei Ratmansky, this contemporary masterpiece offers a stunning reflection of love and loss. The storytelling is powerful, each movement deliberate and significant, and the music - hauntingly beautiful - serves as the perfect accompaniment. The NYCB dancers, always a delight, really embody the nuances of Ratmansky's choreography. It is this calibre of performance, you see, that sets this ballet apart! You are guaranteed to be moved and entertained!
Here in London, we have been treated to a rather delightful treat this month at the Royal Opera House - the Royal Ballet has been delighting us with a sublime revival of Swan Lake. The choreography, my dears, is an iconic masterwork! Every pirouette, every jeté, is executed with masterful precision. The dancers are, of course, world class - particularly the lovely Anya Skripova. She brought a truly touching grace to Odette, effortlessly transitioning between her fragile human guise and the otherworldly swan. Anya's performance was not merely beautiful - it was breathtaking!
Let's not forget about the contemporary scene! At the Sadler's Wells Theatre, we had the privilege of watching the renowned **Rambert Dance Company perform **Second Breath. Choreographed by Iván Pérez, it's a truly stunning work that explores the human experience with a refreshingly raw vulnerability. The choreography is dynamic and daring - we see movement that redefines and even stretches our understanding of the very definition of "dance." I am particularly fond of how Pérez cleverly blends physicality and emotional depth in his work, using the bodies of his dancers as canvases to express a truly compelling emotional narrative. Don't let the contemporary nature of this ballet deter you - I assure you, you will find yourself mesmerised!
Now, there are countless other productions in cities all across the world. In San Francisco, you can experience the San Francisco Ballet showcasing the dramatic "Boléro". In Berlin, you will find the Staatsoper Unter den Linden delighting audiences with their stunning rendition of Don Quixote. And who could resist the vibrant, ever-energetic Royal Winnipeg Ballet performing Sleeping Beauty? No matter where you may find yourself in the world, darlings, I assure you, you will find a captivating dance performance waiting to sweep you off your feet!
Speaking of captivating dance performances, we must also dedicate space to those beyond the confines of traditional theatre spaces! The recent opening of The House of Dancing Water, a lavish spectacle in Macau, has caused quite a stir. Its impressive use of water and high-flying acrobatics makes it an unforgettable entertainment experience! A feast for the senses - and certainly a treat for the fashionista! I daresay, there's a new breed of dancers emerging in these new venues - dancers who move seamlessly across a range of styles, blending acrobatics, artistry, and technology in their breathtaking performances! The showstopper here is definitely the acrobatics, showcasing stunning feats of agility, balance, and sheer human artistry.
And if you find yourself hankering for something a little different, we have the new and exciting production of "Contact!" being performed across numerous UK cities! This dynamic and invigorating performance offers audiences the opportunity to engage with the dance, literally! "Contact! " encourages spontaneous interaction, using the entire stage as a playground to showcase the vibrancy and inventiveness of contemporary dance. Expect the unexpected, my dears! It's definitely worth your time and you never know what you might be called upon to do - or to see! It’s certainly breaking away from traditional ballets.
As we delve further into the season, let's remember the allure of these performances. The energy, the precision, and the passion with which dancers perform these pieces truly transcends words. They offer us a glimpse into a world where the boundaries of human potential are redefined, where artistry and emotion coalesce into something visually, emotionally breathtaking.
So, my darling ballet enthusiasts, let us celebrate the art of dance this February. Take time for yourselves, treat your souls to a truly captivating experience, and revel in the brilliance of each dance company, each performance, each unique story spun in motion! Let the enchantment of the world of ballet transport you! I shall see you, darlings, in the front rows!