Oh, my dears, what a whirlwind of a month! The July heat was almost unbearable, but thankfully, we were kept cool by the breathtaking artistry of ballerinas the world over. I found myself hopping (metaphorically, of course!) from Paris to New York and even Moscow in pursuit of the very best. This month's ballet highlights had such an exquisite range of offerings, there really is something for every taste – whether you yearn for the classicism of the Bolshoi or the edgy modernity of the Nederlands Dans Theater.
Paris: A Touch of Romance at the Palais Garnier
Let's begin in the City of Lights, darling, where I witnessed the most captivating performance of "La Sylphide" I've seen in years at the Opera Garnier. The story, so full of ethereal love and heartbreak, simply flowed on stage, almost like a dream. The ballerinas, as always, were impeccably beautiful and technically brilliant. But the performance's true star, for me, was the delicate beauty of the sets and costumes – they felt like a breathtaking Parisian fairytale. My darlings, let me tell you, this production truly captured the romanticism and charm of this masterpiece, and left me quite positively entranced.
London: New Choreography Takes Centre Stage
Next, I jetted across the Channel to London, where I was charmed by the sheer inventiveness of the Royal Ballet's "World Premiere Season." The new choreography by Liam Scarlett for "Asphodel Meadows" was truly something special – a dance of both fierce passion and gentle melancholia. And what a beautiful backdrop, darling! Inspired by Botticelli's paintings, it provided a captivating visual feast. But the real jewel of the season was undoubtedly Akram Khan's "Dust," a truly poignant exploration of love, loss, and our connection to nature. It was a far cry from traditional ballet, with its powerful gestures and earthy feel, but it held me utterly captive with its evocative storytelling.
New York: A Fusion of Cultures at the New York City Ballet
Now, off to New York, the bustling city that never sleeps. I found myself particularly enamored with the New York City Ballet's program celebrating the company's history. It was an electrifying display of talent and a wonderful celebration of the genre's evolution. They included works by masters like Balanchine, Robbins, and Wheeldon – and each piece brought something uniquely exciting to the stage. The choreography of Balanchine's "Symphony in C" had such a captivating sense of purity and precision. While, later, I found myself completely spellbound by Justin Peck's "The Most Incredible Thing." A dance of passion and sensuality with its roots firmly planted in classical technique but bursting with vibrant contemporary expression, darling! It really felt like a modern-day love story. Oh, I was simply dazzled by its originality.
Moscow: The Bolshoi's Timeless Elegance
From the grit of New York, I landed in Moscow. Ah, Moscow! The Bolshoi Ballet never ceases to amaze. Seeing "Swan Lake" at the legendary Bolshoi Theatre was simply sublime. I can't even describe how breathtaking the sheer power of the dance was, darling, with those iconic fouettes, pirouettes, and the iconic white tutus - it's a performance that sends shivers down your spine, the ballet company were simply sublime. Oh, the sheer spectacle! Everything was executed with a classic, flawless technique, and an elegant artistry that just oozed glamour and grandeur. It was truly an unforgettable experience.
Amsterdam: Embracing Modernity at the Nederlands Dans Theater
Lastly, I made my way to the ever-vibrant Amsterdam, where I delved into the avant-garde world of the Nederlands Dans Theater. They offered a truly diverse mix of styles, but one performance stood out. Paul Lightfoot's and Sol Leon's "Sh**," a dark and compelling contemporary piece, captured the beauty and intensity of life with raw, passionate movements. It was raw, fearless, and so brilliantly executed – these dancers, my dear, had such remarkable stamina and incredible expression, they drew me into their story, every moment of the dance felt so authentic, so real. This piece challenged conventional ballet aesthetics and presented a compelling exploration of the human condition, leaving a profound impression on my heart, darling.
And Beyond
It wasn't all grand theatres and renowned companies this month, my dear. I found myself enchanted by the smaller, independent performances that continue to shine brightly throughout the world. A local ballet troupe in Tuscany brought tears to my eyes with their emotionally charged performance of a Stravinsky classic. And in Tokyo, I witnessed a dazzling spectacle of contemporary ballet – where traditional technique blended effortlessly with an array of theatrical elements, it felt as if the very soul of the city pulsed through the performance.
In Conclusion,
August saw a remarkable outpouring of creativity and talent, reminding us all why ballet is truly the art form of a lifetime, I continue to be enthralled by the grace and elegance of ballet. And the remarkable way it can transport us to other realms with every movement and pirouette, whether it’s classic or avant-garde, and through those breathtaking costumes and mesmerizing choreography - I simply adore the exquisite beauty that unfolds.
So, if you haven't already booked a ticket to your local ballet performance, my dear, you truly must! With so many captivating pieces being performed, I can promise you will not be disappointed.
And to all the wonderful ballerinas out there, both seasoned professionals and budding stars - keep dancing, keep dreaming, keep soaring, let your art touch hearts and make a lasting impact on the world.
Until next month, dear reader,
- Natasha, Ballet enthusiast