Darling, itās simply *divine* to be back from my whirlwind summer of flitting between the world's most captivating ballet stages. You wouldnāt believe the extraordinary talent Iāve witnessed, the intoxicating performances that have left me breathless and the exquisite costumes that have ignited a storm within my fashion-loving soul. **Paris - A Whirlwind of Elegance** I started my journey in Paris, darling, a city that always wraps you in a hug of chic. The **OpĆ©ra Garnier** was, as always, the heart of the Parisian ballet scene. My dear friend, Marie, and I settled into plush seats with champagne in hand to see the sublime **Giselle**. Let me tell you, the precision of the corps de ballet was impeccable ā like perfectly spun silk, each dancer a thread of graceful movement. I couldn't resist a discreet (but perfectly positioned) dab of my favourite Chanel No. 5 during the final act ā the sheer emotion of the choreography moved me deeply. But letās be honest, my dears, it was **Sylvie Guillem**ās Giselle that truly stopped my heart. She was magnificent. Simply magnificent. **Berlin - The New Wave** Then it was on to Berlin, where I felt a frisson of excitement. The **Staatsoper Unter den Linden** always teems with fresh talent. The **āSwan Lakeā** revival had me glued to my seat, the intricate choreography beautifully rendered by a captivating ensemble. It was all about daringly reimagined steps, with some *exquisite* extensions I havenāt seen in years. But oh, my darlings, it was the *energy*, the sheer vibrancy of the Berlin dancers that captivated me. They simply radiate a youthful defiance. **Moscow - Tradition and Transformation** I confess to feeling a thrill as the gleaming spire of the **Bolshoi Theatre** appeared on the horizon, as familiar as a beloved jewel. **Moscow** holds a special place in my heart for its sheer commitment to the ballet tradition. Their version of **āThe Nutcrackerā** is truly magical, an escape into a winter wonderland. Every twirl, every leap, was executed with exquisite finesse, bringing to life the classic fairytale with vibrant colours and impeccable precision. Of course, you cannot visit Moscow without seeing the divine **Anastasia Volochkova**, sheās become an icon. The **"Swan Lake"** that she starred in, had my heart beating like a drum. The power of her movements was exhilarating. Even though Iāve always admired the *classic* look of a swan, this rendition was nothing short of sensational! **New York - A Celebration of Power** I canāt deny the lure of **New York**. And my darlings, I wasnāt disappointed. The energy of **New York City Ballet** at the **David H. Koch Theater** is unparalleled. They are truly on the cutting edge. Their performance of the **āSacre du Printempsā** was, dare I say, electric! The dancers' power, their physicality, simply *sizzled*. I could hardly keep still, my own hands tapping rhythmically with the music, my eyes drinking in every intricate detail. This production truly embraced the bold, the modern. **The Enduring Appeal of Tradition** While I embrace new styles, dear readers, I must confess to a deep, abiding love for the traditions that have made ballet so enduring. Iāve witnessed breathtaking performances of the **āSleeping Beautyā** around the world. But it was in **Vienna** at the **Staatsoper** that this timeless ballet took my breath away. The sumptuous sets and exquisite costumes were a visual feast. I must tell you, thereās a kind of magic that permeates Vienna, making every ballet experience exquisite. **The Power of the Ensemble** You know, darling, itās the *ensemble*, the beauty of seeing all those dancers moving in perfect unison, that truly stirs something deep within me. **The Royal Ballet** in **London** is renowned for their phenomenal ensemble. The performance of **āRomeo and Julietā** had my tears flowing. They were the embodiment of a love story that time cannot touch. The ensemble captured every subtle shift in emotion, every yearning look. It was, quite simply, *breathtaking*. **The Rising Stars** But oh my dear friends, we must not forget the *emerging talents*, the future stars of the ballet world. Iāve seen dazzling performances from a multitude of gifted young dancers. The **American Ballet Theatre** in **New York** has produced some incredibly talented ballerinas. Itās hard to resist the artistry of **Isabella Boylston** who was absolutely *divine* in the role of "Aurora". You can just tell that this woman is going places. Iām eagerly watching to see how these young stars will continue to illuminate the world of ballet. **Dancing Through the Night** After weeks of mesmerising performances, itās a lovely feeling to relax and be enveloped in the comfortable embrace of my Parisian flat. But, as I gaze out at the city lights from my balcony, my mind is filled with memories of every elegant arabesque, every thrilling leap, every performance that has filled my soul with such joy. Until next season, darlings, adieu! Keep on dancing!
Ā
