Darling, I simply must tell you about my latest ballet adventures! January always feels like a fresh start, and this year has been nothing short of breathtaking. My diary has been a whirl of champagne receptions, elegant galas, and of course, exquisite dance. New York, New York! First stop, the Big Apple! It wouldn’t be a new year without a visit to the iconic New York City Ballet, darlings. This month saw them opening their winter season with a glittering production of Balanchine’s Serenade. Oh my, the costumes – a study in simplicity and elegance, with the dancers’ bodies practically sculpted from moonlight. As for the choreography, Balanchine never fails to move me. It’s like watching a kaleidoscope of emotion, so full of passion and drama. The dancers were simply superb – a particular mention to the captivating Tiler Peck who delivered a stunning performance that left me breathless. Afterwards, we took a walk to the nearby Barneys for a little retail therapy – the perfect way to top off a glorious evening. Berlin Beckons My next escapade took me to Berlin, a city full of fascinating history and pulsating nightlife. Naturally, the State Ballet Berlin was on my agenda. My goodness, their staging of Romeo and Juliet was absolutely phenomenal. The entire production felt intensely personal and utterly captivating. This wasn’t just a romantic ballet – it was a passionate and raw story of forbidden love, loss and betrayal. The dancing, oh my dear, was truly exquisite. I was especially moved by the heartbreaking performance of Anna Laudere as Juliet, a true star in the making. The company’s ability to communicate emotion through movement was second to none. But Berlin has more than ballet to offer, darlings. After the performance, we dined at the fantastic Augustiner-Brauhaus – a charming traditional pub brimming with atmosphere. Parisian Perfection Paris, of course, had to be next on my list. And no visit would be complete without experiencing the elegance and brilliance of the Paris Opera Ballet. This month they were presenting the classic, Swan Lake. The iconic white tutus were dazzling under the spotlight. It was as if the dancers were transformed into mythical swans, floating effortlessly on stage. But let me tell you, the choreography demanded strength and precision that was truly mesmerizing. As a ballerina, I find it an absolutely beautiful way to showcase a dancer’s technical ability – the speed, control and effortless jumps are mesmerizing. The Paris Opera Ballet has long been famous for its strict adherence to the classical technique, and this performance was no exception. It truly felt as if I was transported back to a bygone era of grand theatre and romanticism. The city of lights certainly knows how to show a girl a good time, darlings. An elegant lunch at Café de Flore followed by an afternoon spent strolling along the banks of the Seine, perfection. Dancing Under the Northern Lights I confess, I have always wanted to see the Northern Lights, and a recent visit to Reykjavik proved to be a magical experience. And oh, dear, my visit coincided with a fantastic performance of the Iceland Dance Company. The company’s focus is on contemporary dance, with a strong emphasis on exploration of Icelandic heritage and nature. The production that I saw was set against a breathtaking backdrop of the Icelandic landscape, complete with projections of the auroras. A touch of modern theatricality was brought to the classical form by their beautiful, natural designs, the use of innovative lighting and bold, geometric set design. Their focus on innovative choreography and emotional storytelling certainly left an impact. We followed the performance with a trip to the world-famous Blue Lagoon - an amazing experience of indulging in the soothing, milky blue waters whilst gazing at the Aurora Borealis overhead, just magical. Back to Blighty Finally, I must mention the Royal Ballet, darling. There's nothing quite like catching up on the latest from the Royal Opera House. This month they’ve been presenting a revival of Frederick Ashton's Cinderella. Oh, it's just the most charming production. You simply cannot resist being swept up in the whimsical, fairytale atmosphere. The choreography was delightful and full of theatrical wit. And the sets – a real triumph of creative design, transporting me to a magical kingdom of enchanted castles and glittering carriages. It’s the perfect ballet for a cold January evening - so romantic, so beautifully choreographed, and just plain gorgeous! And let’s not forget the fabulous Vivienne Westwood costumes! It's been a rather grand and full month for a dance-loving girl! And there’s so much to look forward to – from new premieres in Paris to exciting workshops and masterclasses back here in London, darling! As they say, the show must go on! And remember, when in doubt, dance it out!
