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September's En Pointe: A World of Ballet Delights

My darlings, August has flown by like a feather caught in a whirlwind, leaving a trail of glitter and champagne in its wake. But September beckons, bringing with it the crisp air of a new season and a calendar brimming with exquisite ballets, each promising an enthralling journey into the heart of the art. As always, we'll be pirouetting from stage to stage, embracing the grandeur of the classics alongside the bold visions of modern dance. Let's take a twirl through this month's most exciting productions:

Ah, Paris! The air hangs thick with the aroma of freshly baked croissants and the tantalising whisper of romance. It's no surprise, then, that the ballet world finds itself perpetually captivated by the city's ethereal grace. And this September, it's the turn of the **Ballet de l'Opéra de Paris** to steal our hearts.

On the bill is a re-staging of **La Sylphide**, a ballet that whispers of enchantment. Choreographed by Auguste Bournonville in 1836, this romantic ballet boasts an elegance so ethereal, it would make even the most jaded soul believe in fairy tales. With its delicate choreography, poignant storytelling, and utterly enchanting music, **La Sylphide** is a timeless classic, a tribute to the purest form of ballet. And as for the performance itself, well, you know I'm a hopeless romantic. So it's safe to say that seeing the Ballet de l'Opéra de Paris pirouette through this tale of forbidden love will surely make you believe in the magic of true passion, darling. I know you’re longing for it!

Across the channel, London throws open its arms to both the old and the new. And this September, the Royal Ballet is on a mission to tantalise with a feast of variety.

• The company opens the month with a return to the **Royal Opera House**, their home stage, for a captivating production of **The Sleeping Beauty**, a ballet as enduring as the iconic fairytale upon which it’s based. This production features exquisite sets and costumes, breathtaking choreography that blends classic grace with technical prowess, and an array of glorious waltzes and pas de deux.
• The company will also perform the critically acclaimed work **Afterlife**, the first full-length ballet choreographed by Wayne McGregor. Don’t worry, darling, if the name sounds unfamiliar to you - McGregor has a keen eye and his talent for choreography is beyond reproach, creating both modern, thrilling and thought provoking works.
• To round off the month, the Royal Ballet presents an evening of mixed bill featuring some of the most sought-after names in contemporary ballet. This will be a thrilling blend of bold choreography and powerful narratives, perfect for the dance enthusiast in search of the new and exhilarating.

Now, no discussion of the ballet world would be complete without mentioning New York City, the heart and soul of the contemporary dance movement. This September, New York’s dancers take centre stage with productions that challenge conventions and inspire a wave of awe.

• The **New York City Ballet** are offering a must-see program at the **Lincoln Center**, a jewel in the city’s crown, featuring a world premiere by the extraordinary Christopher Wheeldon, whose elegant choreography pushes boundaries while simultaneously embracing tradition.
• Across town, the **American Ballet Theatre** (ABT) are also giving New York a show they won't forget, presenting a revival of Alexei Ratmansky's captivating work, **Symphony in C**. With its vibrant, exhilarating style and its focus on showcasing the raw talent of the dancers, it is no wonder this work has found its place in ballet history.
• But it’s not just the big names you’ll be drawn to, my darling. The city’s smaller venues offer equally captivating dance experiences, including **The Joyce Theatre** where you’ll find new talents shining, pushing boundaries with their experimental pieces, daring to change the rules.

But the magic of ballet is not confined to the glamorous city centres, dear reader. The art of ballet, in its many glorious forms, shines brightly across the globe, inspiring and captivating audiences. This September, there’s truly something for everyone, so put your dance shoes on and let’s journey far and wide.

• In the heart of Tokyo, the **Tokyo Ballet** offers a vibrant rendition of **Giselle**, a timeless tale of love, loss and ghostly revenge that continues to enchant audiences even centuries after its first performance. The elegance and precision of the Japanese dancers is a pure delight, with every step radiating emotion.
• Closer to home, the **National Ballet of Canada**, based in Toronto, offers an invigorating exploration of new work by Canadian choreographers. If you’re interested in the evolution of ballet and finding out how today’s choreographers reimagine and redefine the art form, be sure to check out their repertoire.
• Finally, if you’re looking for a truly unforgettable experience, why not travel a little further afield, to **Hong Kong**, and take in the **Hong Kong Ballet’s** mesmerizing production of **Swan Lake**, an experience as captivating as the breathtaking scenery of this beautiful city. This timeless ballet continues to entrance and delight generations of dance lovers, a true masterpiece with the power to move us to our core.

To fully appreciate the ballets listed above, darling, a touch of sartorial elegance is essential, something both classic and bold, effortlessly stylish, to perfectly complement the occasion. You are looking for a timeless classic. Think timeless elegance - a perfectly fitted dress, in rich burgundy or midnight blue, accented by delicate lace, or perhaps a silk blouse tucked into tailored trousers - and let’s not forget that signature touch of sparkle – a strand of pearls, earrings that shimmer with elegance and grace - let’s show our dance style even when the dancing’s over!

As we waltz into September, darling, let’s embrace the wonder that dance offers - the captivating story told in a graceful pas de deux, the powerful energy in each leap, the quiet stillness of a delicate pirouette - and find joy and beauty in each fleeting moment. So, whether you find yourself enraptured in a glittering theatre or mesmerised in the intimate setting of a smaller stage, allow yourself to be swept away by the captivating world of ballet.

Remember to look and feel your best, darling! It’s a truly thrilling time to be a dance lover!