My darlings, October has arrived, and with it a new season of exquisite balletic experiences. This month, as always, promises a whirlwind of artistry, a breathtaking kaleidoscope of movement, and a symphony of emotions orchestrated through the language of dance. I am brimming with excitement to share my observations from across the globe, for there is nothing quite like witnessing the human form stretched to its limits, transformed into pure poetry by the grace and skill of the world’s greatest ballerinas.
New York City Ballet’s Autumnal Offerings: Oh darling, I was truly transported to another world as I witnessed the majesty of Balanchine’s ballets in the glorious grandeur of the New York State Theatre. This season, the focus was on his works from the late 1940s and early 50s, those exquisite compositions where his genius was still young and unfettered. The energy was electric, a vibrant collision of the classic and the contemporary. A must-see was ‘Concerto Barocco,’ with the ever-elegant Wendy Whelan commanding the stage with her refined precision and breathtaking fluidity. But it was ‘Agon’, a sprawling exploration of tension and release, that left me absolutely spellbound. The speed, the intricacy, the explosive athleticism – it was breathtaking. This, my darlings, is ballet at its most intoxicating, a tapestry of emotions spun from pure, unadulterated talent.
Royal Ballet Returns: Returning home to Covent Garden always fills me with a sense of nostalgia, the familiar scent of cedarwood and the whispered rustle of anticipation. The Royal Ballet's October lineup presented an eclectic mix of styles. The perennial favourite, ‘Giselle’ was perfectly delivered – a feast for the senses with a heartrending story and sublime performances. The exquisite Marianela Nunez simply stole the show, her Giselle both heartbreaking and mesmerizing. The male ensemble also deserves a huge round of applause – they danced with a vigor and athleticism that made my own retirement seem ever so slightly regrettable. Oh darling, it is in those heart-stopping moments, those sudden swoops of the legs, the daring leaps that you truly feel the magic of ballet. But for sheer audacity, it was ‘The Rite of Spring’ that stole the show. The frenetic, tribal choreography and the explosive intensity were mesmerizing, a truly unforgettable performance that resonated with raw primal energy. The dancers, especially the dynamic Edward Watson, were breathtaking in their physicality, giving a modern twist to this masterpiece of choreographic genius. The thunderous applause that greeted them was richly deserved.
A Journey to Paris: My recent visit to Paris was, as always, an ode to beauty, both architectural and choreographic. The Paris Opera Ballet is renowned for its technical prowess, and their October season lived up to the reputation. I attended the Paris Opera's rendition of ‘Swan Lake’, a tale as timeless as the ballet itself. Odette’s tragic transformation from swan to woman was brought to life with incredible depth by the talented Dorothée Gilbert. She was the perfect mix of fragility and strength, the sorrow of Odette and the fire of the black swan equally palpable. The whole performance, from the exquisite costumes to the magnificent set designs, was truly spellbinding.
Ballet Beyond Borders: The beauty of ballet, my darlings, is that it knows no boundaries, its message of grace and emotion crossing borders and language barriers. From the stunning Russian Ballet in Moscow, who brought us ‘The Nutcracker’, to the Shanghai Ballet which presented ‘The Sleeping Beauty’, a beautiful interpretation of the classic fairytale. The dance of each region brings its own unique flavour, a delicate embroidery that adds depth to the global tapestry of ballet.
New Choreography Unveiled: This October brought us some thrilling new interpretations of the classic, along with new choreographers making their mark on the global dance landscape. One particularly striking example was the new work by Akram Khan. ‘Until The Lions’ featured his signature explosive athleticism woven into a powerful exploration of love, loss and redemption. The emotional intensity of this work stayed with me long after the curtain fell.
In Conclusion : The month of October has seen a fantastic bouquet of balletic experiences, from classic masterpieces reimagined to breathtaking new creations. One thing remains certain my darlings: ballet continues to evolve, to challenge expectations and captivate audiences with its unique blend of athleticism, grace and heart. Here's to a month of stunning performances, exquisite costumes and stories told through the language of dance – I, for one, can't wait to see what November brings.