November - the month when autumn’s chill starts to bite and the theatrical world bursts into life. It’s the time of year for cosy nights in the theatre, exquisite performances and a chance to reconnect with the timeless magic of ballet.
This November, we’ve seen some truly captivating productions grace the stages across the globe. As a veteran dancer with a lifetime of passion for this art form, I find myself consistently moved and inspired by the raw talent, artistry and technical brilliance on display.
Here’s my curated selection of the hottest November productions:
- Paris: The Parisian Opéra’s Production of "Giselle"
- New York City: The American Ballet Theatre’s "Swan Lake"
- London: The Royal Ballet's "Cinderella"
- Moscow: The Bolshoi’s New Production of "The Nutcracker"
- Tokyo: The ‘Sankai Juku’ Production of "Kukan"
You simply can’t talk about November in ballet without acknowledging the magic of the Parisian Opéra’s "Giselle". This classic, imbued with Romantic Era melancholy and set to the poignant Adolphe Adam score, was, frankly, an absolute revelation this year. The choreography, so elegant and nuanced, perfectly mirrored the complexity of Giselle’s tragic love story. The dancing was exquisite; I’ve rarely seen such ethereal precision and emotional depth combined.
While the original choreography was a joy to watch, I was also enchanted by the dramatic new staging, which, I believe, enhanced the tragic beauty of the production. It was all quite breath-taking. I was so captivated, I found myself in a trance, almost living the story with the dancers. This truly is a production to savour. You have to see it for yourself, to experience its pure artistic magic.
Now, let’s head to the New York City Ballet, where the "Swan Lake" production is truly a force to be reckoned with. The opening performance was truly something else! The precision of the dancers in the "white acts" was mind-boggling - every step and turn, executed with such finesse and grace, was a joy to witness. What can you say about the technical perfection that these incredible dancers exhibited?
I was also captivated by the expressive acting and dramatic range in the lead roles. It is always a pleasure to witness a company like the American Ballet Theatre with its extraordinary combination of technical skill, powerful presence and heart-felt interpretations.
My journey took me across the pond to the world-renowned Royal Ballet’s production of "Cinderella" – the quintessential fairytale story of transformation. It was the first time this rendition was shown and the Royal Ballet truly did justice to this charming tale. The entire performance, from the sumptuous sets and costumes, to the flawless choreography, was enchanting.
It's the little touches that elevate these classic tales, that take them from traditional to exceptional. "Cinderella's" captivating portrayal was truly moving. One thing that particularly impressed me was the clever blend of humour and poignancy that Prokofiev’s score brought to life. This Cinderella was both light and bittersweet - perfectly encapsulating the fairy tale. "Cinderella", in its current guise at the Royal Ballet, is truly an uplifting experience, especially for those with a soft spot for timeless classics.
No review of November’s dance performances would be complete without mentioning the majestic Bolshoi Theatre. And in the true spirit of November, this iconic institution treated us to its awe-inspiring “The Nutcracker”. The performance was utterly unforgettable! Every element – from the breathtakingly intricate set designs, to the exquisite costumes – was executed with such technical precision and artistic panache.
This production felt very much “next generation”, bringing a fresh approach to the beloved classic. The ballet seemed to dance with energy, showcasing new choreographic interpretations and stunning feats of athleticism. Of course, no production of "The Nutcracker" is complete without Tchaikovsky’s beautiful score – it was like experiencing it all anew with this Bolshoi’s staging.
My voyage then took me to the Far East where the cutting edge contemporary dance group, ‘Sankai Juku’, graced the stage in Tokyo with a mesmerizing new piece entitled "Kukan". This breathtaking contemporary ballet was not for the faint of heart. There was a raw, untamed energy that infused every movement and expression. The choreography, often surprising and unconventional, kept us glued to our seats. It was as if the performers moved in a space beyond our comprehension, a realm where physicality and the spiritual were woven together.
The lighting was a crucial component in setting the tone, creating moody, shadowy spaces that allowed the dancers' movement to shine. This production, for all its artistic audacity, held its own within the dance world, captivating audiences and receiving praise for its audacity. It truly showed the innovative edge that contemporary dance brings to the ballet scene.
It’s the sheer variety of ballet offerings available, both old and new, that keep us coming back time and again. From the elegance of a "Giselle" in Paris to the grandeur of "The Nutcracker" in Moscow, to the bold avant-garde movements of “Kukan" in Tokyo - there’s something for every ballet aficionado to relish. For this experienced dancer, it was a glorious reminder of how captivating and impactful this art form can be.
Do you have any dance shows to recommend for the month of November?
Let me know in the comments below.