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A February Fling with the World’s Ballet: A Dancer’s Eye View

Darlings, February! The month of love, of course, but for me, it’s also a time for a deep dive into the world of ballet. This February, it seemed like every corner of the globe was alive with breathtaking performances. From the romantic allure of a French production to the cutting-edge choreography of a New York company, my ballet soul was positively saturated. Allow me to share with you my favourite moments, seen through a seasoned dancer’s eyes.

First stop, the City of Lights! **Paris Opera Ballet’s Swan Lake** was, dare I say it, a love letter to tradition, but in the most delicious way. The artistry of this production simply captivated me. **Aurelie Dupont**, a real icon, in the role of Odette/Odile was pure poetry in motion. The choreography, a classic version by Rudolf Nureyev, played beautifully on her ethereal elegance. There were moments of breathtaking beauty – a single arabesque, the tender pas de deux in the lake scene – simply unforgettable.

Next up, I found myself swept away by the **Royal Ballet’s Manon** at the Royal Opera House. This Kenneth MacMillan piece always resonates deeply with me. The story, a tale of love, betrayal, and loss, is so beautifully poignant. **Marianela Nunez** as Manon, a woman torn between love and desire, was superb. Her exquisite technique and nuanced portrayal of Manon’s emotional journey were simply mesmerising. Then there was **Edward Watson**, captivating as Des Grieux, his portrayal of a man deeply entangled by his love for Manon utterly riveting. A true power couple. This, darlings, is ballet at its most captivating!

Across the pond, the **New York City Ballet’s** Winter Season gave me an entirely different experience. It was a burst of modern artistry and daring choreography, showcasing the company’s exceptional talent. The works of choreographers such as Justin Peck and Alexei Ratmansky pushed the boundaries, showcasing the dynamic power and grace of these incredible dancers. There was an ethereal quality to **Ashley Bouder** in "The Partita," she literally danced as though suspended, a marvel of lightness and control, and **Tiler Peck’s** dynamism in "The Concert" was electrifying.

However, it was the **American Ballet Theatre** who left a lasting impression this February. Their **Spring Gala** was an unforgettable spectacle. It showcased the remarkable talent of their diverse roster, a true feast for the eyes. One particular performance, a pas de deux from **Balanchine’s “Apollo”**, had the audience holding their breath. It was like witnessing two spirits intertwined in an eternal dance. I daresay it had me longing for those days of leaping and swirling across the stage.

Then of course, the world is brimming with independent ballet companies who continue to dazzle and delight us. There was **Northern Ballet**'s staging of *Wuthering Heights* - what a thrilling, dark, and sensual experience that was. It left a lasting impression! **Royal Ballet Flanders**’ ** *The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude* ** - their interpretation was inventive and engaging. This modern take on choreography definitely got my heart pumping with energy! Then the beautiful work of the **Ballet de l’Opéra national de Paris’ *Le Spectre de la rose*,** a classic piece given a fresh and graceful feel, brought me immense joy.

And what of my favourite *enfant terrible* of the dance world? Well, the inimitable **Merce Cunningham**, ever a trailblazer, unveiled his latest masterpiece. It was a kaleidoscope of movement and design, and he continued to push boundaries, keeping me and all of us on the edge of our seats. It's remarkable how he has made such an impactful legacy within dance. His work will undoubtedly inspire for years to come.

Now, darling, no review would be complete without mentioning the young dancers making their mark this season. Ashley Butterfield from the Royal Ballet is captivating with a technical brilliance beyond her years. Then, **Maria Kochetkova** at San Francisco Ballet simply glows - a dancer of real depth and exquisite artistry. And let's not forget Joseph Gatti with the Dutch National Ballet – this young man exudes magnetism and has an explosive stage presence. We will certainly be hearing a lot more from them all.

This season’s flurry of creativity and passion for the art form has left me energized. The ballet world truly continues to mesmerize, pushing boundaries, experimenting with innovative choreography and revitalising timeless classics. Let's raise a glass to this wonderful art form and to all those passionate dancers and choreographers keeping the ballet flame burning brightly, shining their light across the world.

And there you have it darlings, my personal peek into the dazzling world of February ballet!

And Finally, Some Upcoming Gems:

It seems the ballet calendar continues to offer captivating possibilities! Let's add these dates to your calendar right away:

• The Royal Ballet’s Romeo and Juliet at the Royal Opera House in London – A true romantic classic! The drama, the passion, the dancing, it's sure to be a treat.
• American Ballet Theatre’s **“Swan Lake"** -**
• **New York City Ballet's *Spring Season** - A new season with lots of exciting choreography from a range of creators.