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Darling, August, what a delightful month to be a ballet aficionado! Summer is in full swing, the world is bursting with color and life, and the ballet scene is just as vibrant, with a smorgasbord of premieres, revivals, and even a little bit of avant-garde thrown in for good measure. My month, as always, is dedicated to the pursuit of the beautiful, the ethereal, and of course, the perfect arabesque. A Jewel in the Crown: Bolshoi at the Met

Let’s start where we always must: The Big Apple. My heart did a little flutter upon seeing the Bolshoi’s arrival in the Big Apple. They always manage to bring a sense of history, grandeur, and just the right touch of Russian intrigue to any performance. This month, the Met was abuzz with whispers about "Giselle", with Diana Vishneva in the title role. You know me, I've seen a Giselle or two, but Diana… she took my breath away! She channeled that heartbreaking, romantic heroine with a finesse I've seldom witnessed. The whole performance shimmered with her captivating presence; her every move was pure poetry. But it’s not just the leading ladies; this is Bolshoi, darling! They bring a whole crew of talented stars – I’m always mesmerized by David Hallberg's masterful athleticism. The entire production felt infused with passion, a potent cocktail of tradition and raw energy that just left me swooning. It’s worth booking your tickets and enjoying a lavish lunch at The Russian Tea Room afterward, darlings, you'll be stepping right back into another era.

Now, onto the City of Lights – you can’t be a true ballet enthusiast and not visit the Paris Opera! The Palais Garnier – oh, that beautiful Belle Époque architecture! This month, they brought back the much-anticipated revival of Balanchine's "Symphony in C." Honestly, I never get tired of watching those fluid movements set to the beautiful music. It’s a ballet for everyone, graceful, light, and with a timeless elegance. The dancers, with their impeccable precision and technical brilliance, took this iconic piece to a whole new level. You can just see the years of rigorous training pouring out on that stage, a testament to the Parisian artistry. Don’t forget to indulge in a glass of champagne during intermission, as you admire the grand interior, the ultimate backdrop to this delightful spectacle. The Future is Now: Dutch National Ballet

While tradition holds a dear place in my heart, I always make sure to stay curious, darlings. It’s refreshing to see contemporary dance challenge the norm. This month, I made my way to the Netherlands for a breathtaking evening at the Dutch National Ballet, who’s known for their innovative spirit. "A Thousand Autumns," a new work by the beloved choreographer Wayne McGregor, completely captivated me. The production combines stunning movement with a beautiful score that will haunt your dreams. This ballet wasn't about frills and ribbons; it embraced raw emotions, powerful choreography, and a certain haunting beauty. It made me ponder, re-evaluate, and frankly, want to break out my dancing shoes and give it a go myself.

My final stop on this enchanting journey takes me to my favourite stage – London's Covent Garden. The Royal Ballet, always a beacon of refined excellence, had two extraordinary performances in August. The first, "La Bayadère", simply transports you. This is the classic tale of love, betrayal, and tragedy, set against the grand opulence of an ancient Indian temple. The Royal Ballet’s execution is flawless: The elaborate sets and costumes, the sheer beauty of the dancers’ movement, the drama, the intricate footwork, it’s pure ballet perfection! The ethereal Natalia Osipova gave a performance that simply melted my heart.

To wrap up a sensational August, the Royal Ballet delighted audiences with "Romeo and Juliet" - Shakespeare’s eternal tale of star-crossed lovers translated to ballet form with a passionate, dramatic, and moving effect. Marianela Nuñez is breathtaking as Juliet. Her graceful, emotive movements evoke a heartfelt vulnerability, and there is simply nothing like the pure joy of witnessing a couple move with such precision, a real celebration of the language of love expressed through ballet. Ballet Around the World: Bits and Bobs

Darling, while our focus was on the big stages, let’s not forget the extraordinary talents blooming around the world!

• In Canada, the National Ballet of Canada presented "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." I hear they created a magical atmosphere with colourful sets, clever choreography, and of course, the captivating score by Joby Talbot.
• The American Ballet Theatre debuted a new production of "The Sleeping Beauty" that garnered raves. I can imagine the breathtaking beauty of the costumes, the fairy tale world that comes to life! It’s pure magic for the entire family, something even the littlest ballerina would adore.
• In the Land of the Rising Sun, The Kバレエカンパニー in Tokyo delighted the audience with "Swan Lake," a perennial favorite. I can just picture the enchanting costumes and the iconic, hauntingly beautiful music. It is always such a pleasure to see this work performed with so much cultural artistry and nuance.
• Australia's Australian Ballet company staged a new contemporary ballet piece that got rave reviews for its inventive approach. The world of ballet is so alive with innovation! It’s great to see young talents push the boundaries.

And so, another month slips through our fingers like a silken scarf in a swirling arabesque. Remember, darling, whether it’s a renowned ballet company or a small, intimate studio production, the true magic lies in the dedication, passion, and artistic vision that each performance embodies. I hope August has been an enriching experience for you in this wonderfully expressive art form. As always, I wish you a ballet filled September!