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September: The month that marks the end of Summer and the start of the new ballet season

Ah, September. The leaves begin to turn, the air grows crisp and the scent of autumn fills the air. This time of year always brings with it a touch of melancholy, the lingering scent of sun-kissed skin and lazy summer days but also the thrill of new beginnings. And what better way to kick off the new season than with the re-emergence of ballet in all its glorious forms? This month has been brimming with breathtaking performances around the globe, each a masterpiece in its own right. From the stately grandeur of the Royal Opera House to the edgy creativity of New York's experimental scene, ballet is truly blooming.

Let me regale you, my dears, with a tantalising glimpse into the world of ballet as experienced this past month. From the grandeur of the Royal Ballet's return to the hallowed stage of Covent Garden to the innovative fire of New York City Ballet’s season opening, this month has offered a delightful cornucopia of delights.

The Royal Ballet’s re-opening night at the Royal Opera House, with its exquisite acoustics and timeless charm, is an event I wouldn't miss for the world. The programme this year, a dazzling tapestry of ballet styles, promised an evening of captivating artistry, A triple bill comprising the timeless beauty of Frederick Ashton's "Symphonic Variations," the emotional depth of Kenneth MacMillan's "Concerto," and the neo-classical dynamism of Wayne McGregor's "Chroma," made for a programme that held audiences spellbound.

As the lights dimmed and the orchestra’s opening notes resonated, a hush fell over the auditorium. I felt that familiar anticipation, the fluttering in my chest that comes from being privy to artistic genius at its finest. Ashton’s "Symphonic Variations" never fails to captivate. The choreography, elegant and deceptively simple, seemed to flow seamlessly through the dancers, their every gesture imbued with a subtle brilliance that spoke volumes without a word. It was a delight to witness the ethereal beauty of the dancers, their graceful movements drawing one into the delicate choreography as the orchestra weaved its magical tapestry of sounds.

I'm not the only one who appreciates Ashton's genius. Even today, his "Symphonic Variations" continues to hold a special place in the world of ballet, a masterpiece that has stood the test of time and remains one of the most performed ballets in the classical repertoire. His genius is evident in every turn, every delicate step. His choreography speaks to the very essence of dance, capturing the purity of movement and the beauty of expression through an array of fluid, balletic motions.

However, it was Wayne McGregor’s "Chroma" that truly sent shivers down my spine. The music, a contemporary interpretation of the minimalist stylings of Joby Talbot, provided a striking counterpoint to the highly physical choreography, full of pulsating energy and dramatic movement. Each dancer, both male and female, exhibited breathtaking athleticism and artistry. There's a visceral, raw power in his choreography, coupled with a captivating blend of dynamism and emotion. His movements demand the utmost physicality from the dancers, pushing them to the very edge of their capabilities, and leaving one awestruck at their physical mastery. His "Chroma" is, without a doubt, a stunning feat of contemporary ballet artistry and a perfect testament to his talent.

Now, I have always loved New York City. Its relentless energy, its ceaseless dynamism, mirrors the spirit of its ballet scene, an exciting melting pot of dance innovation and artistry. This year, New York City Ballet's season opening proved, as always, to be a feast for the eyes.

What better way to kickstart the season than with the iconic "Serenade" by George Balanchine, one of the founding fathers of the New York City Ballet and an undisputed master of classical ballet.

"Serenade," the choreographic vision that helped shape the face of ballet, is not merely a dance, but a narrative, a testament to Balanchine's singular artistry, and a demonstration of the human body as an instrument of captivating movement and emotion. Every step is deliberate, every turn impeccably executed, every dancer an instrument in Balanchine’s orchestra of movement.

And of course, we couldn’t have an opening night without a peek at the exquisite "Agon" by the celebrated choreographer, Balanchine himself. This work, set to the electrifying music of Igor Stravinsky, remains an intoxicating ballet, a mesmerizing exploration of musical rhythms and dynamic patterns. Its mesmerizing choreography has entranced audiences for generations, and the dancers, like graceful marionettes, are set into a whirl of movement against the backdrop of this pulsating and rhythmically compelling music.

As much as I love London and New York, the allure of a trip across the pond to Vienna is irresistible. And what better excuse than to catch the Vienna State Opera’s ballet season opener? A whirlwind of activity on the international stage, the Vienna State Opera, is world-renowned for its exceptional ballet company.

This season opened with the majestic "Giselle," a timeless masterpiece of Romantic ballet and one that continues to enrapture audiences around the world. It’s a tale of unrequited love, betrayal, and desperate sacrifice, a tragic love story with haunting beauty and deeply resonant emotions.

As the curtain rose, my breath caught. The enchanting score, its melancholic strains laced with ethereal melodies, drew me in. Giselle's character, the innocent and delicate village maiden who is ultimately consumed by despair, is brought to life by a talented and breathtaking ballerina. She danced with an unyielding passion and such delicate expression that one almost forgot the character's deep despair and only felt the purity and pathos of her emotions.

The ballet itself is an enduring testament to the power of the Romantic spirit in dance. It's a poignant story of sacrifice and selflessness, one that resonates deep within the heart, and the Vienna State Ballet's interpretation of this classic masterpiece was truly a delight, a harmonious blend of exquisite dance and musical beauty.

Of course, no review of September’s ballet season would be complete without mentioning the City of Lights: Paris. It’s the birthplace of romantic ballet and still, in my opinion, one of the world’s capitals of ballet. Here, I witnessed a unique spectacle, a vibrant and innovative choreography at the Palais Garnier, one that offered a captivating tribute to both tradition and contemporary style. The Paris Opera Ballet, with its illustrious history and rich tradition, presented a ballet by Angelin Preljocaj called “Le Parc.”

This new ballet was like a dance of contrasting moods: the lightness and elegance of the traditional with a strong contemporary twist, a mix that is reminiscent of a lush, English garden on a cool, autumnal evening.

“Le Parc" explores the nuances of a contemporary society through a lens of love, passion, and betrayal. Preljocaj, through a complex blend of movements and storytelling, captures the emotions that simmer under the surface of everyday life, turning them into a thrilling spectacle for the eye and a journey of emotion for the soul.

September, as we all know, marks a time for reflection, a chance to leave behind the lazy summer days and look ahead to what’s to come. As the ballet world steps onto a fresh stage with its new season, we can’t help but wonder about its future. As technology advances, will ballet evolve with the times, integrating technology into the performances? What new and innovative choreographies will we witness?

From the classical grandeur of the Royal Ballet to the contemporary dynamism of New York’s vibrant scene, ballet has much to offer a world that desperately needs to connect on an emotional level. The ballet remains an enduring form of art, constantly evolving and seeking new interpretations while staying true to its artistic heart and captivating soul. Ballet, despite the passage of time, still has a way of moving us to tears with its powerful beauty and, like a delicate, but sturdy blossom, continues to gracefully grow into a thriving artistic world. I, for one, can’t wait to see what this season holds!