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A Month in the Ballet World: July 2012

Oh, my dears! Where do I even begin with this glorious month of ballet? From the luminous stages of Paris to the vibrant cityscapes of Tokyo, it truly felt as though the world was twirling to the exquisite rhythms of our art. July brought us a breathtaking symphony of styles and talents, with some truly captivating performances that left me speechless, positively weeping with joy and appreciation. And for those of you who missed out, well, let me paint a picture with my words, darling, so you can feel the magic as though you were there.

We've always known the Palais Garnier to be a treasure chest of artistic brilliance, haven't we? This month was no exception. The Paris Opera Ballet presented a revival of **Le Corsaire**, that iconic work that truly embodies the passion and romanticism that I adore. The sheer grandeur of the production was stunning, with its dazzling costumes and breathtaking scenery transporting us to a world of pirates and princesses. I must mention the exquisite artistry of our very own Dorothée Gilbert as Medora. Oh, her dancing is truly a sight to behold! And to think, dear, that the great Nijinsky himself danced this role many years ago. Truly, it's a role that demands technical virtuosity, expressive power, and that certain je ne sais quoi, which, darling, she most certainly has.

I found myself, as I often do in Paris, drawn to the smaller, more intimate stages, and the Centre National de la Danse was simply divine. A wonderful, eclectic evening of choreography that highlighted the sheer talent and daring of our next generation of dancers. You see, darling, it is so crucial for us to nurture these young, talented souls, and Paris, it seems, does it best. They present innovative, contemporary choreography alongside the classics. What an important step in maintaining the vitality of this art.

New York, as you all know, never sleeps, and the city's dance scene has never been more vibrant. I simply must mention American Ballet Theatre’s **Swan Lake** in the glorious Metropolitan Opera House. Their performance of this masterpiece left me breathless, quite literally. This iconic production remains timeless and breathtakingly beautiful. But what made it truly special were the nuanced interpretations of the leads. There was, of course, the brilliance of Natalia Osipova, a dancer whose artistry and precision continue to astound me. The way she captured the emotional vulnerability and resilience of the Swan Queen was mesmerizing, while the strength and passionate devotion of David Hallberg's Prince Siegfried simply stole the show. They danced with an emotional connection that transcended words, a connection, I dare say, that I rarely see.

A most unexpected treat this month took me far east, to the fascinating city of Tokyo, where the performing arts are held in the highest esteem. It was here I saw the astonishing dance of the **Noh theatre**. Such artistry! It’s fascinating how this centuries-old tradition, this truly exquisite and understated dance form, captivates and compels even those unfamiliar with the complex rituals and language of its performance. These masked dancers embody myths and legends, creating powerful visual metaphors that resonated within my very soul. Truly, darling, this was a dance form like no other!

Of course, while in Tokyo, I also enjoyed the grand spectacle of the **Tokyo Ballet**'s **Sleeping Beauty**. The artistry, the elegance, the precision! This classic ballet always feels special, and the dancers' skill brought forth the charm, beauty and whimsical elements of this fairy-tale. My heart soared at their captivating portrayal of the classic story and the magic woven through each dance sequence.

Looking back over this extraordinary month of ballet, a thought lingers. This art form is truly international, bridging cultures, languages, and continents with its shared passion for movement and expression. The passion, the beauty, the sheer strength of spirit it takes to stand upon a stage and move with such elegance, precision and emotion - that’s something truly special. From the delicate artistry of Paris to the fiery dynamism of New York, from the ancient traditions of Japan to the enduring classics of Russia, the heart of ballet beats strong.

We dance to tell stories, my dears, and to share the human condition. It is our way of communicating without words, reaching hearts and souls across boundaries. And this, in my opinion, is what truly defines ballet, and makes this art form eternally powerful, forever relevant.

A moment of reflection is needed. This past month also showcased a number of rising stars, and I'm utterly excited to see where their talents will take them. From the grace and poise of the young prima ballerinas emerging in the West to the passionate artistry of dancers coming to the fore in the East, the future of ballet is indeed in good hands.

I truly believe that, with each generation, ballet grows and flourishes. As dancers, we continue to push the boundaries, redefine the boundaries of what's possible in the art of dance, embracing new ideas and styles with an openness that reflects the evolution of our world. These talented young dancers will guide us, inspire us, and help create a future even more beautiful than our past.

To conclude, my dear readers, raise a glass with me! A toast to ballet, a glorious art form that weaves beauty and emotion, captivating us with its sheer elegance and grace. Here's to the extraordinary talent and tireless passion of our dance community. Here's to the legacy we leave behind for future generations, and the glorious dance that awaits them! And lastly, to all you devoted souls, whether you grace the stage or the audience, my warmest, heartfelt "Bravo!".

Written by: Olivia St. Claire

Contributing Editor: The Ballerina