Oh, darlings! What a year we’re going to have for ballet. It feels so right to start a new year with so much to look forward to in the wonderful world of dance, especially after that utterly splendid end to 2012. What’s better than that Christmas performance of the Nutcracker with its magical snowy scene and that delicious waltz of the snowflakes? Pure heaven. And, you know, so beautifully done, so crisp and so utterly beautiful - you simply don’t know how good a simple pointe can be until you see it executed flawlessly. So good for the soul. The very essence of grace.
I am delighted to say the year is looking rather fabulous. We have some simply smashing things happening around the world already. This season, as ever, I’ll be focusing on productions with a focus on that elegant simplicity and stunning precision. That’s the type of dancing which catches the eye and really excites the soul.
A Look Back To Christmas 2012
I do want to revisit last month a little bit as, I know you are going to be hearing the same fabulous feedback from friends. Christmas and New Year are such wonderfully intense moments for the entire dance world, it's important to savour and relive them before we move onto January and onwards to all the fabulousness that this year has in store.
It must be said that, with all those snowflakes in December and that dazzling set, I feel rather partial to a wonderful Nutcracker. As always it was beautifully executed. The wonderful storybook backdrop – well, the most stunning visual ballet – it has me practically booking my flights for the entire year already. Yes, darlings, as a woman in her 50s I've learned it's vital to enjoy the small and rather exquisite moments to the fullest - but that's for another month.
From London, With Love…
I spent a marvelous time over Christmas catching up with my old friend and darling Gillian at the Royal Opera House, darling. Well, one would think it had been redecorated since my last trip, but you know how they keep updating this wonderful place.
This year the Nutcracker had some of those wonderful bits we simply adore. We loved that fabulous finale in that magical snowy winter setting – the most stunning, crisp, magical, visual scene I can even imagine. Simply magical - you just knew that we were in for something special the moment the curtain rose, and the sheer technical brilliance in such a complex production really did just shine out – the orchestra playing all the wonderful sounds, all that sheer brilliance of the choreography from the 1892 original - absolutely top notch. Gillian’s been getting quite picky over the years, but she said it was her favourite version of Nutcracker. We both really enjoyed the Sugar Plum Fairy - quite lovely and a delicious performance - a truly gorgeous production.
The dancers were as crisp and clean as they could be - quite wonderful. Everything was truly sublime – and not one drop of perspiration out of place – as the whole ballet was so very elegantly and exquisitely done – all of that fabulous technique and skill we're known for - you simply have to love it. It really did showcase what I admire most - it’s so elegant. Oh, darlings, when are we ever going to get bored with this exquisite and sublime classical ballet? It is a total joy – I mean a real pleasure, to sit and take in those simple but exquisite things like that magical waltz of the snowflakes.
On The International Scene
I have a friend who always insists she has a perfect month of dance for February. Of course, for all you lovers of the ballet, nothing can ever compete with what we see and enjoy in London. However, I am really tempted by a short hop across the pond, all to catch the glorious *Black Swan*. We should never take these productions for granted. But of course it isn’t *Black Swan* we should admire but *Swan Lake*. This is one production with two sides to it. I think we are all captivated by the darker, mysterious aspect but don't get me wrong the pure beauty and majesty of *Swan Lake* simply takes your breath away and allows us all to fall head over heels for the pure elegance and beauty. Of course, the whole White Swan Odette character is something else - but then we can't deny that the Black Swan (or in this case the double part - Odette/Odile ) is something rather special and one you want to dance and then dance it again, as fast as possible.
This is why I would happily recommend an exploration of both ballet variations - in January – this might be just the ticket for all you serious, ballet-obsessed followers. Oh yes, do try to visit some of these great performances, there is simply no comparison to the artistry and skills on display - the sheer athleticism, the magical world the stage and the dancers create with such finesse, you would just never know! They all truly are incredible productions in the world of dance and really quite unforgettable – all these fabulous stars at the very top of their game. Of course you are all looking for something just a little bit more than that. Well, do head off for some cultural excitement. Go get some of the classics – we have the *Don Quixote* ballet in Paris and the most amazing ballet productions in Tokyo. But don’t get lost in the dazzling delights and elegance - try and think about the other things on offer. And, it must be said, no one could ever top a visit to the **Paris Opera Ballet** at *The Palais Garnier*. Quite wonderful and with so many famous historical moments and the most exquisite beauty - do take some time to visit when you're in Paris.
All That And Much More!
Well darlings, 2013 has so much to offer, just looking ahead and reading all those magazines and glossy magazines, and following the very latest posts and updates on the many sites that cover dance. My eyes are beginning to pop out with joy.
Just to give you a quick preview for this year’s season I would love to recommend all the most interesting productions and shows, and some great sites you can always look to for more information about tickets, news and performances:
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The Paris Opera Ballet – Palais Garnier, in France (you could easily take a weekend away to take in the *Swan Lake*. I would even say this should be your number one priority, darling!)
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**The Bolshoi Ballet and Opera - Moscow* in the Russia - the perfect holiday destination. Remember that Moscow really is the *crème de la crème*, oh my darling, this has the very best dancers. You can have that authentic experience and also check out the *Black Swan*.
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If you have a penchant for a Spanish flavour I would really recommend taking in the *Don Quixote* at the **Paris Opera Ballet**, The most amazing cast. Simply spectacular. But there’s that magical something you simply must try and experience at *Don Quixote*. Quite remarkable.
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I really do love Tokyo - its modern energy is so cool. The ballet there - the **Tokyo Ballet**, I simply adore. It's modern energy and stunning technique – *Swan Lake* really shines.
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Well, the **Royal Ballet, the English National Ballet, Scottish Ballet, and Northern Ballet – you know the dance in London is simply wonderful.**
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Birmingham Royal Ballet, is the next level - quite magical in Birmingham. The best and certainly the very finest. They’ve just released tickets for the *Romeo & Juliet*. They are a fabulous ensemble. Always elegant - always at the top of their game.
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There’s also a wonderful opportunity to see a new ballet, *Anna Karenina*. If that isn't a title to conjure up images, I don’t know what is.
These shows just cover the beginning of the year - I'm really only going to pick out some of my top selections to give you an idea. Be sure to keep up with your dance magazines and those very latest online guides - there’s something quite lovely in being able to find what suits your fancy!
A Month of Magical Moments.
I would truly recommend taking a look at some of the international productions. The *Don Quixote*, at *the Palais Garnier* is a classic production and something every ballet aficionado simply must see – even more, it's just simply stunning - there's that Spanish flavor – and *Swan Lake*. This is the real classic - it just works – and is stunning at both the Paris Opera Ballet and **The Bolshoi Ballet and Opera*. The Royal Ballet has some special gems up its sleeve – oh you must, you simply must visit them during the year.
This January, my plan? Oh I've been asked, you see, I'm to take on a lead role with *Don Quixote*. It's always exciting to get to revisit the classics - oh, darlings, these classic ballet’s - always have such lovely movements.
We shall be going to Paris at some stage, just after Valentine's Day – so, if any of you lovelies fancy a catch up in Paris I'll certainly let you know!