Oh darling, the month of February! Such a whirlwind of colour, romance, and of course, fabulous ballet performances. My diary's been jam-packed with everything from the soaring elegance of Swan Lake to the raucous fun of flamenco fused with modern dance.
My heart still flutters when I think of the exquisite Royal Ballet's rendition of "Swan Lake" at Covent Garden. This production simply cannot be surpassed for its grace and fairytale quality. I do love that each ballerina, and in this instance, it was Marianela Núñez, brings a new and fresh interpretation to the timeless role of Odette/Odile, but oh, Marianela! The technical perfection, the delicate emotion in every pose, the sheer beauty of it all… she quite literally took my breath away.
On a less traditionally grand scale, the Birmingham Royal Ballet staged a stunning production of "Giselle." I am forever a sucker for a good "Giselle", and Birmingham really did it justice. I do find the ending, *well, we all do, darling, * heart wrenching but absolutely beautiful in its tragedy. My favourite part, however, was watching the corps de ballet. This is where it truly shines. All those twirling white tutus… sheer elegance.
I can't forget "The Sleeping Beauty" that the Paris Opera Ballet gave at the Palais Garnier. This was my first time experiencing Aurélie Dupont as Aurora. You know, at times you think you've seen it all, the classic pas de deux, the enchanting story of a sleeping beauty but it's the dancers, their presence that makes it truly magical. The staging was spectacular, it made you feel you were transported back to another time, and the **costumes! ** Pure fairytale elegance.
Beyond the Classics
Speaking of magical, darling, it's time I shared my recent trip to New York. The American Ballet Theatre held their "A Celebration of Choreographers". The first night, **Jerome Robbins' "Fancy Free",** a delight for the eyes! The dancers’ energy and fluidity simply captivated. I can’t resist the joyful abandon, the rawness of this piece, which is truly inspired. What an evening!
Then I was mesmerized by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s “Revelations". A powerful work, truly emotionally charged. The raw energy of these dancers is almost tangible. You really have to be there in the theatre, the raw vulnerability. Pure, and exhilarating.
Oh, and while I am on the subject of exhilarating and vibrant, you must check out the latest show in Madrid: **Flamenco Madrid’s "Alegrias", it was an unexpected delight, a combination of pure dance, passionate vocals, and vibrant, captivating music. Flamenco, always intense, passionate. I do adore a bit of drama. A performance for the soul, dear.
I am also enthralled by the new modern works springing up. I attended a New York City Ballet performance at the **Lincoln Center**, "A Midsummer Night's Dream",** a re-imagining of Shakespeare’s masterpiece with choreography by **Justin Peck**.
Oh, how delightful to see a classical ballet story infused with so much modern flair! This show is captivating and original, the music and set design, it is a theatrical spectacle.
Off-Stage Style
Of course, a good ballerina always makes sure she’s stylish. And for the colder months of February, what better to keep the chills away than a beautifully cut cashmere coat. Oh darling, **Ralph Lauren just has a knack for tailoring elegance with warmth, his navy and cream ones, divine.
One needs to take the chill out of the air with a touch of glamour. So my bag, I must carry a** Judith Leiber clutch**, the tiny details that they use make it more than a bag, a real statement. I do love a pop of color too, you can’t beat **Roger Vivier's pumps, ** their embellishments and sharp cut add a lovely, but restrained elegance.
Speaking of color, have you tried that new Chanel blush? Such a perfect way to add that touch of sophistication.
It has been a magical month, darling, so full of amazing shows, and you must tell me all about what you have been up to. See you next month at the ballet.