AI Ballet Outfit Design 722

A Dancing Summer

July 2013

Darling, it's officially summer and the dance world is absolutely buzzing! There's something for everyone, from the iconic to the cutting edge. A flurry of international galas, spectacular shows, and groundbreaking choreography - it's all here and my, oh my! Let's dive in, shall we?

First up, Paris. You can't visit this fabulous city without catching an evening at the Palais Garnier! The **Paris Opera Ballet** just opened their July season with an unforgettable **"Giselle."** The whole experience was breathtaking - from the intricate, detailed costumes and set designs that brought the tale to life, to the dancers themselves. Now, I am *always* a fan of strong character portrayals and this production did not disappoint. My darling **Marie-Agnès Gillot** simply shone as Giselle, perfectly embodying both the youthful innocence and the heartbroken tragedy of the role. And my dears, don't even get me started on **Germain Louvet**! His Albrecht - dashing, handsome, and with moves that sent shivers down my spine. I mean, such power, such precision. Oh, he had my heart fluttering from the first plié!

In the **United States**, the **New York City Ballet** held their annual **Summer Season**, a celebration of contemporary choreography and a much needed burst of bold new works after the spring season. Of course, we were all dying to see **Christopher Wheeldon** take center stage with his much anticipated new ballet "**After the Rain. **" My goodness, he outdid himself! Wheeldon has an undeniable talent for crafting emotional journeys through movement. His storytelling was exquisite - nuanced, raw, heart-wrenching. **Tiler Peck**, as graceful and strong as ever, stepped into a complex and deeply moving performance. And dear me, **Jared Angle** - oh, what a stunning performance! He moved with the agility of a jaguar - thrilling and yet oh so poignant! I tell you, darling, the entire piece was simply mesmerizing. Wheeldon is a star!

Speaking of stars, how exciting to finally see **American Ballet Theatre**'s **"The Sleeping Beauty"** back on the stage in New York City! It's simply timeless, an iconic ballet for a reason! It's no wonder this classic is always a crowd pleaser - the artistry, the drama, and those glorious Tchaikovsky scores. And what a treat for the eyes! **Natalia Osipova** , as Aurora, was exquisite - technically superb, elegant, with a warmth that truly stole the show. And **David Hallberg**, well, he simply owned the role of Prince Désiré! A prince with the charisma to make every heart skip a beat! Honestly, you need to see them together - sheer magic!

A few other gems I spotted on my travels across the US? Let's see... In **Boston** the **Boston Ballet** brought **"Don Quixote"** to life with energy and whimsy, making it perfect for both seasoned balletomanes and families alike. And over in **Los Angeles**, **Los Angeles Ballet** debuted a new ballet called **"A Midsummer Night's Dream",** a collaboration between a famous rock band, (dare I say it, you heard it here first, it was just amazing!), a renowned filmmaker and a talented ballet choreographer. Now, I tell you, darling, it was unlike anything I had ever seen! It exploded with passion, contemporary choreography, and incredible stage effects.

But my love, this dance frenzy isn't limited to Europe and America. The rest of the world is stepping up! For example, in **Australia** , the **Australian Ballet** showcased **"The Rite of Spring,"** a masterpiece of choreographic brilliance. And the **Tokyo Ballet**, with its exquisite technique and passionate performances, offered their interpretation of **"Swan Lake"** , proving that classics can always be reimagined with captivating artistry.

Now, you know my heart also beats for the smaller, more intimate companies. These are the places where emerging talent truly blossoms and experimentation can flourish. Over in **Berlin**, the **Sasha Waltz Company** has gained international acclaim for its bold, contemporary style, pushing the boundaries of traditional ballet, and in **London,** the **Royal Ballet School**, my alma mater, always has fresh new faces ready to light up the stage with their boundless energy! The students' performance of **"A Midsummer Night's Dream"** showcased a playful and joyful take on this Shakespeare classic.

But darling, let me be honest - for a dance enthusiast like myself, the real magic of summer comes from finding new talents and exploring new dance forms. So if you're looking for something outside of the ordinary, I encourage you to explore some of the exciting things happening beyond the world of classical ballet! Across the globe, the dance scene is overflowing with talent and creativity, and there's an unbelievable diversity in styles - everything from flamenco to tap, hip hop to contemporary fusion! Just make sure you book your tickets early, because trust me, my dear, these shows sell out fast.

Now, a few parting words. I do believe this summer season promises a breathtaking array of dance performances, each one offering a different perspective, a different emotion, and a unique artistic journey. So put on your most chic outfit, grab a glass of champagne, and immerse yourself in the beautiful world of dance. I am utterly convinced this will be a season to remember, filled with enchanting experiences and unforgettable performances!

• The Royal Ballet’s "Romeo and Juliet",** London, August 2013. You just can’t miss this production - Shakespeare’s story of love and fate.
• The National Ballet of Canada’s **“Cinderella”**, Toronto, Canada, July 2013. The classic fairytale, with enchanting costumes and dazzling performances.
• Dance Theatre of Harlem’s **“The Firebird”, ** Harlem, New York, September 2013. I just know you’ll love the stunning costumes, dynamic choreography and a passionate performance.

• "Le Corsaire" at the Mariinsky Ballet, St. Petersburg, July 2013. This production features the exquisite dancing of **Diana Vishneva**. You won't be disappointed.
• “Ballet Under the Stars"**, **Copenhagen, August 2013. You get an unforgettable experience under the open sky - a must-see! **