August 2013 - A Whirlwind of Grace & Glitter
My dears, August has truly been a dazzling dance of talent and artistry. From the hushed grandeur of the Bolshoi to the vibrant energy of New York, the ballet world has been alive with grace and beauty. Let me take you on a whirlwind tour of this exquisite month!
The Bolshoi, Moscow
Oh, darling, let me tell you, the Bolshoi has simply outdone itself! It feels like you've stepped into a beautifully-lit fairytale. The costumes were a triumph, each one a meticulously crafted work of art, evoking a sense of romance and history. It felt as though the dancers were practically *born* on that stage, such was their impeccable technique. They glided through each sequence with a flawless grace that left the entire audience breathless. It's no surprise that the Bolshoi is considered one of the finest companies in the world, and their August performance was a reminder of why they hold that title.
Royal Ballet, London
London's Royal Ballet, ever the jewel of the British arts scene, put on a performance of Giselle that simply captivated the senses. The ballerina in the role of Giselle was an absolute dream! She had this heartbreaking vulnerability in her movements that made you completely forget you were watching a performance. The pas de deux in the second act had the entire audience captivated. The male dancer was, of course, brilliant. He brought a masculine grace and power to the performance that was simply mesmerizing. All in all, a perfect evening, truly a quintessential British ballet experience. One might say, my dears, a truly divine affair.
New York City Ballet, New York
Ah, New York! Always brimming with vitality and energy, just like its ballet. New York City Ballet is not one for your traditional classical pieces, but their August offering of Jerome Robbins' "Interplay" was simply thrilling! It had this electrifying raw power that sent chills down my spine. The dancers were truly a marvel - you could feel the pure energy radiating from the stage. If you ever want to see real artistry, itās best to get a ticket to New York City Ballet ā they know how to create a magical experience that really leaves a lasting impression.
San Francisco Ballet, San Francisco
This production of āThe Sleeping Beautyā had a decidedly contemporary twist! Itās such a joy to see classics interpreted in a fresh, modern light. The costumes were simply breathtaking ā whimsical and enchanting ā with an ethereal elegance. It was a beautiful departure from the traditional interpretation of the classic fairy tale.
Dance on Film, Edinburgh Festival
Speaking of contemporary interpretations, dear, I canāt forget Edinburgh's fabulous Dance on Film program. You have the thrill of watching beautiful dance films on the big screen! Such a delightful way to experience ballet without the strict confines of the stage! The festival was truly a treasure trove of creative and insightful films. The highlight for me was āThe Body as a Landscape,ā a mesmerizing portrayal of a young ballerinaās journey as she seeks a way to heal from past trauma. The cinematography, darling, was utterly breathtaking. If you havenāt yet ventured into the wonderful world of dance film, dear, do take the plunge. Youāll be utterly charmed.
Paris Opera Ballet
Paris, darling, never disappoints. The Opera Ballet, as always, put on a phenomenal display of both traditional and contemporary works, featuring some of the most esteemed dancers of today. What captivated me most was the āBallet dāActionā featuring new choreography from the legendary dancer and choreographer, Sylvie Guillem. You simply had to witness the virtuosity of this masterful dance. Her stage presence, it's simply mesmerizing. There is a true spirit of innovation that makes her a true force to be reckoned with, my dear.
A Glimpse into the Future
From the mesmerizing mastery of traditional ballets to the electrifying energy of contemporary performances, the world of ballet has truly dazzled this August. As the curtains close on yet another magical month, my dears, it leaves me feeling ever so hopeful about the future of this wondrous art form. We see young dancers pushing the boundaries of dance and captivating audiences with their raw talent. From these exciting new faces, thereās no doubt we are seeing a new generation of ballet greats in the making.
This season has shown us the true essence of ballet: a delicate yet powerful combination of technical brilliance, artistic expression and raw emotion. Let us continue to embrace the beauty and magic of ballet, my dears. Until next month! Au revoir!