A Whirlwind November: My Pick of the World's Best Ballet
Darling, the world of ballet is swirling faster than ever, with dazzling productions popping up from Moscow to Miami! It's been a whirlwind of a month for this old ballerina, darting from one glittering premiere to the next. Let me share my observations, my darling readers, on what you just must see this November. After all, one can never be too sophisticated for a touch of magic, can one?
A Trip Down Memory Lane with Bolshoi's Giselle
Oh, my dears, the Bolshoi's Giselle has the timeless quality of a favourite pair of diamond earrings. Itās a performance you simply cannot resist. It's everything one dreams of - ethereal, heart-wrenching and, of course, utterly elegant. The tragic tale of a young villager betrayed by her beloved Prince, and a haunting vision of Wilis, those ethereal spirits seeking vengeance, is simply divine. The first actās peasant dances were joyful and alive, the second act, ethereal and sorrowful - a sublime display of human vulnerability. I particularly adore the graceful Irina Denisova who plays the title role. Her elegance was like a whisper in the theatre, and she brought a raw emotionality to the part, while the handsome Denis Rodkin made a splendid Albrecht. Thereās nothing quite like a traditional ballet to stir the soul.
From Moscow to Miami: American Ballet Theatre's Dazzling "Afterlife"
Dearest darlings, the next stop for me was the captivating "Afterlife," a breathtaking ballet new work that captivated Miami, staged by the ever-talented American Ballet Theatre. Now, my darlings, you know this old girl has seen her share of ballets in her lifetime, but "Afterlife" really took my breath away. It's a fusion of contemporary and classical, an innovative take on life after death. The ethereal setting, by the amazing George Tsypin, created an enchanting atmosphere, while Christopher Wheeldon's choreography, was like a beautiful conversation - passionate and lyrical in equal measure, truly inspired! A captivating interplay between the physical and the ethereal - a masterful portrayal of human souls finding solace in an āafterlife.ā The gorgeous lighting by Natasha Katz bathed the stage in an otherworldly glow, creating a magical mood. And, let me tell you, my dears, Misty Copeland was simply divine, radiating with emotional depth, while Herman Cornejoās portrayal of a grieving spirit was hauntingly beautiful.
More Than Just "Swan Lake": English National Ballet in London
Back to London for English National Ballet's "Swan Lake", a classic for a reason. I daresay this production isn't about innovation; itās a beautiful testament to the tradition, a glorious interpretation of a ballet that has graced the stage for centuries. This is a traditional rendition done well, with beautiful, flowing choreography that is truly a spectacle, with dancers and corps de ballet executing the iconic movements flawlessly. While, the costumes were undeniably exquisite (one can always appreciate a stunning feathered tutu, my dears!), the story itself is what truly resonated, echoing timeless themes of love, betrayal, and the fragility of life. And the talented Tamara Rojo, oh so graceful and compelling in her dual roles as Odette and Odile, simply blew me away, bringing grace and strength in equal measure.
New York City Ballet: Modern and Marvelous
My New York City Ballet, oh darling! Never ceases to be innovative and a delight to behold! This month was particularly enchanting, with the return of a beautiful production: Jerome Robbins's "The Concert". Itās one of those iconic ballets, celebrating the pure beauty of movement. What a feast for the eyes! You just canāt help but be captivated by the interplay between the dancers, the satirical yet light-hearted humour , the playful musicality - a perfect embodiment of joyous movement, darling! The talented Tiler Peck and Joaquin De Luz, in particular, were truly magnetic, perfectly embodying Robbins's distinct style.
Dance in Every Form
Of course, dear readers, ballet is just one part of the dazzling dance world. In Berlin, the exquisite Sasha Waltz and Guests showcased a captivating contemporary dance piece called "Dialogue." The beauty was in the raw emotionality and intimacy between the performers. There was a visceral quality to it, an almost brute honesty that had the audience enraptured.
In Vienna, the "Tanzsommer" Festival had some truly fascinating experimental dance forms - bold and modern, exploring the boundaries of what dance could be. A true celebration of freedom and artistic expression. A must for all you experimental art enthusiasts!
And lastly, a wonderful contemporary dance piece by a young up and coming choreographer in San Francisco - "The Echoing" at The San Francisco Ballet - this piece had a captivatingly somber quality to it, using contemporary movement as a beautiful language to speak of melancholy and reflection.
Ballet and Beauty
But no matter where you go in the world this November, dear readers, one thing is for sure: there will be some beautiful and innovative dance performances to tantalize your senses. This month's highlights, you say? Oh, it's like asking me to choose my favorite piece of jewellery, dear! I find each experience unique and exquisite in its own way. Ballet, my darling, isn't just a dance form; it's a celebration of grace and emotion, a testament to the endless possibilities of human expression. It takes us back to our most primal selves, the beauty of pure movement.
So, go out and be amazed by this month's dance delights! A few simple tips for enjoying the ballet this month:
- A good ballet usually involves two or three acts. Enjoy the intermission to refresh your refreshment and to chat about the first act with your companions, but avoid noisy chatter.
- Arrive at the theater on time to take your seats as latecomers arriving during the performances can be a distraction for those trying to enjoy the dance.
- A beautiful ballet is often a timeless story with stunning choreography, but sometimes one has to look deeper and explore the symbolism, and read between the lines to truly grasp the message of the dance.
- As one of the few forms of live art that isn't "improvised," be assured that even if you are sitting behind the third row, you can still catch every move. The choreography will repeat many of its movements, so no fear of missing the key elements of the dance.
And donāt forget to make time for that post-ballet champagne - always a delightful way to savor the beautiful, poignant stories, and spectacular choreography. Remember my darlings, life's too short to miss a beautiful ballet. So let your inner dancer come out and embrace the captivating world of ballet - see you next month, dear readers!
Stay stylish,
Theadora