Darling, let’s face it, 2014 flew by! Honestly, it seems like only yesterday I was shimmying through the champagne bubbles at the Bolshoi’s end-of-year gala, the scent of lilies and lilies in the air, a shiver of excitement running down my spine. And now, the calendar has flipped, we’re smack dab in the New Year and all those shimmering performances are but a distant, glittering memory… well, not quite! My dears, have no fear, the world of ballet is positively abuzz with breathtaking talent and innovation - a kaleidoscope of passion and artistry to dazzle our senses.
**A Toast to the New Year**
From the crisp air of London to the sun-drenched stages of Sydney, 2015 has already served up an exquisite feast for ballet lovers. Let’s start with our very own Royal Ballet. What a way to kick off the year - a triumphant revival of Ashton’s **The Dream**, a symphony of beauty and poetry, a reminder of the exquisite charm of ballet at its finest. I am practically giddy every time I hear the strains of Mendelssohn, especially as it accompanies the sublime interplay of the ethereal Juliet (Marianela Nunez) and the playful Puck (Marcio Gomes) - simply ravishing! The Royal Opera House, too, continues to be an intoxicating jewel, the plush velvet and chandeliers, an unparalleled stage.
**Beyond Our Shores**
My adventures, of course, haven’t stopped at Covent Garden! I couldn’t resist venturing to Paris for a whirlwind encounter with **Bolero** at the Palais Garnier - you know how much I love Ravel’s masterpiece. And this was a real gem. The ballet, with its vibrant costumes and dramatic staging, seemed to almost swallow the stage - the sensuality and raw energy absolutely captivating. A bold production and a perfect showcase for the exquisite talents of Sylvie Guillem. Such raw talent - what an incredible testament to this era’s most revered dancers.
And while we’re talking about daring new choreographies, how about the sensational **Romeo & Juliet** from the Netherlands Dance Theater? It seems like every production pushes the boundaries - a daring combination of classic storytelling with thrilling modern sensibilities, set to a phenomenal musical score. Oh, darling, it simply set my heart racing! A real standout for me was the sheer vulnerability of the dancers, showcasing such passion and heartbreak - truly breathtaking! I found myself wanting to revisit it, to absorb every minute nuance. A production that will surely be remembered for years to come.
**Enthralling Elegance and Rising Stars**
The world stage, darling, is truly a smorgasbord of talent. The Mariinsky in Saint Petersburg has never disappointed and it’s worth the journey to see **The Sleeping Beauty**, even if it's only for the beautiful tutus! And the legendary American Ballet Theatre - my oh my, they never cease to amaze with their virtuosic brilliance. **Giselle**, a production of almost ethereal beauty, saw the graceful, powerful Ashley Bouder perfectly embody the ethereal and tragically-doomed Giselle - and that grand allegro! She truly takes your breath away. It’s so inspiring to witness the next generation of ballet talent emerge with such grace and panache - this production made me beam with pride for the future of our art.
**A Passionate Pulse**
Oh darling, my travels have taken me to some very unexpected, but entirely enchanting venues. I even found myself at a performance at the opulent Grand Theatre in Xi'an - a fascinating journey of culture and artistry that surrounded me in a completely different world of exquisite talent and a whole different dance vocabulary. And what about the spectacular, colourful productions at the Shanghai Ballet? The combination of tradition and innovation in their recent interpretations of Swan Lake and Romeo & Juliet made my heart skip a beat. Each movement and gesture felt authentic, and yet the overall feeling was exciting, daring, even rebellious! I'd never experienced something so potent. And you know what else - the costumes were phenomenal! They truly brought the essence of China to life on stage.
I find myself captivated by these new artistic frontiers - what better time to be immersed in ballet? Every performance seems to capture something uniquely different, something new. From the raw intensity of the Dutch ballet, the playful whimsy of a London classic, and the dazzling artistry of the Orient - it truly is an experience of a lifetime. Every ballet becomes an adventure in itself - a celebration of dance in its countless and varied forms. This is truly a golden age, darling, a time when dance has the potential to transform lives. And my dear, don't be shy, embrace it. Put on your dancing shoes, let your hair down and embrace this beautiful journey. The stage awaits - go forth and experience the magic!
**In Conclusion...**
Now darling, let’s wrap it up for today. If I had to pick the **best show of the season**, that would be an impossible choice. There is a masterpiece on almost every corner of this glorious world, but here’s the truth - you should treat yourself and go and see them all, every single one. Let your heart be your guide and choose your next ballet adventure. Oh, and let’s face it, we have just embarked on another exciting year in ballet, so you know what this means - get your tickets ready, polish those pointe shoes, and don't forget to grab your champagne and the biggest smile you can muster. I’ll be gracing the stage in some form or another this year and I’ll be keeping a watchful eye, eager to share the magic with all of you, dear readers. The curtains are rising, let’s make some memories, shall we?
Ballet News and Hot Gossip!
- Heard it on the grapevine, darling, that our very own Royal Ballet is creating a new production of "Manon," starring that gorgeous Carlos Acosta - a real charmer! You can be sure that the critics are salivating!
- And in some absolutely shocking news - I'm hearing rumors about a spectacular new "Sleeping Beauty" that’s hitting the stage in Berlin, a modern interpretation full of daring visuals and an entirely new, provocative score. It's going to shake the ballet world, darling!
- Last but certainly not least - that rising star, Sergei Polunin, is in talks to stage a new solo piece in New York later this year! Let’s just say, that boy’s talent will take your breath away - and leave you speechless. You haven't heard the last of that one.
Well, there you have it, dears. All the excitement of ballet at the beginning of this most extraordinary year. This is just the start. There is so much in store, and so much more to come! I'll keep you posted. In the meantime, enjoy every single performance you encounter - dance your heart out! I'll catch you next month!