Oh darling, you wouldnāt believe the whirl of dance activity thatās swirling around the world this month! I'm just back from Paris, where the air positively crackles with artistic energy. Iāve witnessed more fabulous, glittering, and exquisite performances than I could shake a diamantĆ©-encrusted tutu at. It's simply *divine*, my dears.
Letās begin with **The Paris Opera Balletās production of "Swan Lake"**. It's a classic for a reason, isn't it? This season, the iconic performance has a certain "je ne sais quoi" that took my breath away. The stunning choreography, a visual feast of feather-light tutus and graceful movements, made me truly feel as though Iād been transported into the tale. A word to the wise - grab those tickets as fast as you can, as the company is in full flight.
But my absolute highlight this month was undoubtedly the premiere of **"Emergence" by the Merce Cunningham Dance Company at the ThĆ©Ć¢tre de la Ville**. Now, I adore Cunningham's revolutionary choreography - it's bold, audacious, and quite simply, dazzling. In "Emergence", the dancers are both ethereal and grounded, embodying Cunningham's vision with exquisite precision. The set and lighting were magnificent, and I just love that unconventional approach to storytelling. If you have a taste for the truly innovative, you *must* experience this production.
Then thereās **āThe Rite of Springā**. It's been decades since I last saw this captivating work, and it was pure magic. Every single nuance of Stravinskyās composition was brought to life by the incredible dancers of the Paris Opera Ballet. A performance so breathtaking, I almost couldn't breathe myself. It's an experience that stays with you long after the curtain falls.
While in Paris, I couldn't resist indulging in a *little* indulgence, darling. I dined at **L'Atelier de Joƫl Robuchon** - truly divine, darling! A truly decadent experience for all the senses, perfect for the discerning ballerina, don't you think? After a magnificent repast, I strolled through the Parisian streets. It is just *such* an inspirational city for the arts, darling.
Next, my dears, I'm off to London to experience the sheer artistry of the **Royal Balletās spring season**. Iām absolutely *thrilled* to see their reimagined production of **āGiselleā**. Iām hoping that it lives up to the reputation of their stellar performance last year. And darling, their performance of **āThe Sleeping Beautyā** is absolutely divine. It's the perfect ballet for a whimsical, almost magical night out - complete with swirling tutus, exquisite music and that famous pas de deux in Act III that brings a tear to the eye!
But itās not all classical ballet. Thereās so much more to dance than tutus, darlings. In Londonās vibrant West End, I am so excited to witness the sheer artistry of **"An American in Paris"**, with its tap-dancing delight and jazz-infused moves, taking the stage. Itās bound to be pure joy, and my love of Broadway-inspired shows knows no bounds. The American in Paris production in London has such energy and rhythm, just delightful, darling! And I have my eye on **"Singinā in the Rain",** where those dancing sequences are truly *exhilarating*. Letās face it, thereās nothing like a great tap number. Itās almost as graceful as ballet. Almost!
I've also got my sights set on **The Royal Opera House's production of "Woolf Works"**. This stunning fusion of music, dance and text is the perfect modern masterpiece, based on Virginia Woolfās genius. A production where dancers take center stage with lyrical artistry, perfectly expressing those intricate Woolfian themes.
Over on the other side of the Atlantic, the dance world is in a flurry of activity. **American Ballet Theatre (ABT)** in New York are performing **"Giselle"** , too. Now, ABT always bring a raw energy to their performance. They really deliver the emotional punch in that scene where Giselle descends into madness. A captivating display, darling, truly.
I do believe it was **āRomeo & Julietā**, by the American Ballet Theatre, that set me on my dance journey way back when. It's an enduring classic that never fails to move me. With the iconic scene where Romeo mourns Juliet at the end, that ballet holds so much emotion - I really *must* get myself to New York to see their interpretation. Of course, I will have to add some retail therapy on my trip too! Bloomingdaleās is simply calling to me!
I just *adore* the innovative artistry of dance across the world. For example, in the vibrant city of Miami, **Miami City Ballet (MCB)** are presenting a stunning production of **āLa BayadĆØreā.** MCB often offer beautifully exotic ballets and I hear their performances are both stylish and energetic. This performance takes inspiration from India, which gives the ballet that vibrant sense of color and character. I think it would make for a perfectly elegant trip too, with that delicious tropical warmth of Florida. Now that would be utterly divine.
And now we're off to the Land of the Rising Sun! **The Tokyo Ballet** is currently showcasing **"The Nutcracker"** at the New National Theatre. A ballet I've danced myself many times, in many guises over the years, darling. So the classics are being given the full, ārefined and graceful" Japanese treatment, it's a complete must-see. They have an incredible precision and I find their expression so unique. A visit to Tokyo's Imperial Palace would make the trip a veritable royal affair, too, darling. I do love a spot of sightseeing.
As always, **the Royal Ballet's School of Dance** will also be busy training a new generation of stars. It's absolutely vital, darlings, that ballet continues to be supported, because we must preserve its beauty and grace for the generations to come. If you are lucky enough to find yourself near a Royal Ballet school, try to catch a glimpse of a class or performance by its budding dancers. A true delight for every dancer. There is truly no better place for nurturing talented young ballet dancers in the world. These little darlings will surely bring magic to the world stage one day.
Of course, **every single production I mention here, is absolutely breathtaking**. The art of ballet requires such passion, dedication and skill, and these ballerinas are all the most exquisite talents that will transport you to another world.
So, darlings, be sure to secure your tickets for these balletic gems before they vanish! It is a must-see for the true fashion-forward soul, and if you want a bit of sartorial advice on what to wear to these incredible evenings, darling, just give me a holler. The art of dress is paramount to the experience, after all! Letās make an evening of it and dance through the month of May!