Darling, can you believe it's already January? This year promises to be divine, and I’m practically pirouetting with excitement at the ballet season ahead.
From the opulent, glittering stages of the Bolshoi to the intimate grandeur of Sadler's Wells, the world is buzzing with an exquisite selection of performances this month. My diary's already brimming with tickets for a delightful collection of ballet bonanzas.
A Parisian PremiereFirstly, I simply *must* make it to Paris. Now, Paris, you know, it always has a certain je ne sais quoi, and I expect nothing less from their January offerings. You're in for a real treat, dear. On January 7th, the legendary Ballet de l'Opéra National de Paris presents a captivating premiere, **"The Seven Deadly Sins" ** by the inimitable **Boris Eifman.** This ballet, with music by **Kurt Weill** and choreography by **Eifman,** promises a deeply compelling narrative and bold artistic vision that will undoubtedly be a Parisian masterpiece. Can't wait to see what he's conjured! Eifman's productions are always spectacular, but something about this one really sets my soul alight! The costumes are rumored to be truly magnificent; a real Parisian touch of haute couture on the stage. An Edinburgh Enchantress
Moving from Parisian allure to the elegant charm of Scotland, a delightful visit to Edinburgh is also a must. The Royal Ballet of Scotland is showcasing its vibrant **"Sleeping Beauty"** at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre throughout January. What a divine ballet, dear! Don’t miss the breathtaking choreography, those incredible Tchaikovsky scores and those opulent costumes that practically sing from the stage! Such exquisite romanticism, utterly beautiful. And those dramatic, sultry choreography sections that highlight the villainy, just captivating! Edinburgh really pulls out the stops when it comes to stage design too, don't you find? You'll feel like you're stepping straight into a fairytale, darling. Oh, the enchanting magic of ballet!
London, Oh London!Of course, my London must-sees are plentiful, darlings. I couldn't miss the **"Romeo and Juliet" ** being performed by the brilliant Birmingham Royal Ballet, currently touring to Sadler’s Wells. A simply breathtaking production set in Verona. This classic love story is told with incredible drama, passion and captivating movement, perfect for January when London can feel just a bit frosty. This company always delivers with heart and such precise artistry. I do love their dynamic stage presence. You'll want to dance in the aisles when the Romeo and Juliet duet plays out, so prepare yourself. It will definitely have you sobbing and rejoicing, darling!
A Touch of Classic EleganceNext, a trip to the Coliseum is simply de rigueur for any balletomane, and this January the English National Ballet has another exquisite production ready. They'll be dancing **"The Sleeping Beauty," ** Tchaikovsky’s classic of the ballet repertoire, at the Coliseum. This will be the pinnacle of the dance season for me - to experience **the grandeur of a grand scale, classically elegant "Sleeping Beauty". **
Oh darling, a production of "The Sleeping Beauty" is always breathtaking. Those set designs - truly fairytale. This classic beauty is timeless, just like a well-worn piece of Chanel. Every dancer feels the story. It’s not a production to miss! Just the perfection you expect from the Coliseum and the English National Ballet! It is one of the things that really sets this ballet company apart; the elegance of their storytelling.
Across The Globe, A New Year, New ChoreographiesAcross the Atlantic, American ballet companies are embracing the new year with energetic and original work. It's really exhilarating to see the fresh vision coming out of America right now. The American Ballet Theatre is celebrating January with its renowned **"Giselle" ** at the Metropolitan Opera House, New York. What is not to love about a little classic? They always bring a new sense of dramatic realism to Giselle, I find that incredibly appealing and a truly sophisticated production.
In Chicago, the Chicago Ballet presents an exhilarating programme that features a world premiere by choreographer **Jorden Morris, “Undergrowth,"** which should definitely be on your January calendar! This dynamic choreographer, with his daring moves and cutting-edge vision, always leaves an unforgettable mark. I really enjoy this choreographer’s raw passion and his modern style.
New Choreography & The Future of DanceJanuary is also the perfect time to introduce you to **Annabelle Lopez Ochoa** . Her contemporary pieces are so innovative, always a beautiful balance between classical dance training and fresh ideas. For anyone who is new to ballet or someone who wants to be on the cutting edge of choreography - her work is worth looking out for! She is so in demand and works all over the world with leading ballet companies.
My RecommendationsIf I were to make a little suggestion for a first time ballet attendee, I would say go for **"Sleeping Beauty"** . It is an easy story to follow and has all the romance you could want. Oh, don’t forget to arrive looking perfectly put-together as a balletomane must always make an entrance, darling.
A chic silk dress with a little bow will give you a beautifully elegant touch. Your makeup, darling, must be dramatic; smokey eyes to mirror the theatrical magic of a night out. Oh, I must also warn you about a ballet company’s dressing regulations: nothing too casual, of course. Do consider the elegance of the performance, and a touch of a fabulous hat to set you apart from the rest, darling.
My Diary's Packed, Darling. Are Yours?Well darling, this month is certainly packed, and I must be dashing, so many tickets to buy and I simply must put an order in at my favourite boutique for the latest silk dresses. Oh my goodness, I am feeling the buzz of the theatre season in my veins and the need for something perfectly glamorous in my wardrobe!
And you darling, don’t forget to catch as many shows as possible! It's the perfect way to start a fresh year of dancing.