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Darling, May! It is, without a doubt, the month for a grand return to the stage, and we at *Ballet Delights* are here to guide you through the very best in global dance. I've slipped into my favourite silk kaftan, a generous spritz of Chanel No. 5, and settled in for some fabulous cultural immersion – and don’t you worry, darlings, I won't bore you with any details that aren't worthy of our attention. We’re focusing on those exceptional pieces that left an indelible mark on this fabulous month.

My Parisian jaunt in May always involves a dose of culture at the Palais Garnier – it's a rite of passage! I just adore the ornate opulence of the building; one could get lost in its gilded intricacies for hours! This year's highlights? The sublime **Etoile** of the Paris Opera Ballet, **Sylvie Guillem**, in a performance of *Giselle* that made my heart skip a beat. Sylvie – divine! She dances with such precision, emotion and a hint of untamed energy that captivates from the first note of the orchestra. I found myself caught up in her raw and beautiful storytelling – you could feel every broken heart and sorrowful embrace! She and her partner, **Joseph Gatti**, made a dream team, seamlessly navigating the classical and romantic steps and achieving breathtaking technical brilliance in every leap and pirouette.

But, darling, Paris wouldn't be Paris without a splash of something unconventional! I popped in on a vibrant, off-the-beaten-path piece by the **Ballet National de Marseille**, a group that has always captivated me with its fearless experimentation. This May they unveiled *Antigone*, a stunning contemporary ballet set against a captivating backdrop of modern dance and theatrical innovation. Choreographed by **Amir Zaid**, it tells the story of Sophocles’ heroine with bold originality – you couldn't help but be drawn into the powerful struggle for justice that resonates even today. This production took me on a fascinating journey that pushed boundaries with inventive choreography and dynamic projections. Definitely worth adding to your Paris must-sees!

The legendary Bolshoi Theatre – what a treasure! Moscow's glittering gem always offers something breathtaking. My recent journey brought me to *The Sleeping Beauty*. I adore the timeless, fairytale narrative; this ballet is simply exquisite. This production, directed by **Yuri Grigorovich**, is an enduring masterclass of romanticism. The corps de ballet was flawless in every arabesque and relevé, executing every step with unwavering precision and captivating grace. It's a pure celebration of tradition and classical perfection!

I had the incredible opportunity to meet the renowned **Svetlana Zakharova**. Oh darling, this is a true star. She has a presence that commands every stage. She brings her own distinct elegance to the role of Aurora, every delicate movement a testament to her incredible artistry.

Now, you're wondering, “Is there anything in Moscow beyond the big players, darling?”. Well, keep your eye on the **Stanislavsky Electrotheatre**. They've become known for daring productions – truly bold! You’ve gotta see what they've come up with! If you fancy something modern, unconventional, and full of artistic fire, this is the place to go. The avant-garde scene here, with bold reinterpretations of classic ballet themes, keeps Moscow at the forefront of dance experimentation, truly challenging conventions while honoring the history of the art form.

New York, of course! The pulse of creativity, the stage for dance's daring innovations. There was an undeniable energy in the air in the Big Apple this May!

The **New York City Ballet** continues to reign supreme with its modern and elegant interpretations. The jewel in its crown was a sensational *Swan Lake*, and we all know, darling, the famous swans can be *intense*. The principal dancers in this performance - **Tiler Peck**, **Maria Kowroski** - had us transfixed with their flawless technique and powerful performances. The stage simply seemed to ignite under their presence. What stood out to me this time, was **Balanchine**’s signature clarity – each move so precise, every gesture radiating power, creating an effortlessly captivating vision of this iconic masterpiece.

But wait, it’s New York! No place for us to be boxed in by conventions. So off we go, dear ones, to **American Ballet Theatre** and their exquisite performance of *The Letter*, choreographed by **Twyla Tharp**. A whirlwind of contemporary genius! A brilliant display of daringly contemporary and technically demanding movement, full of innovative steps that are all the rage on Instagram this season!

We come home, dear friends, to the birthplace of the beloved art form! I adore London’s theatre scene, with its history and legacy. Every year brings something captivating, but this May was particularly enchanting! The **Royal Ballet**, of course, is the epicentre of it all, and they delighted with a thrillingly emotional performance of *Romeo & Juliet*. I confess, darling, my heart skipped a beat. You know those scenes, the heartbreaking finale… the sheer intensity took your breath away! We're talking the legendary *étoiles* like **Marianela Nuñez**, who dances with an ethereal grace, and the handsome **Vadim Muntagirov**, who captured the passionate nature of Romeo’s character so wonderfully. This classic narrative resonated as intensely as ever. It was, quite simply, magical.

You already know that London is not content with simply reliving the past, darling! You've got to see what the **Rambert Dance Company** has produced! *The Man With One Red Shoe* – a performance of bold originality, choreographed by **Rosie Kay**. It tells a poignant story of community and the challenges faced by one man in a world that can sometimes seem harsh and isolating. The modern approach to storytelling captivated with its originality – the projections, costumes, and lighting design made this production truly unforgettable. This piece took me by surprise, dear. I dare you to challenge your perception of contemporary ballet.

I’ll tell you, darling, this city is rapidly becoming one of the world’s premier ballet destinations! The energy and the dynamism are simply unmatched! There’s something quite fresh and exciting here in the world of ballet – not just an endless replication of the classics.

One highlight was definitely **Universal Ballet**, who presented their sensational interpretation of *Don Quixote* this May. With every whirling turn and elegant arabesque, this production captured the fiery and romantic essence of the classic, but, of course, with a contemporary twist! The dancers, oh darling, you can feel the passion exuding from every step! Every stage performance is an effortless and powerful showcase of their mastery.

You can see why Seoul is drawing the attention of serious dance lovers everywhere. Take the **Korea National Ballet Company**, for instance. Their presentation of *The Nutcracker* in May showcased a beautifully unpretentious elegance. You saw it all – the graceful precision, the exquisite set design, and the captivating performances that took the classic Christmas story and brought it to life. A perfect ballet for the whole family, my dear, I must say.

Darling, the world of ballet is ever-evolving! It’s no longer confined to the traditional. There is a real buzz out there, and we've witnessed a truly global evolution in May. This season’s performances have pushed boundaries in so many exciting ways. From bold new choreography and contemporary storytelling to classic reinterpretations and vibrant collaborations, we've seen a level of creative excellence that is breathtaking.

Ballet has come to mean so much more than just elegant poses and perfectly aligned turns! In this May, we've seen its evolution into a form that reflects our times – our global connection, our cultural diversity, and the enduring power of artistic expression as a force for beauty, emotion, and inspiration. Isn’t that something to celebrate, darlings? So let us embrace this bright, dazzling world of dance! And remember: as a ballet lover, you can experience its magic everywhere, on any stage!