Ballet Around The World - July 2017
Darling, the July skies are ablaze with the grace of dancers, twirling like constellations in a starlit night. I've been lucky enough to take in some truly exquisite productions this month, each a dazzling display of artistry and athleticism. The dance world is flourishing, buzzing with innovative choreography and classic masterpieces given new life. Come, let's sip our cocktails and discuss the highlights!
Paris, the City of Love, was, naturally, brimming with balletic beauty. At the Palais Garnier, the iconic *Le Corsaire* had its usual mesmerising effect. You simply can’t help but get lost in the story of pirates, enslaved maidens, and romantic intrigue, the whole thing infused with a passionate air that practically electrifies the stage. The corps de ballet, my dears, were utterly breathtaking. Their synchronized movements, a silken wave of colour and precision, were almost hypnotic. The principal dancers – that elegant, graceful Mr. Duato, with his exquisite turns and seemingly effortless leaps, and the firecracker Ms. Sinyakova, a whirlwind of passion, were captivating. The costumes! Divine, of course. However, there was an air of 'been there, seen that' surrounding the entire production. I found myself yearning for a touch of modernity, for something unexpected. I wouldn't be surprised if a talented choreographer took on this classic in the near future, infusing it with a new and dazzling life.
Moving on from the grandeur of Paris to the intimate grandeur of New York. I was truly blown away by the New York City Ballet's production of “*Glass Pieces*,” the brainchild of the enigmatic Mr. Robbins. The title aptly describes the choreography – crisp, sharp, a captivating symphony of movement. The ballet challenged the audience, its modern aesthetic refusing to conform to any classic expectations. What you got instead was a masterpiece of emotion and artistic integrity. A particular highlight was the beautiful portrayal of *Andante*. It left me breathless, captivated by the elegance of the dancer, who, despite a very traditional style, injected a potent cocktail of defiance into her graceful form.
And who can ignore the magnetic pull of the Bolshoi? It was my great pleasure to watch them in the exquisite production of *Giselle*. Oh, the sheer energy, the power and emotion, were truly unforgettable. Ms. Novikova's Giselle was captivating – the innocence, the heartbreak, and finally the transformative power of a broken heart... my, it was an emotional rollercoaster of epic proportions. One thing I love about ballet is its ability to weave together classic storylines with bold innovation. The Bolshoi, true to its rich heritage, brought to life the tragic, poetic heart of the classic ballet. Even seasoned ballerinas, like myself, get swept up in the beauty of the story. It's a reminder of how enduring, how truly magnificent the traditions of dance can be.
But, there's more than just classic grandeur!
I was quite delighted by *A Midsummer Night's Dream* at the English National Ballet. While their production of *Giselle* may be the go-to ballet for the truly traditional enthusiast, their *Midsummer Night’s Dream*, with its playful choreography, was just brilliant. Imagine whimsical faeries, love triangles, and a hint of madness, all orchestrated on stage, with dazzling sets and costuming, bringing the Bard's work to life. There’s even a magical transformation in which a love-struck maiden turns into a dancing sunflower, my word, simply stunning! This production is not merely an adaptation of Shakespeare's text; it is a ballet born from his writing, its heart echoing with the play's joy and chaos. This is a ballet that will linger long after you leave the theatre.
And last, but certainly not least, was my recent journey to the Netherlands, to witness the illustrious *Dutch National Ballet's* production of *A Tribute To Nijinsky*, at the Het Muziektheater Amsterdam. It's not often that I find myself overcome with such profound artistic emotion but this performance had that rare quality. It wasn't simply the virtuosic dancing or the haunting music – although, these were both truly captivating. What moved me so deeply, my dears, was the depth of understanding in this tribute to one of the greatest dancers of our time. Each number felt meticulously researched, meticulously crafted. They showed the depth of his innovative, revolutionary dancing while revealing the man beneath the artistic mask. My eyes filled with tears during *Le Spectre de la Rose*, I found myself utterly captivated, lost in its dreamlike quality, reminiscent of an iconic figure and a lost age of dance. As always, the talent within this Dutch ballet company impressed me with their skill and ability to translate Nijinsky's revolutionary, audacious movement to the stage. I am eagerly anticipating seeing them in their new interpretations of classical masterpieces next season! A whirlwind, wasn't it? The sheer variety of ballets showcased in July reminded me once again of the artform's dynamic nature. Ballet doesn’t simply reflect our times – it pushes the boundaries of imagination and artistic expression. It doesn’t merely entertain – it challenges, moves, inspires us. Ballet isn’t simply a performance – it is an artform that speaks to the deepest part of ourselves. As for myself, I am, as always, eager to experience more of the magical world of ballet. What wonderful shows lie in wait for us all in August? Stay tuned.