The October & November Ballet Month - My Diary
By Dame Seraphina Von St. Clair
Ballet Icon & Style Editor Extraordinaire
Darling,As autumnal hues descended upon the city and I settled into my new sable fur and a pair of beautiful emeralds, I felt the pull of the stage... you see the month of October - is really the month of ballerinas! It's not just the gorgeous red foliage outside the window or the feeling of a crisp chilly night that I crave; it’s the opportunity to experience all the divine works, breathtaking artists, and elegant performances this season throws my way - there's really nothing like it, you know?!
I always make a point of heading out to Paris - it is my favourite city! Where else would one go to be enveloped in art and fashion at the same time? This time was no different - I made sure my couture was ready to go, my trusty Louboutin's in tow, as I hit the Grand Palais and settled into a front row seat. The *Ballet de l’Opéra de Paris* performance, you know it never disappoints. It was divine! The dancer I have to mention is, of course, the amazing **Marine Monteagudo** - such graceful, powerful movement and she simply glowed with her artistry on stage!
It wouldn’t be October without a trip to London! The Royal Opera House, my absolute favourite, I love it dearly! Of course, the *Royal Ballet* never fails to leave me starry-eyed. I went to witness their *Swan Lake*, and was simply transported with the beauty of the performance. *The Royal Ballet* and their exquisite company – I was in absolute awe. It was a masterclass in class and elegance! My dear friend **Marceline Hugot** was simply brilliant in her performance. You must see it. It will simply take your breath away. I particularly loved the **Corps de ballet’s** fluidity and power in that stunning dance number *Dance of the Little Cygnets*. I was mesmerized by their grace and perfect choreography, absolutely magnificent. A real standout! It really was a privilege to watch all the dancers that night. **Marceline**’s performance in the final Act simply captivated me – every move she made! If only my body could have relived it all over again – the pure bliss, the power she commands on the stage. It was truly phenomenal.
But it wasn't all ballet! We, the fabulous and the fashionable, like to be in the know. You see dear, art is art after all. The vibrant artistic scene, with all its diversity in London's art scene had us all buzzing, it truly is a delight to experience such an array of talent. This year, the *Southbank Centre* offered a captivating exhibition '**The Poetry of Movement'** – a truly breathtaking presentation that took me right back to my first ballet class as a young girl, that excitement. So exciting to see this collection and all it had to offer, with everything from **Degas’s** famous ballerina pieces through to the work of **Mary Cassatt**, all pieces that have captured the delicate essence of a ballerina. My absolute favourite was **Igor Stravinsky's *The Rite of Spring* - this show resonated with my own sense of ballet. An absolutely inspiring collection and a reminder of how the beauty and poetry of movement have inspired us all throughout history. A masterpiece, darling. If you can make it to see the collection you will truly feel like you have stepped back in time, a truly inspiring and thought-provoking exhibition for us all. The *Southbank* never fails to impress and the artists always bring us the very best that art has to offer, even in our own time!
But the real highlight of my month? Oh my darling, that had to be the performance by the *National Ballet of Canada* in *Don Quixote* - this was simply an explosion of passion and life - it simply brought me to tears with its pure joy, it made me recall the feeling of dance. Every single move brought out a part of my own experience and ignited the love for ballet in my heart. The performance was simply breathtaking - especially the *Kingdom of the Dryads*. Oh my darling the scene itself - absolutely captivating. The choreography was simply out of this world and you could tell how much talent was on stage.
*The Bolshoi Theatre* never disappoints, I always ensure a trip to Moscow for its performances. This month it had me in awe of the beauty of *Sleeping Beauty* - **Diana Vishneva’s** gracefulness as Aurora. You see, it’s not just about perfect technique - the dance must come from the heart and **Diana** had this in spades – every movement was filled with such beautiful emotion, and her strength as a ballerina shone through the entire performance. Simply breathtaking!
And how can I forget my time at the *Royal Opera House* watching *The Nutcracker*, the *English National Ballet*, as I settled into my favourite armchair! The *English National Ballet* have this phenomenal company. **Laurie Albrecht** simply lit up the stage as Clara and **Erina Mann** was absolutely spectacular as the Sugar Plum Fairy, bringing so much beauty and sweetness to the performance. It is truly an *English National Ballet* performance for the ages, one for the record books! Oh, I was simply blown away. I loved the beauty and wonder the whole performance conjured! Such incredible talent all brought together in one show - I can’t recommend it highly enough!
You see, dear there are so many beautiful dance experiences that you can explore the world over. Ballet is an art form that connects all of us to each other! But more than that, for me - ballet has been my life - and nothing can replace it!
With Love and *élan*!
Dame Seraphina Von St. Clair
***
**But I think you will all agree that Ballet truly makes the world a better place and there’s really nothing like watching these masterful dancers take over the stage! **