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A Whirlwind of Whimsy: A Ballet Review for August 2018

Darlings, I hope this month finds you pirouetting your way into a new season of beauty and artistry! My recent travels have taken me from the shimmering lights of Paris to the buzzing energy of Tokyo, leaving me with a flurry of captivating performances to share.

Oh, the Parisian ballet scene! It’s simply divine, always so sophisticated and chic. This month, I was swept off my feet at the Opéra Garnier by the Ballet de l’Opéra national de Paris’s breathtaking revival of “Giselle.” The legendary choreography by Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot, paired with the heart-wrenching music by Adolphe Adam, transported me to another realm entirely. My darling étoile, Marie-Agnès Gillot, danced the titular Giselle with such fragile beauty and ethereal grace. Her first act, filled with girlish charm and joyous abandon, transformed with the heart-stopping power of madness in the second, leaving me completely enraptured. It was as if the very air around us shimmered with her anguish and passion.

Tokyo, with its vibrancy and bold innovation, is always a joy to visit. This month, I was thrilled to witness the incredible talent of the New National Theatre, Tokyo (NNTT). Their production of “The Nutcracker” – a story so classic, so familiar, yet reimagined with a Japanese twist! The NNTT’s choreography was simply electrifying. They infused this iconic story with traditional Japanese influences, blending ancient and modern with elegant simplicity. Imagine “snowflakes” fluttering gracefully down, only to reveal delicate origami cranes – a subtle, yet beautiful nod to Japanese artistry. The dazzling costumes and sets, reminiscent of Japanese ukiyo-e prints, completed this magical journey. And let’s not forget the magnificent music, the strings playing with such soul-stirring beauty. Simply sublime!

I’ve always believed that dance transcends geographical boundaries, a universal language that unites hearts and inspires souls. And so, my travels led me to experience ballet in its myriad forms.

In Rome, the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma offered a stunningly dramatic rendition of “Swan Lake.” The raw emotion, the sweeping passion – you could almost feel the tumultuous love and loss through their movements. Then, in New York City, I was enthralled by the bold experimentation of American Ballet Theatre’s “The Fall of Light” by the brilliant choreographer Alexei Ratmansky. Its haunting visuals, intricate patterns, and raw energy were a refreshing departure from traditional narratives, reminding me of dance’s infinite capacity for innovation. Finally, I returned to my homeland to see the Birmingham Royal Ballet’s interpretation of “Romeo and Juliet.” The youthful exuberance and vibrant spirit of the young dancers resonated with my soul, a stark reminder of the raw power of young love. The poignancy of Shakespeare’s classic translated so beautifully into dance. Simply brilliant!

While I'm all about celebrating the beauty and artistry of ballet, one simply can’t forget the all-important style! What better place than Paris to be inspired? I fell in love with the graceful, romantic pieces I saw at Chloé. They evoke a timeless, almost balletic sense of femininity – think floaty silks, flowing fabrics, and delicate ruffles. Perfect for both on- and off-stage.

• A flowing silk chiffon blouse, paired with wide-leg pants in a muted pastel tone – chic yet effortless.
• An ethereal silk maxi dress with dainty floral prints, perfect for a gala or post-performance drinks.
• For a more contemporary twist, try a sharp, fitted jacket in a bold hue over a sleek, streamlined midi dress – oh la la!

Remember, darlings, the secret to timeless elegance lies in knowing what makes you feel most confident and beautiful. For me, a touch of romanticism, a dash of femininity, and a whole lot of ballet-inspired flair, never fails!

And now, on to my August schedule. The calendar is packed, darling, and I'm ready to take it all in! From a vibrant “Don Quixote” performance at the Royal Ballet to the innovative dance collaborations happening at the Tate Modern – it's going to be a month of pure artistic delight! Join me, dear readers, as I weave my way through a world of exquisite movement and timeless beauty. And remember, a good pirouette is always in style!