A Dance De Jour
October 2018
Darling, the dance world is positively humming this month, a whirlwind of exquisite performances and a kaleidoscope of talent! My dear, it's positively exhilarating! It feels like every corner of the globe is pulsing with the grace and artistry that we all adore. Let's dive in, shall we?
London, the heart of it all...I wouldn't be me if I didn't begin with our dear old Covent Garden. And my dears, let me tell you, the Royal Ballet is in absolute top form this October! Giselle, a timeless masterpiece, is being given a truly captivating run. It's a story of passion, betrayal, and the ethereal, and let me assure you, this production brings those themes to life in the most exquisitely delicate and powerfully dramatic way. My dear, I saw it myself - Marianela Nuñez, a truly remarkable talent, simply glowed as the tragic Giselle, her ethereal fragility captivating the audience. And when I tell you that the choreography of the Wilis, those beautiful spirits of wronged women, was truly captivating, well, you just have to experience it yourself.
Of course, darling, we can't forget the Bolshoi Ballet. A performance of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake in the majestic Royal Opera House - I'm simply floored! Olga Smirnova as Odette/Odile was a revelation. Such power, such exquisite beauty, her movements a testament to her years of training. The story of Odette, the swan queen cursed by the evil sorcerer, is always a poignant tale. But the Bolshoi production? Simply divine! The stage, transformed into a haunting, shimmering lake with stunning special effects, enhanced every moment. I confess, darling, I had a little tear in my eye.
Speaking of breathtaking beauty, did you hear about The Sleeping Beauty at Sadler's Wells? My darling, it's quite the spectacle. This time, we're treated to the grace of the National Ballet of Canada, a troupe known for their phenomenal precision. The choreography was simply magnificent, a delicate dance through the dreams and nightmares of the sleeping princess. The costumes, darling, they were exquisite, shimmering with an otherworldly beauty, the perfect backdrop for such a wondrous fairytale.
Now, darling, let's not forget about the little gems tucked away in the smaller London theatres. DanceEast, in the heart of the city, is putting on an original production by choreographer Javier de Frutos. A truly innovative piece, exploring themes of identity and belonging, I hear. The company itself is a real force to be reckoned with, a hotbed of creativity, brimming with fresh talent. The whole experience sounds absolutely thrilling, wouldn't you say?
Europe, oh darling, you enchant me!Across the channel, Paris is buzzing with a certain artistic energy! The Opéra Garnier, my dear, is a grand, romantic theatre if I ever saw one. The Paris Opera Ballet's production of La Bayadère was simply mesmerizing, the intricate choreography a beautiful exploration of love, betrayal, and sacrifice. It’s a story set in India, and the sheer scale and richness of the sets and costumes just took my breath away. The ballet was truly exquisite. There was this young ballerina, a prodigy by the name of Myriam Ould-Brahim, who performed with such grace and power. Her solo work as the beautiful Nikiya, so filled with emotional depth, stole the show, simply magical. A performance I shall never forget, my dear.
Now, imagine my excitement when I found out about a show at the Palais Garnier. Not just any show, darling, a premiere! The Ballet de l'Opéra national de Paris debuted their own version of Giselle! My darling, my excitement is simply impossible to express! I absolutely *must* book tickets!
While on the continent, we mustn't miss Munich's Staatsballett. A production of Balanchine's Symphony in C. You know my love for the intricate, elegant choreography of the legendary Balanchine. A truly elegant, refined experience - I have a hunch it'll be a smash. Munich itself, of course, is simply enchanting! I think we need a little getaway, my dear, wouldn't you agree?
Beyond the Atlantic...Of course, darling, the dance world isn’t confined to Europe! The United States is buzzing with activity. Let’s talk about the American Ballet Theatre (ABT), a company synonymous with classical ballet and groundbreaking productions. The iconic Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has, as always, an outstanding season in New York, filled with dynamic performances that are just irresistible. I hear the opening night at the City Center was electrifying, full of passion and emotion.
Of course, we mustn’t forget San Francisco. The San Francisco Ballet, always a haven for dance enthusiasts, is offering a compelling and unique programme. Romeo and Juliet, a timeless masterpiece, is being interpreted with fresh vision by the San Francisco Ballet, featuring stunning sets, elegant costumes, and exquisite performances that are certain to leave audiences spellbound.
And as if those dazzling productions weren't enough, across the globe, the Australian Ballet is offering its very own production of Don Quixote. That dramatic ballet always has an exciting energy to it. You simply cannot have enough Don Quixote !
A ballet season bursting with colour and excitementYou know, my dear, the global ballet world just doesn't disappoint! It's full of creativity and passion, offering diverse interpretations of classic ballets alongside thought-provoking contemporary creations. It's a testament to the enduring power and universal language of dance! From the elegance of Covent Garden to the vibrant energy of the Ailey dancers, we're spoiled for choice, wouldn't you say? The possibilities, darling, they're positively endless! But darling, remember - the best way to experience all these wonderful productions? Buy a ticket and be a part of the magic!