A New Year, a New Dance: The Global Ballet Scene Takes Flight
My darlings, Happy New Year! As we step into 2019, a kaleidoscope of exquisite ballets grace the world's stages, and believe me, I have been dancing from one opening night to another, capturing the ephemeral magic in my trusty notebook. And now, darling, let's delve into the dazzling world of ballet this month!
First stop, **The Bolshoi Theatre** in Moscow, my dear! Here, they are holding court with **Giselle**. As one of the world's most loved ballets, Giselle requires not just technical prowess, but heart, and oh, how my heart fluttered watching **Svetlana Zakharova** as the innocent Giselle and **Denis Rodkin** as the deceptive Albrecht. Such aching beauty! Her final, tragic bourrées...chills! My dear, a performance for the ages!
Now, onto the shimmering **Royal Opera House** in London, the epicentre of ballet for many, don't you think? Their season begins with a triumphant **"The Nutcracker"**, oh, the costumes! And the snow, just a blizzard of delicate flakes. Such captivating enchantment. This "Nutcracker" though, is a particular favourite with its clever contemporary updates - an imaginative, truly beautiful approach that leaves audiences spellbound. This year's Clara was the ever-talented **Natalia Osipova**. Just divine. But of course, darling, the true show-stopper was **Marianela NĂșñez**, who danced the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy like a dream! She really captivated the stage. And to think, it was her 25th year with the company! What a legendary figure.
Over in Paris, I caught a preview of **âLâEtrange Madeleine,â** by the renowned **BĂ©jart Ballet Lausanne**. This, my darlings, is not your typical ballet. An innovative creation, blending elements of modern and classical dance, this is art for the soul, deeply affecting. **Gil Roman**'s choreography takes your breath away, a poetic study of madness and freedom. The production design was exquisite too, bold and unsettling. One unforgettable performance!
I then ventured to the charmingly elegant **San Francisco Ballet**, where the stunning **"The Sleeping Beauty"** captivated me. Such exquisite precision and detail in the choreography. A timeless classic re-imagined with fresh, new life, and a delicate, airy performance that had me dreaming in pink tutus for days! The young, vibrant **Frances Chung**, as Princess Aurora, was simply magical! A star in the making.
My travels continued, to the breathtaking **American Ballet Theatre**, New York City. Here, the bold and exhilarating **âAfterLife,â** choreographed by the master **Christopher Wheeldon**, really wowed. An exploration of memory, loss and what comes after, this is contemporary dance at its very finest. With the use of stunning visual effects, dancers and live instrumentalists together, it's not a ballet youâre likely to forget any time soon. I had my eyes glued to the performance of **Misty Copeland** - a powerhouse of an artist who moved the audience with every nuance, truly captivating! It was captivating.
From the New York Metropolitan Opera House to the stage of the **Royal Danish Ballet**, Copenhagen - the international dance community truly lives up to the adage of "the world is a stage", and I find myself captivated, truly immersed in each unique ballet, be it classical, modern or avant-garde. And Copenhagen was no exception, showcasing the iconic **âSwan Lakeâ**. I saw it once with the great Margot Fonteyn herself! My darling, I can still remember the grace and beauty of her every movement!
Back in London, at the beautiful Sadler's Wells Theatre, I saw a production of the new ballet, **"The Broken Circle,"** which was truly an emotional rollercoaster of an experience! Exploring themes of grief, love and family, this work felt real and raw, deeply touching. With its striking costumes, lighting, and bold choreography, this is a contemporary ballet not to be missed, if you can catch it.
Then, a flight to Vienna, home to the **Vienna State Opera Ballet**, where I took in a spectacular production of **"La BayadĂšre."** The ballet itself is captivating, with its grand Indian-inspired sets and costuming. And the performance! Exquisite! I canât recommend seeing **Polina Semionova** perform this piece highly enough, darling. Absolutely sublime! She embodied the lead role with breathtaking talent. This ballet is full of energy and passion, and truly brings a smile to your face - as well as tears, of course.
A Quick Guide for the Well-Dressed Ballet Enthusiast:
But my dear, you want to know how to dress for the ultimate ballet experience? Well, itâs about combining classic elegance with a touch of modern flair. Think chic black dresses or tailored separates. A pop of colour, perhaps a bright scarf, or a touch of embellishment â think a beaded necklace â is a lovely way to inject some individuality. A sharp blazer or even a faux fur stole is perfect to throw on for when it cools down. Never, ever underestimate the power of a statement shoe, darlings! A sharp, pointy-toed pair in red patent leather, perhaps, or elegant heeled boots in black leather or velvet would be chic.
As for a handbag, keep it petite but elegant. A chain bag in a classic shape, or even a small clutch is just the ticket, but with room for your essentials: phone, lipstick, mirror â a must to ensure you look fabulous throughout the entire performance. And darling, do bring your binoculars! No detail should be missed when it comes to enjoying these magnificent ballet performances.
Now, a dash of **beauty tips** from a seasoned dancer:
- My darling, use a hydrating and lightweight face cream to keep skin dewy throughout the performance.
- Add a touch of shimmering eye shadow to catch the light! I love the soft golds, peaches, and silvers for that dramatic, ethereal effect.
- And donât forget to spritz on your favorite perfume before the show!
That, darlings, is my advice for the discerning, chic and ever so stylish ballet-lover. You know what else Iâve discovered in my ballet journeys this month? **Emerging stars** in each company, oh, the future looks bright for the world of ballet! And you, my dear, must get out there and see it for yourself!
But before you dash off to the ballet, remember, there's something utterly thrilling about stepping into a theater. We feel that anticipation, that excitement, a sense of being part of something grand, elegant and just truly special. A sense of timeless magic, my dears. It is a joy we share as we step into that magnificent world. I will be back with another report for you next month. Until then, my darlings, let your spirits dance, embrace the magic, and always remember, darling, dance like no oneâs watching!