Darling, August is upon us and what a month it is! The dance world has truly blossomed this summer, overflowing with talent and a plethora of mesmerising performances to indulge in. As we ease into the slightly cooler evenings, the stage is set for a month of utter enchantment, with ballet companies worldwide performing exquisite masterpieces, modern creations, and breathtaking premieres.
My goodness, darling, just when I thought my love affair with the Royal Ballet couldnāt get any deeper, they went and premiered **"The Mirror"**! Wayne McGregor, always a master of his craft, brought together the magic of dance with digital art in a mesmerising and intensely moving way. I was simply captivated by the incredible precision of the dancers against the projected video backdrop of shattered glass and swirling images. It was a dazzling explosion of contemporary dance, exploring the themes of fractured identity, self-reflection, and our relationship with technology - something which resonated with me, darling. You just have to see it! Itās breathtakingly modern with beautiful, emotive work and some of the most astonishing dance vocabulary you could imagine.
On the other side of the pond, darling, The New York City Ballet brought **"La Sylphide"** back to the stage and let me tell you, itās still absolutely charming. The costumes were exquisite! And Ashley Bouder as the ethereal Sylphide, well sheās simply radiant. Her performance was so full of grace and captivatingly captivating that she could melt a glacier, darling! Itās a classic story, yes, and the choreography remains charming, with its ethereal lightness and tender elegance, the joy of youthful passion so perfectly encapsulated! I dare you not to smile when the male lead dances with the Sylphide on pointe! If only my feet were still as nimble as that dearā¦ but alas!
But darling, we are not just about grand classics and premiere premieres. Across the globe, the magic of ballet has touched down in the most extraordinary of locations. Imagine! A performance of **āThe Nutcrackerā** nestled within the majestic grounds of Hampton Court Palace, near London! Such enchanting and inspiring venues provide a sense of magic and romance, don't you think? And then we have **āThe Swan Lakeā** held within the majestic backdrop of Versailles! Simply divine! The sheer scale of these historic venues enhances the spectacle of dance beyond anything a standard theatre could achieve. I, for one, will definitely be taking my ballet-mad granddaughters next year, just so I can relive that magic through their eyes.
Now let's not forget, darling, about those rising stars in the ballet world! Itās wonderful to see fresh, young faces taking the stage and inspiring us with their talent! The young Russian, Evgeny, performed as Prince Siegfried in the Mariinsky Theatre's production of **"Swan Lake"** in Saint Petersburg - such promise and power for someone so young! He held the stage beautifully, captivating the entire audience, every move infused with an incredible strength and artistic sensitivity. This is someone to watch out for, I can assure you. His final steps in the black swan pas de deux were unforgettable; and it goes without saying, his beautiful "cygnet" portrayal alongside the amazing prima ballerina, Diana Vishneva, left me absolutely speechless.
But what would our cultural exploration be, darling, without venturing into the world of contemporary dance? The Dutch National Ballet recently performed a thrilling new production of **āIndigoā** by the choreographer Hans van Manen. An exploration of passion, emotion and love. It's definitely a different kettle of fish, but the strength of his work lies in its beautiful, fluid movement - his use of line, of space, of time, is really quite stunning, especially given that Van Manen is known for his simple yet elegant approach. You know, it reminded me of the purity and strength I find so refreshing about contemporary work - stripped down to its essence, with a captivating elegance that resonates within you long after the curtain falls.
The international dance scene is positively brimming with artistry this August. And of course, dear, there's more - a wonderful mix of vibrant contemporary works in cities across Europe - and beyond! It's a ballet lovers paradise this month, and we are certainly spoiled for choice! So, dear reader, if you find yourself wondering where to go and what to see - don't worry darling - just take your pick and go - you simply can't go wrong this August! Now excuse me, I must be off to get my fix of āThe Mirrorā!
In the meantime, darlings, enjoy the ballet! Keep that passion burning brightly!
Your ballet-loving, eternally stylish,
Olivia