Darlings,
October, the month that truly whispers the arrival of the festive season, finds us settling back into our routines post-summer hols, and, as always, our elegant art form never fails to enchant. Let me share the breathtaking beauty I experienced around the globe, where the air seemed to crackle with each delicate arabesque and whispered note.
I began my month at the esteemed Royal Opera House, London. As always, the grand architecture is a delightful prelude to any performance. And what a performance it was! The Royal Ballet graced us with a sublime rendition of Giselle. The masterful precision of the ensemble and the dramatic portrayal of sorrow by their exquisite principal dancers was truly unforgettable. A flawless Giselle, breathtakingly ethereal, was none other than the sublime Marianela Núñez. And the handsome Vadim Muntagirov, in the role of Albrecht, was, as ever, both noble and passionate. His every move a compelling narrative. But what struck me, dear reader, was not just the brilliance of the leads. The corps de ballet were positively mesmerising in their unity, their intricate footwork a breathtaking spectacle. You could sense the genuine love for this masterpiece and it truly shone through.
Now, a quick hop across the channel to the Paris Opera Ballet at the Palais Garnier, for "Le Lac des Cygnes". The iconic Svetlana Zakharova as Odette/Odile was a vision. Her duality, graceful and captivating as the White Swan, and darkly seductive as the Black Swan, had the entire audience spellbound. Every movement was a perfect embodiment of Tchaikovsky’s exquisite score, but what I found most remarkable was her performance as Odette. I’ve never witnessed such heart-wrenching sorrow portrayed with such exquisite restraint. You felt the deep agony of the character radiating from her very soul, truly heartbreaking. The ballet company itself, under Aurélie Dupont's dynamic leadership, was superb. A perfect evening of pure elegance and timeless beauty.
Of course, it wouldn't be October without the New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center. This legendary company always presents a feast for the senses, and their recent production of Symphony in C by George Balanchine did not disappoint. The vibrant costumes and dynamic, rhythmic movements captured the joy and energy of the piece flawlessly. You couldn’t help but tap your toes and hum along! But for me, the real highlight was Ashley Bouder. Oh, what grace, dear reader. The sheer fluidity and exquisite articulation of her every movement, truly, she makes you forget about everything else. It was a delight to behold.
But we’re not done yet, dear reader! It simply wouldn't be a truly grand tour without the magic of the Bolshoi. This season has begun with a truly memorable production of "Don Quixote". "Don Quixote", of course, the beloved tale of chivalry and impossible dreams. It was a triumph of exuberance and artistry, every dancer seemed to bring their A-game to this production, each with their unique interpretations. But for me, it was the sheer artistry of Olga Smirnova, a true star who made the impossible seem effortlessly enchanting. A breathtaking embodiment of Kitri, full of spunk, energy, and incredible technical mastery. A captivating presence on the stage.
Now, let us escape the formal ballrooms and explore something a little more intimate. The Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT) in The Hague presented their latest, “Sad Case” by the celebrated Crystal Pite. A work of stunning choreography that delved into the complex themes of grief, love, and loss. Powerful, emotional and delivered by a team of dedicated dancers. A stark departure from the traditional yet deeply engaging for the viewer. It was an emotional rollercoaster.
And lastly, a touch of modern ballet from our own Rambert in London. "The Pact" by Garry Stewart was a striking production of bold movement and captivating storytelling, beautifully drawing on the dancers' individuality to create unique and intimate moments. This performance resonated with the dancers' raw emotion, bringing a palpable realness to this truly modern piece.
But enough of these lofty halls! I always find myself drawn to the sheer audacity and sheer energy of the street scene.
It’s always a treat to catch a show by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater , but their performance of "Revelations" in the Barbican, London was especially magical. Their captivating performance of the quintessential dance narrative of hope, pain, and spirituality, filled with stunning athleticism and grace, moved me deeply. Their powerful voices resonated long after the performance, truly a breathtaking experience!
And as we move towards the holiday season, dear readers, we cannot forget the most exquisite artform: Ice Skating. From The Royal Ballet performing on ice, a spectacular feat of artistic talent and athleticism, to the Royal Opera House’s ice-skating show, “Peter Pan On Ice,” the children were ecstatic.
The elegance, power, and heart that grace each performance are testaments to the timeless beauty of dance. This is a journey that continues to mesmerise us with every new story it tells, each step a breathtaking display of skill, passion, and beauty. As the days grow shorter and nights longer, we can truly feel the magic in the air. It's the time for grand spectacles and enchanting artistry, to be transported to another realm of exquisite expression. As we continue into the season, let us dance!