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Darling, the new year has arrived with a flourish, and the dance world is awash in exquisite performances, the very best that the globe has to offer! With my new-found leisure – one has to relinquish the rigours of daily class at a certain age, you know – I've been hopping from theatre to theatre, savouring each sublime moment like a delicate bonbon.

Let me start with my darling Paris, that City of Lights, where romance and elegance collide in the most exquisite way. The Palais Garnier, oh my, is positively shimmering with “Le Corsaire,” the opulent spectacle that never fails to thrill. It’s a whirlwind of daring leaps, playful arabesques, and, of course, the impossibly graceful choreography of Marius Petipa. The costume design – those lavish silks and jewel tones! Simply divine. You see, darling, one’s not a true ballet lover if one doesn’t revel in the visual splendour, too. The Paris Opera Ballet's company is, as always, simply breathtaking, but there's a certain "je ne sais quoi" about their exquisite grace that I can't get enough of. The very air thrummed with energy!

Next stop, London, the grand dame of ballet. And what a treat to find there. At the Royal Opera House, the Bolshoi Theatre Company from Moscow is performing "Swan Lake" and darling, my dear, I just adored it. These Russian ballerinas, they are absolutely luminous on stage. That combination of steely strength and flowing grace is like watching liquid mercury. Of course, it wouldn’t be the same without the "Tchaikovsky Suite." It truly made me feel quite nostalgic, harking back to my youthful aspirations. Such heart-wrenching, expressive moments.

Over in New York, I saw a quite astonishing performance of “Giselle.” The American Ballet Theatre, always bold and innovative, did a captivating new production at the Metropolitan Opera House. They pushed the boundaries of this traditional ballet in a thrillingly contemporary direction. While some might say they’ve modernised it, I must confess, it was the unexpected twist on the romantic tale that left me feeling absolutely spellbound. The vibrant new interpretation, the hauntingly evocative sets, oh darling, I'll be dreaming about that tragic ending for days!

• In Madrid, I was quite charmed by the exuberance of the Compañía Nacional de Danza, presenting "Don Quixote". I admit I wasn’t familiar with their work beforehand but oh, they were so alive! A flurry of Spanish steps and fiery leaps. Truly a breath of fresh air!
• In Amsterdam, I was enchanted by the Nederlands Dans Theater. The minimalist staging for their "Atonement" piece perfectly complemented the powerful and evocative movement. My word! They simply left me feeling pensive and reflective, and dare I say, a tad emotional. It was so deeply intimate.
• Back in London, I ventured into the experimental realm at Sadler's Wells, to watch a young, dynamic contemporary dance company called “Phoenix.” They took me by complete surprise, darling, with their raw energy and cutting-edge interpretations of the human experience. Now, that’s what I call a dose of theatrical daring!
• Speaking of "dare", I have to recommend a recent must-see film for all you dance lovers. “The Red Shoes” - oh my! What an exquisite exploration of the emotional intensity and artistic demands of being a dancer. This is the sort of movie that truly stays with you long after the curtain has fallen. A little old, perhaps, but oh so classic!

And as a true dance connoisseur, I always love to see what emerging talent is emerging across the globe. A couple of absolute treasures this season include :

• “The Ballet Ball" at the London Coliseum - a glittering extravaganza showcasing talented young dancers from the Royal Ballet School. It’s a whirlwind of beautiful dance numbers. The very essence of a ballet lover's delight. Darling, this is your perfect night out - cocktails and beautiful dance performances!
• "Emergence" at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, which offered a curated collection of stunning choreography, beautifully crafted by emerging dancers from around Russia. Truly the stars of tomorrow!

But remember darling, a truly stylish balletomane is just as captivated by the sartorial elements as the choreography itself. You can't forget the elegance of the dance world – from those feather-light tutus to the meticulously crafted pointe shoes.

My secret for a truly chic, post-performance ensemble? A little black dress - always timeless, elegant, and beautifully adaptable to any situation. Darling, a classic little black dress with a pearl necklace or perhaps a touch of dramatic velvet is what every discerning dance fan needs in her wardrobe.

And of course, a luxurious evening bag. Nothing less than a satin clutch in a jewel tone, perhaps emerald or sapphire, is fitting to carry your little powder compact and an indispensable pair of opera glasses. Because darling, one must always be perfectly poised and elegant for such events!

Well, darling, I simply must be off, to another spectacular dance performance, of course. I am absolutely positively, absolutely *swooning* with excitement! Let's make a date to enjoy the next exciting offering the dance world has to share together, shall we? I simply can't wait to revel in the sheer wonder of the ballet with you.