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Ballet Confidential: February 2020

Darling, it's that time again, the time of the year when we all get that delicious chill in the air and our toes begin to tingle with anticipation. The international ballet world has truly come alive this month, bringing forth a flurry of exciting and mesmerising productions that leave one feeling truly inspired and utterly chic.

As ever, let's get our tutus twirling!

Ah Paris! My darling Paris. A haven of romanticism and the ultimate destination for exquisite ballet experiences. The **Opéra National de Paris** once again impressed with their breathtaking rendition of "Swan Lake." The legendary **Sylvie Guillem** brought a fierce elegance to Odette/Odile. Her transformation was flawless, leaving the audience in a stunned, silent gasp. It truly is a treat to witness such grace and dramatic poise - one must be truly envious of such talent.

However, this month in Paris is also marked by an undeniable burst of modernity! **Le Grand Ballet du Théâtre National de Bordeaux** premiered a spectacular new creation: “Ephemeral”. This piece was truly avant-garde. With its abstract set and innovative costumes, it was nothing short of extraordinary. The company embraced the bold and inventive choreography with breathtaking fluidity, highlighting the dynamic interplay of movement and music. It left a lasting impression. This show is not one to be missed!

It is impossible to be a ballet enthusiast and not make a pilgrimage to **Moscow**. A hub of both classic and contemporary art, the city pulsates with a dynamic creative spirit. This month, **The Bolshoi Theatre** provided a truly exquisite revival of **Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake** in all its glory! A masterpiece, truly, executed with precision and perfection, that left you feeling like a forgotten princess rediscovering a cherished memory.

A very pleasant surprise came in the form of **The Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Musical Theatre**, whose new creation “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, brought Shakespeare’s play to life with a touch of unexpected modernism! There was whimsy and theatricality in equal measure, a delightful blending of Shakespeare's words with stunning contemporary choreography that resonated with a captivating freshness. This production felt both charmingly familiar and unexpectedly refreshing!

Ah, New York City! A dynamic, throbbing metropolis! And where better to witness this electric pulse than at the **New York City Ballet** ? This February, they showcased an exquisite programme "Balanchine & Beyond" featuring a dazzling selection of George Balanchine masterpieces! As always, their dancers captivated, displaying the precision, beauty, and exquisite technique that the company is renowned for. The highlight of the night, in my humble opinion, was "Agon", the intricate, angular beauty of which still has me captivated weeks later.

If you want something different from traditional ballet, then head to the **American Ballet Theatre** who were staging the powerful and complex "The Rite of Spring" at the **Metropolitan Opera House.** This bold and captivating production truly showcases the dramatic intensity of ballet! For me, a performance such as this embodies the very spirit of New York City. The intensity, the power, the dynamic energy. This piece was thrilling and unforgettable.

Now, let’s jet to Tokyo, a city that is both vibrant and mysterious, with its blend of ancient traditions and modern energy. And what better way to experience Tokyo than through **The Tokyo Ballet**. This month they offered a magical double-bill of Balanchine’s "Concerto Barocco" and **William Forsythe’s "The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude". Such a glorious blend of the old and the new!

The precision of the dancers in "Concerto Barocco" was dazzling, and “The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude" captivated with its unique and unconventional dance style. This contrast highlights the dynamic diversity of the company and serves as a wonderful example of how Eastern and Western artistic approaches can complement each other flawlessly. Truly inspiring, darling.

And now to my darling London, my home. Always elegant and stylish with a charming dash of quirk. The **Royal Ballet** was showcasing its legendary production of **"The Sleeping Beauty."** Of course, they were breathtaking - but for me the performance really comes alive thanks to **Marianela Nuñez** as Princess Aurora. Her effortless grace and captivating artistry was an absolute joy to behold! She embodied the princess's character flawlessly. It was such a perfect performance and quite the experience, really.

A trip to **The Royal Opera House** would be incomplete without checking in with **English National Ballet**, a company not afraid to venture beyond tradition. They unveiled the immersive and exciting “The Suitcase”. The contemporary nature of the choreography, along with the moving story it tells, captivated. The “The Suitcase" provides an opportunity for the company to push their boundaries and show just how far ballet can be pushed! What a beautiful blend of artistic passion, raw emotion, and captivating choreography. I thoroughly enjoyed the piece.

As the month winds down and February comes to a close, the international ballet scene is poised for yet another remarkable chapter. I anticipate breathtaking new creations, dazzling performances, and more magical stories waiting to be told through the elegant language of ballet!

And while each performance may differ in style and story, they all have one common element – the unwavering commitment to artistry, expression and the magic of human movement.

My darlings, get out there, indulge in the beauty of the art form that has enchanted the world for centuries, and be mesmerised. Enjoy the artistry.