June 2020 - A Ballet Lover's Diary
My darlings, I am back from my whirlwind tour around the world, with so much to tell you about! You know me, always searching for the next big thing, the next masterpiece, the next thrilling dance that will leave me breathless. And this month? Well, my dears, it was nothing short of sensational!
We kicked things off in Paris, the city of love and, yes, you guessed it, ballets that make your heart soar! The Palais Garnier, the very home of my youth, held an intoxicating performance of 'La Bayadère'. You see, darling, my first pointe work, the first time my tiny feet met those treacherous satin shoes, was in this very ballet. So forgive me my indulgence - it was quite a thrill. Now, this company is young, vibrant, their movements so precise, it makes the heart sing. A true pleasure.
Speaking of 'La Bayadère', it’s one of those ballets that keeps popping up like an exquisite flower that never fades. Just when you think you've seen it all, another interpretation appears, enchanting your senses anew. And darling, it was just as glorious at the Bolshoi in Moscow. Here, I was mesmerised by their majestic grandeur. You see, they are steeped in history, the choreography just so beautifully woven into their very beings, if you know what I mean. One truly feels the power, the dramatic energy of it all!
But of course, we cannot talk about ballet without mentioning the English National Ballet. Always a beacon of elegance and grace, and darling, they were at it again this month with an astounding rendition of ‘Giselle’. This particular performance was especially close to my heart. It had all the romance, the heartbreak, the sheer joy that brings ballet to life. The whole thing is a testament to the resilience and, dare I say, the unwavering elegance that is British ballet. The energy was electric, leaving the audience enthralled!
Speaking of electricity, imagine my delight when I found myself in the bustling metropolis that is New York City! This month saw the American Ballet Theatre presenting a masterpiece: ‘Swan Lake’. I can't begin to tell you the level of skill in these dancers. You just need to see the seamless flow, the precision of the steps, the athleticism and strength - all wrapped in beauty and an utter lack of pretentiousness. That’s New York Ballet for you, my darlings, no fuss, just pure perfection.
Let’s take a quick hop, hop, hop over to Vienna, for another ‘Swan Lake’ and another take on classical dance! For here, dear readers, lies the Vienna State Ballet - an opulent symphony of classical artistry. This production had me feeling the majesty, the drama, the heartbreak all intertwined in a spectacular fashion. It’s Vienna darling, after all - they just have that something, an unashamed sense of romance and sheer exuberance that you simply cannot deny. I left feeling as though I'd had a decadent afternoon in a fairytale, perhaps with the music of a grand waltz lingering in my ears.
But our month wouldn’t be complete without a splash of the truly different! I was transported to Japan to see 'The Tale of the Genji', a piece unlike anything I’d ever seen before. A delicate, haunting spectacle. You see, darling, they do things differently here, with subtle movements that seem almost magical, full of deep-seated cultural resonance that sent chills down my spine. Their elegance is quite unique. The story? A bittersweet tale of love, betrayal, and the beauty of longing.
And oh, my dear readers, let us not forget the world beyond ballet. Because while I will always hold these classical jewels in my heart, the dance scene is blooming with exciting new works, challenging traditional notions, and opening new pathways for the future of art.
A Tapestry of Inspiration
The most thrilling aspect of this month’s journey was the sheer diversity, the constant exploration and artistic courage. Here’s what left a lasting impression on me:
- **A Celebration of Modernity**: In Berlin, the Staatstheater was showcasing 'In Between', a contemporary ballet that challenged and inspired. I found myself swept away by the powerful, moving, unconventional exploration of the human experience - it’s just what the dance world needed.
- **From India to The World**: The Delhi-based 'Navdhanya' wowed London with its breathtaking 'Roots' and it truly showed how our globalised world can be enriched by traditional dances, a fascinating spectacle of beauty and cultural richness! They gave their audiences a vibrant cultural infusion that left us wanting more!
- **Dancing With The Earth**: And if you haven't already caught the eco-aware 'Reforestation' touring through Spain and France, you must find it! The choreography spoke so eloquently about environmentalism and our connection to nature - a truly moving work that leaves its mark.
- **A Bold New Voice:** In Dublin, 'The Gathering' had me mesmerized. This contemporary Irish dance show embraced its heritage but added a layer of cutting edge performance, powerful stories and exquisite contemporary movement. An undeniable highlight of the month!
June In A Nutshell
The month was simply dazzling. I feel enriched, inspired, and recharged. But, darlings, I think this is what makes the world of dance so magical – it's ever-evolving, it’s forever surprising, it's never afraid to push boundaries!
I'm already planning my next adventure - what awaits me? Tell me everything - what new dance productions have captured your heart? Who are the up and coming artists we should be watching? I'm waiting to hear all about it, so write to me, dear readers! And remember, dear ones, dance is life. Let your bodies, hearts and souls soar!