August, darling! The month of languid days, shimmering sundresses, and, of course, the sheer delight of returning to the stage.
The world, it seems, has finally begun to stir from its slumber. Weâre shedding those lockdown layers, both physical and metaphorical, and dancing back into the light. And what a joy it is to see our fellow artists returning to the stage with such renewed energy. This month, weâve been absolutely spoilt for choice â a whirlwind of stunning ballets, mesmerising contemporary dance, and truly thought-provoking performances.
Letâs start, shall we, with a real Parisian gem: "La Sylphide" at the Palais Garnier. This was no mere re-staging, darling, oh no. The iconic choreography, that exquisite story of the magical creature and the entranced youth, felt re-imagined, given fresh breath and a contemporary edge. A particular highlight, and I simply must mention it, was the ethereal performance by the Ă©toile Isabelle. Her movements were as light and fleeting as the wind, her expression captivatingly nuanced â she captured that fleeting magic with such poignant grace, and you felt every heart-rending twist of the story unfold.
But donât worry, we didnât just indulge in classics this month, we ventured boldly into the contemporary, too. At Londonâs Sadlerâs Wells, we were completely floored by Wayne McGregor's "Woolf Works" â an absolutely captivating and poignant take on Virginia Woolf. The physicality, dear readers, was breathtaking â raw and emotional, perfectly conveying the power of her words and the turbulence of her life. It left me feeling exhilarated and moved, wanting to dance alongside those dancers. Simply divine.
Speaking of power, it simply doesnât get more powerful than "Carmen" by the Bolshoi. Moscow is always a treat, with that electric energy in the air. And the Bolshoi, darling, well, they never disappoint. Svetlana Zakharova â oh, the sheer drama and charisma â was utterly captivating in her portrayal of Carmen. It was like witnessing a force of nature unleashed, leaving the audience mesmerized and breathless. There wasn't a single dry eye in the house! It was simply spellbinding.
And on the topic of breathtaking dancers, have I told you about the incredible Marianela NĂșñez in "Giselle"? I'm always drawn to the pathos in that tragic ballet. Giselle's story just breaks my heart, and NĂșñez had me captivated, bringing out the pure heartbreak in every graceful movement. She gave such heart, so much emotion, it really stole the show.
Highlights of the Month:- "Giselle" at The Royal Ballet, Covent Garden, starring Marianela NĂșñez. The drama, the pure elegance, and her portrayal of both innocence and betrayal were truly spellbinding.
- "Woolf Works" at Sadlerâs Wells, choreographed by Wayne McGregor. An experience that moved us to the core, leaving us breathless with its emotional power. This wasnât just dance; it was a dialogue, an unfolding story of vulnerability, strength, and human frailty.
- "La Sylphide" at the Palais Garnier. A ballet reimagined. Isabelleâs performance captured the ethereal beauty of the sylphide with such fragility and strength. I truly felt the magic in the air, leaving me spellbound.
- "Carmen" by the Bolshoi. Svetlana Zakharova's raw, passionate portrayal, a performance brimming with energy and a truly fiery spirit, was a definite highlight of the month. A true showstopper.
- âDance in the Cityâ festival at the Lincoln Center. A must-see for the modern dance enthusiasts! This annual festival, an explosion of movement and artistry, welcomed new talent and revisited renowned choreographers. It truly embraced the vibrant evolution of the dance world.
- "Swan Lake" at the American Ballet Theatre, starring Misty Copeland. Misty Copeland - a force of nature! This captivating ballerina, with her grace and effortless strength, made every pirouette seem like a new creation. It was pure ballet perfection.
- âTango Fireâ touring Europe. If itâs raw passion and vibrant rhythms you crave, this tour had you covered. Iâve rarely seen a stage so full of heat and electrifying energy! They held the audience in a captivated trance. The sensuality and power were intoxicating. A captivating night.
- "Don Quixote" at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg. Always an enchanting experience at the Mariinsky, a feast for the senses. I was particularly moved by the elegance of their âclassicalâ choreography. The depth of emotion and technique never cease to amaze.
- Dance Immersion Project, Tokyo, Japan. This was truly special, dear readers! A showcase of talented artists from across the globe, who gathered for a collective celebration of different cultures and styles. An inspiring fusion of contemporary, traditional, and experimental dance.
The dance scene is truly a feast for the senses! From Londonâs iconic Royal Opera House to the majestic Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, weâre witness to an exhilarating world of grace, emotion, and stunning physicality.
As the august moon illuminates our city night skies, I leave you with the poetry of dance, a whispered promise of endless creativity, a celebration of the power and the artistry of the human spirit. Let the magic of dance inspire you!