SEPTEMBER'S ENCHANTING ENCORE
Ah, September. The air crackles with a fresh, almost defiant energy after the languid days of summer. And in the world of ballet, we're treated to a kaleidoscope of captivating productions, each a little like a jewel against the velvet backdrop of this extraordinary season. This month, we are transported to celestial heights and grounded in raw emotions. Join me as I unfurl the silken ribbon of my thoughts on the productions that truly took my breath away this September.
Ballet National de Marseille’s Mythologies, under the inspired choreography of **Emio Greco** and **Pieter Scholten**, is a masterpiece that transcends time and borders. Performed in the breathtaking Grand Théâtre, the stage is not merely a backdrop, but an ethereal landscape where myths unfurl before your eyes. Their Promethea , with its pulsating life and its bold, challenging strokes, truly resonated with my inner dancer. Greco and Scholten dared to challenge convention, their work infused with a primal urgency. And as I watched the Nereides emerge from the sea, their movements evocative of swirling currents and shimmering depths, I was transported to a world both familiar and otherworldly. This performance reminded me that the language of dance transcends words, it whispers secrets, and stirs emotions that are both ancient and timeless.
And then, there was Bolshoi’s Swan Lake. A timeless classic reinterpreted through the elegant lens of **Yuri Grigorovich’s** choreography. The Bolshoi’s magnificent company, especially the iconic Svetlana Zakharova in the double role, brought the ballet to a stunning life. This production truly is a celebration of both technical perfection and expressive prowess. As the company moved, as if on a breeze, with every arabesque and tour, I felt the poignant story of the tragic swan, yearning for freedom, woven into every fiber of their being. Even those moments, so often a cliché in other performances, the iconic cygnets scene for instance, felt fresh and new under Zakharova’s deft command. I've witnessed countless swan performances throughout my career but this was, dare I say it, an evening to cherish.
Stepping away from the traditional ballet stage and venturing into the dynamic realm of modern dance, **Wayne McGregor’s** new work for the **Royal Ballet**, Dante’s Inferno , is truly one of the most enthralling things I have ever seen. Drawing inspiration from **Dante’s Inferno**, McGregor paints a vivid landscape of Hell on stage, both harrowing and beautiful in equal measure. This was an assault on the senses, evoking a primal energy within the audience, especially from his bold choreography and the captivating performances from **Steven McRae** and **Marianela Núñez**. And it's no surprise, with its pulsating rhythms and haunting melodies, that Thomas Adès’ musical score was equally compelling.
Now, let's switch gears. From grand classics and powerful contemporary works, let’s move into the lighthearted embrace of a Ballet San Francisco performance, a delightful romp through Helgi Tomasson’s The Sleeping Beauty. While not necessarily pushing the boundaries of dance as some might have wished, Tomasson delivered a performance bursting with visual splendor. The intricate, yet graceful choreography, underscored the classic romantic tale in a beautiful and playful manner. There is an ease to the production that allows one to simply relax, smile, and simply be swept away. This performance serves as a welcome reminder of ballets’ capacity to not only enthrall, but also simply to entertain.
September also took us on a thrilling journey to Paris Opera Ballet with their bold performance of The Rite of Spring. Set to the legendary music of Stravinsky, **Jean-Christophe Maillot’s** production, a collaboration between the Parisian opera company and Monte Carlo Ballet, takes us deep into the heart of a pagan ritual, exploring the depths of human instinct and the raw, often unsettling power of music and movement. The intricate dance choreography was a stunning visual feast for the eyes, and one could literally feel the tension building as the dance progressed. This was truly an evening to remember.
The **Scottish Ballet’s** performance of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland captured both the whimsical wonder and the dark undercurrents of the classic story. Under the watchful eye of Artistic Director **Christopher Hampson**, the choreography was visually stunning and bursting with creative life. The company deftly transformed the Alice tale into a modern and compelling spectacle, with vibrant costumes and stunning set designs, offering a compellingly unique interpretation. This production is sure to delight not just ballet lovers, but children and families, offering a truly wonderful theatrical escape from the everyday.
While we celebrate the giants of ballet, it’s always a pleasure to watch upcoming talents shine on the world stage. This month two productions truly stood out.
- In New York’s American Ballet Theatre we see the rising star of Isabella Boylston who continues to command attention, captivating audiences with both technical finesse and emotional depth, as she showcased her incredible talent and undeniable stage presence. The power of Boylston's performance, both in Balanchine and contemporary works, leaves a lingering resonance after the final curtain.
- Over in London, **Royal Ballet** dancer **William Bracewell** took my breath away in Woolf Works, a powerful and moving work choreographed by Wayne McGregor. Bracewell, with his raw talent and commitment, made a performance that felt truly honest, an unflinching reflection on human struggle. Bracewell and the Royal Ballet company gave this modern production such incredible depth and sincerity.
There's nothing quite like a **Ballet gala** to offer a glimpse of the dazzling diversity that exists within the world of dance. The Stars of World Ballet gala held at the Royal Opera House this month, once again reminded us of the immense talent that graces stages across the globe. From the soaring leap of **Marianela Nuñez** to the powerful presence of **David Hallberg** and the lithe grace of Polina Semionova, it’s no surprise that the evening concluded to rapturous applause. As the curtain closed, I found myself contemplating how blessed we are to be able to experience these dancers’ genius, these masters of ballet at the peak of their prowess.
September’s dance world is a testament to the power and beauty of ballet. It is a reminder of our collective passion for the dance form, and a constant source of inspiration and artistic growth. As September comes to a close, let’s celebrate these talented dancers, their boundless energy, and the endless possibility of this art form, which never ceases to surprise and enthrall.