Darling, oh darling, isn't it divine to be back in the theatre? I simply cannot tell you how delighted I was to be at the Royal Opera House the other week for *The Sleeping Beauty*. As always, they put on a positively smashing show. I daresay, if one had to pick just one ballet to watch, then that's the one! A masterpiece - all the frills, and thrills, with some divine music and absolutely stunning choreography. There are not many roles left I've not had a turn at, but goodness me, if I was still in my prime, I'd want to play Princess Aurora.
The thing is though, darlings, they keep pushing the boundaries, these younger dancers. All this contemporary, abstract stuff is not for me. Now, a bit of daring in a traditional ballet, yes, but, let's be honest, these young things just haven't learned the grace and the technique required to really pull it off, although I must give them their due, they put their heart and souls into it!
Anyway, where were we? *Sleeping Beauty*. Now, a lovely performance from the entire troupe and a really charming Prince - such a pretty face. There were one or two wobbles, of course. Oh, Darling, it wasn't a 'big wobble' but that awkward move right at the very start, with the opening of Act I, did it put me off slightly, and well, that 'grand allegro' sequence at the end was rather - I suppose - *rustic* Well, one couldn't possibly criticize, dear, especially with those glorious tutus and such wonderfully lush scenery - what's not to love? We can only learn from it and watch the talented ones soar.
On The Continent Now speaking of the young darlings. Well, dear me, the Italians have been really showing us all just how good ballet can be. One can always trust them for some wonderful talent. There's that darling Francesco from Naples - darling boy! He can really work it on stage and gives a really wonderful, sensual interpretation of a real 'macho' hero. You just want him to pick you up and carry you away. I recently caught *Giselle*, at La Scala. One can see it is so well ingrained in the DNA of Italy and is so much more sophisticated there than even London. He just does the *pas de deux* so much more stylishly and elegantly than some of the younger dancers - even some of the ones I trained with.
Speaking of elegance, one simply MUST watch an Italian do the 'polonaise'. Such exquisite poise, so lyrical, such exquisite control of the spine, neck, and shoulders - you get it all! You are right there, in that beautiful room, witnessing it, seeing the emotions bubbling up within them, and they give you such drama! Oh my gosh, it gives me the shivers!
Now, back to *Giselle*... the ballet is simply divine but I was slightly surprised by their production - very gothic and stark and I was rather underwhelmed by the final *pas de deux*. In truth, a bit too rushed for me. The performance as a whole though, simply spectacular! Darling, let's not forget that *Giselle*, the quintessential ballet. Such an important work, as is *Sleeping Beauty*. You cannot not be moved by this heartbreaking story about a beautiful and loving young country girl whose broken heart leads to madness. I've done *Giselle* myself. Now it wasn't my best ballet - my build meant I lacked the airiness, the delicacy that Giselle really needs, but I could manage those stunning 'arabesques' and I gave that beautiful final *pas de deux* my all and you just KNOW you need an extraordinary partner - such a pity I never had one as magnificent as this man!
Going Beyond
And one mustn't forget the dancing from all those lovely Russians. They've just had the *Romeo & Juliet* production in Moscow and they are quite spectacular aren't they! All so wonderfully dynamic and vigorous and the *corps de ballet*, just beautifully structured. Now, when you consider the *Romeo & Juliet* ballet in Paris at the Palais Garnier you can see the real differences in how it is presented, not just across continents, but also across dance companies, especially with these two - Paris is just a tad more formal and classical and I dare say quite charming. I adore that *pas de deux* and the lovely and dramatic use of music that adds that *je ne sais quoi*. It's truly amazing how you get this completely different mood, just by using different sets and slightly different costumes and dance sequences! So often, and with *Romeo & Juliet* , it all hinges on Romeo himself - that captivating intensity and the ability to deliver those big gestures so effortlessly and dynamically. If he gets it wrong, everything crumbles. The *Romeo* I saw last month was not really there yet but maybe he needed a bit of that dynamic, edgy Italian magic in him. He was so sweetly shy - *sigh* - and rather more *Prince Charming* than 'hot-blooded' lover!Now, speaking of charming.... there has been this flurry of dancers in Paris. Oh my, so many! So many absolutely brilliant dancers - particularly the male dancers at the Opera Ballet de Paris - Oh the brilliance. And yet, *it's all so exhausting*. It feels a little less grand these days than back when we had these legendary choreographers. What's this obsession with the same repertoire, always? This is how we end up seeing too much and it becomes too 'usual'. I can only imagine, my darling, it gets even more boring, *enervating*, being one of the dancers in the *corps*. Now it is interesting that they are bringing in new dance troupes with some incredible choreography, using the theatre so ingeniously, with the choreography weaving around all those lovely nooks and crannies of this very historical theatre, giving it an entirely new dimension - simply extraordinary - a must for all lovers of classical ballet.
From the Americas And you know, my darling, things really do start getting *very, very interesting* in America and the Australians are giving them a good run for their money. The Australians really put on a smashing production, just so big and flamboyant - no expense spared and they give it that genuine flair that reminds you why dance is such a truly wonderful thing! I am also incredibly impressed by the level of talent that is now coming through and giving us a truly stunning visual delight - such an *explosion* of movement and passion.
But the Americans.... dear, they take you to another level - this really dynamic, athletic, passionate style - very different and a real joy to watch, but I do get that it just won't suit everyone - in a word, they give you real drama, real power and an explosion of expression! But don't be too quick to judge! The Russians are no slouches and just because something feels familiar, doesn't mean it is predictable.
Taking Stock
Let's talk a little more about the *corps*. They are vital to the whole ensemble and as much as these ballerinas deserve their time on the spotlight, it takes true strength, focus, and agility to make a seamless line with an orchestra of beautiful bodies. The dance can simply not go on without their precision and - I really have to emphasize this - their stamina!And we can not leave out the male dancers. One tends to look past them as it's always those big, fabulous female lead roles but there's just so much power, strength and athleticism, not to mention incredible technical skill. Sometimes you feel these young ones really need to develop a little more stage presence and perhaps focus a bit less on their amazing jumps and more on how the movement flows throughout the whole scene.
Now, one can be a little underwhelmed sometimes. The stage might seem rather, well, just empty, particularly if the choreography just doesn't quite do it for you! There really is the odd *pas de deux*, that, dear me, simply doesn't land and is perhaps a little too 'boring', just lacking a certain *je ne sais quoi*.
But then, *quelle surprise*, the lighting changes, there is a little lift, a big leap and suddenly, something completely different and mesmerising. There is a little more of a connection with the audience, there is real magic and excitement, a sense of daring, and a *frisson* of thrill, a captivating story told without words and one you are left remembering forever.
So you can't help but fall in love with it again and again - the music, the costume design, the passion and drama, all those fabulous and incredibly elegant moves - they are indeed magic. So keep the champagne chilled and your ballet slippers by the door.