Dearest readers, The autumn leaves have fallen, and a crisp, exciting energy hangs in the air. The December chill carries the promise of festive cheer and glittering performances. And oh darling, have there been performances! From the dazzling studios of New York to the grand stages of Paris, this month has seen a whirlwind of talent, passion, and exquisite artistry. So, gather around my darlings, pour yourselves a warming cup of Earl Grey and letâs dive into the balletic delights of December 2021. London Calling: Let's start at home, shall we? The Royal Opera House has, as ever, delivered an array of sublime performances this month. I was utterly captivated by the premiere of Wayne McGregor's *âThe Dante Project.â* A daring masterpiece of contemporary ballet, it married McGregorâs signature dynamic choreography with Dante Alighieriâs iconic *Inferno*. It was a sensory feast for the eyes, from the striking costumes (black and crimson, naturellement) to the raw emotion swirling across the stage. The dancers, all supremely talented, held the audience in rapt attention throughout. Then, a timeless classic took centre stage with *Swan Lake*. Oh, *Swan Lake*. As familiar and comforting as a favourite cashmere cardigan, it never fails to tug at the heartstrings. This production saw the glorious Alessandra Ferri, at the peak of her grace and elegance, take the role of Odette-Odile. There was not a dry eye in the house! And the male dancers were no slouches - those arabesques and jetĂ©s were simply sublime. New York New York: The Big Apple has, as usual, been bubbling over with ballet magic this December. The New York City Ballet unveiled *âThe Winterâs Taleâ*. Now, *The Winterâs Tale* may be a Shakespearian tragedy, but in the hands of choreographer Alexei Ratmansky, it became a poetic ballet of love, loss, and forgiveness. The costumes were a delight for the eye, lavishly embroidered and embellished with a sense of Victorian opulence, whilst the score, by Dmitri Shostakovich, truly captured the essence of Shakespeare's text. A truly captivating piece, darling, I'd say it's the best new work Iâve seen in quite some time. I popped over to the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for their annual holiday performance. As ever, it was an emotional roller coaster. I was left breathless by the athleticism and expressive power of *âRevelations.â* This timeless masterpiece by Alvin Ailey continues to inspire and provoke â and it never fails to remind me why the Ailey company is held in such high esteem. Across the Atlantic: Let us cross the pond to the Parisian haven of the OpĂ©ra de Paris. Ah, Paris! Here the romance of ballet reigns supreme. The Palais Garnier was bathed in festive light for their spectacular performance of *âThe Nutcrackerâ*. And while it may be a traditional choice, the OpĂ©raâs production, infused with an unparalleled sense of wonder, was simply breathtaking. The magical choreography brought the classic story to life with a dazzling clarity. The set design, oh my goodness, was truly magnificent! The Christmas tree glittering with lights, the dancing snowflakes swirling around the stage, all culminating in the majestic grand pas de deux... it's a production that would make even the most jaded heart swoon. Beyond the Main Stages: And finally, we canât forget the smaller, independent dance companies, often unsung heroes, who contribute so much to the vibrancy of the dance scene. I caught a particularly delightful performance of *âThe Little Mermaidâ* by the English National Ballet. This contemporary adaptation was full of whimsy and imagination. And don't even get me started on the costuming - the mermaidâs shimmering scales, the flowing tails of the fish, it was just divine. A truly charming evening for both young and old! But thatâs not all! Across the country, in smaller towns and cities, ballet continues to flourish. Iâve heard whispers of a delightful production of *âCinderellaâ* at a charming little theatre in Bath, and *âDon Quixoteâ* has received rave reviews at a dance festival in Edinburgh. It seems that the ballet world, darling, is alive and thriving, spreading joy and artistry wherever it goes. As the December chill bites, we are warmed by the radiant talent on display this month. I know, darling, that I don't need to tell you, that these ballet performances are so much more than mere entertainment. They are an experience. A journey through human emotions. A moment of pure and beautiful escape from the chaos of the world. They leave us, quite literally, spellbound. Until next time, With love and twirls, Alexandra.
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