February, oh February! The month that whispers of crisp linen sheets and whispered secrets, of candlelight dinners and a lingering blush. Such a month demands a touch of grace, a whisper of beauty - and oh, my dears, have we been spoilt! From the hallowed halls of the Royal Opera House to the avant-garde spaces of New York, ballet has unfolded in a riot of colours and emotions. Let me, your seasoned ballerina, whisk you away on a whirlwind tour, a backstage glimpse of this month's captivating performances.
Let's begin, naturally, at the source - **London's Royal Opera House**. I was captivated by the **Royal Ballet's** rendition of **"Giselle"**, a timeless masterpiece. The costumes! A vision of romantic, ethereal tulle and billowing fabrics, a symphony of white and pale greens, perfectly embodying the ethereal beauty of the story. And the dancing? Oh, the dancing! It was simply divine. **Marianela NĂșñez** as Giselle - oh, how she embodied the role, fragile yet resilient, heartbreaking yet uplifting! And her pas de deux with **Vadim Muntagirov**, the dashing Albrecht, was simply spellbinding. The passion, the drama, the pure technical brilliance - it was a dance of the heart, and I swear, I saw tears in the audience's eyes, glistening like dew on rose petals.
And then, dear reader, came the absolute gem - **The Royal Ballet's** performance of **"La Sylphide"**, a creation by August Bournonville, the master himself. There is something magical about Bournonville, a lightness and airiness that dances on the edge of gravity, and the Royal Ballet danced it with unparalleled precision and heartfelt charm. I couldn't resist the enchantment of **Akane Takada** as Sylphide - a true embodiment of grace, she floated through the air, her every gesture infused with such delicate beauty. It was as if time stopped for those glorious moments. It's no surprise that after the performance, Akane's name was on every ballerina's lips!
Ah, and **Paris**. The city of love, of romance, of joie de vivre! Of course, the **Paris Opera Ballet**, housed within the magnificent Palais Garnier, was an absolute must. There, I saw the timeless **"Swan Lake"**, and oh my, what an opulent affair it was! The glittering tutus, the swan-like costumes, the dramatic black velvet for Odetteâs transformation, it was truly a sight to behold. **Marie-AgnĂšs Gillot**, oh that captivating ballerina, embodied both the innocence of the White Swan and the beguiling allure of the Black Swan with breathtaking precision.
A performance not to be missed was the **Paris Opera Ballet** rendition of **"La BayadĂšre"** at the Palais Garnier. This piece, the grand spectacle of it all! **The Kingdom of Shades**, that ethereal ballet of heavenly beings, simply breathtaking, it had us all spellbound! This scene, with the ethereal corps de ballet in diaphanous white and **Myriam Ould Braham's** entrancing Nilkantha, reminded me why this ballet continues to capture our hearts. The sheer artistry of the ballet dancers, the emotional intensity of the narrative, the grand sets, it is no wonder "La BayadĂšre" has stayed in the ballet repertory for over a century.
And of course, we cannot forget **New York**. The heart of the avant-garde, a place where boundaries are blurred, and expectations are defied. There, at the **New York City Ballet**, I was captivated by the modern sensibilities of the **"Barber"**, choreographed by **Jerome Robbins**, a masterpiece that marries the intricate intricacies of a ballet vocabulary with a narrative filled with an abundance of modern themes, including sexuality, power, and manipulation. The energy of this dance piece, the sheer athleticism of the dancers, and the witty, theatrical interplay - it was an unforgettable experience.
Speaking of **Jerome Robbins**, his masterpiece, **"West Side Story"** with the **New York City Ballet**, also held my heart in thrall this month. The vibrant costumes, the powerful dance scenes, the intricate and tragic narrative... it all transported me to the bustling streets of New York in the 1950s. There, among the dance numbers and the iconic music, I saw an almost tangible emotional turmoil in each dancerâs movements - it felt raw, honest, a dance story etched with authenticity and real-life experiences. It is a classic for a reason. It moves the audience and leaves a mark, something you want to revisit again and again.
But beyond these hallowed stages, there is a blossoming of beauty in smaller companies, in unique spaces, that offer their own special magic.
In the charming city of **Edinburgh**, I was enchanted by the **Scottish Balletâs** performance of **âA Midsummer Nightâs Dream.â** This ballet is one I cherish dearly; Shakespeare, ballet, itâs a classic pairing, but this interpretation was beautifully infused with a distinctly Scottish flavour, playful, charming, yet whimsical. And **Sophie Martinâs** interpretation of Titania, the Fairy Queen, her regal elegance and charm, had me entranced. I loved the fluidity of her movements, her ethereal, whimsical quality, which was truly captivating. This interpretation reflected the unique style of the company, one that celebrates and integrates the rich folklore and stories of Scotland within a classical framework, bringing fresh energy and unique character to these well-loved tales.
Meanwhile, in the beautiful, romantic city of **Vienna**, I was transported by the **Vienna State Ballet**âs performance of **âSleeping Beauty.â** Here, I saw a vision of pure classicism. This production of âSleeping Beautyâ, is like stepping into a fairytale. Everything - the elegant costumes, the shimmering sets, and most of all the incredible dancing - breathes a fairytale sensibility. And oh, **Nina Tonoliâs** performance as Aurora! The grace, the technical prowess, the radiant, joyful aura she carried⊠a breathtaking experience that took me back to the era of grand ballets and glittering ballrooms. The sheer scale of the sets, the grandness of the costumes and the emotional resonance of the piece - all make this a truly unforgettable experience.
I had the privilege of seeing **English National Balletâs** performance of **âThe Sleeping Beautyâ** at **the London Coliseum**. What was so wonderful was their use of a stunning 19th-century-style set design, a classic approach, that accentuates the romance and grandeur of the fairytale, giving us a truly authentic vision of Sleeping Beauty. **Erina Takahashi** as Princess Aurora, what grace, poise, and dramatic flair she brought to the role! I love how she effortlessly blended elegance and emotion. The corps de ballet, too, danced with such elegant cohesion and poise, giving depth and beauty to every scene. This company, I must say, offers a fresh perspective on the classics. Their approach is not to reinvent, but to embrace the traditions, highlighting the essence of the original ballet while bringing in a sense of modernity through the interpretations and dynamic movements. Itâs a delicate balance, achieved with impeccable artistry.
Across the pond, in the bustling metropolis of **New York City**, **American Ballet Theatre**, a dance company known for its rich history and incredible repertoire, had me captivated by **âGiselleâ** in a bold, powerful rendition that evoked a modern sensibility in its interpretation of a classical ballet. The costumes, bold yet elegant, were a delightful mix of classic elegance and modern detailing. I saw an incredible level of strength and power in their choreography and performance, I loved how they integrated their interpretation with the inherent tragic drama of âGiselleâ while exploring the more modern aspects of the story. Their exploration of themes like female empowerment and resilience truly impressed me.
I could not conclude this review, my dears, without mentioning the remarkable achievements of young dancers. A performance that brought a sense of hope and the raw talent of our future generation of ballerinas, came from the **âSpring Forwardâ Festival** in **Londonâs Southbank Centre**. There I witnessed a collective performance by emerging dancers showcasing the most breathtaking array of dance forms. It truly felt as if the spirit of dance was being nurtured by this vibrant group of young, talented, inspiring individuals.
This February has been a whirlwind, a passionate dance of art and emotions that left me feeling uplifted, enchanted, and truly grateful. As we move into the month of March, my darlings, keep an eye out for the blossoming of ballets both old and new. A new chapter begins, full of exciting discoveries. Until next time, darling, keep twirling, keep dreaming, and keep the dance alive.