AI Ballet Outfit Design 829

My darlings, June has sprung upon us like a ballerina leaping into a grand jeté. What a wonderful time of the year, all those ballets are in full bloom and there are just so many dazzling, sensational performances to review, oh darling I am positively overflowing! Let’s take a look at what has been making waves in the world of ballet shall we?

You see, it’s not only the city that never sleeps but its ballets too! First up, the **American Ballet Theatre’s** rendition of Swan Lake. I’ve lost count of how many times I have seen this, let’s just say the count is at, “Oh dear! darling that is quite enough, that number isn’t becoming.” But I have to tell you, this production had a real spark! It’s not just about the swan costume – which was rather, shall we say, avant garde. No, darling it was all about the dancing! A beautiful balance of strength and grace. Of course, there was that one little slip with a single, oh dear… but it was all forgiven, for as they say “There are no mistakes on stage, just happy accidents, my dear.”

Of course I just had to cross the pond, what is the Paris Opera without a jaunt to the ballet! Their presentation of ‘Don Quixote’ is truly exquisite and, I say exquisite because it is everything a ballet should be! The costumes? Oh, just utterly divine, so flamboyant. It really was, a spectacle for the senses. Oh, and their performance? I almost felt sorry for those poor swans. If I looked that good on stage, darling, I wouldn’t go swimming anywhere. Just wonderful, utterly sensational, everything you want from a ballet performance.

Oh my darlings! How utterly charming to have one of our most darling ballet productions, The Royal Ballet’s ‘Romeo and Juliet.’ Of course, Shakespeare was quite lovely but frankly dear, we all know that Romeo would not stand a chance if there weren’t some of our very finest dancers in that theatre. I mean how could one resist the sheer beauty and tenderness, or those gorgeous leaps. Why, those men were quite spectacular; what legs and that grace, dear. I felt positively, overcome. The woman in front of me, quite nearly wept. I daresay she had lost something rather special along the line; well let’s face it who hasn’t! However the ballet itself was rather heart-wrenching. You see the entire production had that one ingredient, darling, and it had that all-important ingredient ... “It had something that, yes dear, a certain je ne sais quoi!” That was the Royal Ballet at its best - it was simply breathtaking!

The Bolshoi Ballet has quite simply outdone itself! It seems like this famous ballet troupe has been quite, oh, darling I don't want to use that word… well let's say, they've been through quite a lot recently and it all culminated in one remarkable performance of ‘Giselle.’ The company has been reborn in an entirely new production which has, yes, oh well my dear there are only certain ways to say this, turned that infamous company around. Oh my, quite simply spectacular! So graceful and expressive, truly, utterly spectacular.

Berlin Staatsoper Ballett took something classic – yes, you guessed it ‘The Nutcracker.’ But it was the dancers, that really stole the show darling. I thought, “Is it Tchaikovsky again? My goodness darling what else could he have done?” This was more of an abstract modern reimagining, a fresh take, let's just say it was completely avant-garde darling. In a way, the dancing had me longing for those familiar tutus and slippers but, this is where ballet can be very experimental darling, it’s about the movement, it’s all in the way they move you. I do say that this particular show had quite the emotional impact and the way that the prima ballerina was simply divine. I will go further and say she had me utterly mesmerized, a captivating dancer with movements both dramatic and delicate. What an enchanting performance. Truly remarkable! I just want to go back and watch it again. So very elegant, daring and yet utterly classic. The dance steps flowed so beautifully from one step to the next, darling.

Oh! The beauty, I nearly missed the show because, well we know, the journey. Darling those endless airport security queues are enough to drive you batty, but this is the life darling, and oh my goodness when we were finally settled into our seats, there was a very distinct ‘feel’ to it. A performance so evocative and passionate! I could tell they had a lot of love for the art, for the story they told on that stage. ‘La Bayadère’ the beauty, and it is not just in the steps, darling but the way it tells the tale, a story of passion, love, loss and redemption. I nearly, well you know… wept. This production is just the sort to give me all the feels - the story unfolds with such captivating drama and passion. Such expressive dance, oh! it just had it all. What an absolutely phenomenal performance.

Now this was, well lets face it darling a production that took quite the risk. I do adore these productions. If nothing else the Festival Ballet knows how to put on a show! My oh my. This ballet troupe is getting up there in years but this group of seasoned dancers put a lovely touch on this very innovative reimagining of ‘Giselle.’ What do we say? ‘Oh darling that was interesting!’ You have to be so daring with these sorts of modern productions. Of course it helps when the choreography is sublime, absolutely phenomenal! They added, ‘darling that certain spice’ – with their bold choreography – to give the ballet, yes well you understand, ‘that je ne sais quoi.’

But what you want in a performance, is a captivating narrative that doesn’t let you rest. I will go so far as to say, there were some lovely additions to the traditional form; a really refreshing touch of elegance to this rendition of ‘Giselle,’ but of course darling we love Giselle! Such stunningly bold costume changes as well as quite exceptional dancers. Darling, the ensemble dance was absolutely breath-taking! It was very dramatic in places and darling – I will just say - this was quite the ‘production.’ Let’s just say it had me wondering where it was all going, which is just the trick of a really great performance. My dear! it had quite the dramatic twist to say the least.

So that was my, let’s just say a taste of the ballets in the month of June. As always darling – this is a world, not only of exceptional dancers, but a captivating one of new interpretations of ballet. The month of June – it was like an absolute frenzy and there is such variety; something for everyone. Don’t be put off if it isn't something that you’re familiar with – give it a go! And you can say you saw it before anyone else, and remember when the critics called it, “That absolutely exceptional performance of 'Oh Darling, it was sublime'.”

Now as much as I adore the ballets that have had their ‘finest hours,’ my dears, let's not forget these absolutely stunning ballet troupes who are performing their own magnificent performances right now. * **The Royal Ballet School** What a perfect place to cultivate that most delicious mix of art and culture; where they begin their journeys and make their starts. It truly is, a privilege to be there and see the next generation of stars, I assure you. If I’m ever fortunate enough to be in London town. A must-see – for anyone. Oh! it is always an event when these future stars start their showmanship! The darling school children were absolutely magnificent! Those lovely teachers, their patience and discipline… simply divine! Of course they had their usual standards of performance! * **The Birmingham Royal Ballet ** As the company celebrated 30 years. Oh how much this ballet company has changed in such a short time. There has been a dramatic evolution – truly divine – They have not stood still in any shape or form and with new and exciting performances to be shown this season it will be delightful, no doubt an elegant and stylish, production for a discerning audience.

Now don't forget darling - you must dress appropriately. This season is really bringing the glitz and glam, with all these dazzling interpretations. Darling a good tiara with the matching handbag is de riguer; you want something eye-catching to give that extra “oh dear darling!” impact. My favourite fashion designer has just launched a range of sequined jumpsuits and well, a well placed, sparkling top. Why wouldn't you add some colour to the occasion. This year more than ever, just be sure to show off that divine taste. Be daring and embrace the extravagance; let the sequins do the talking! But darling you need not always wear something dazzling; these new productions are all about feeling – a feeling that can make us look and feel amazing! I just love being part of a new ballet season – oh I am off now, I have a gala at the theatre – it wouldn't be the same without some dancing – or as I like to call it - 'Moving to the music' – darling.