Darling, as the mercury rises and the city throbs with a new season, I find myself drawn to the cool, timeless beauty of ballet. The whispers of tutus and the elegant rise and fall of the dancers never cease to mesmerise me. And what better way to cool down than with a graceful dance performance under the celestial gaze of a grand chandelier? It's a ritual I hold dear, and July is always a delightful season to indulge in it.
Let's start our journey in the enchanting city of Paris. Oh, the Parisian elegance! I am absolutely in love with the Paris Opera Ballet's current production of "Giselle." The story of the heartbroken maiden and her supernatural redemption, set against a backdrop of verdant forests and shimmering moonbeams, has never felt more poignant. The dancers, lithe and elegant, moved like whispers on stage, bringing a sense of delicate tragedy and poignant romance. And darling, the costumes! Those ethereal tutus, floating on the breeze, almost touched the very heavens.
A word about étoile, Dorothée Gilbert, who embodies the title role with such stunning precision. Her delicate steps, combined with the tragic longing in her eyes, held me spellbound. But you know me, I can never resist a bit of fiery passion, and **Mathieu Ganio** as the treacherous huntsman, Albrecht, delivered that in spades. He brought the character to life with intensity, adding an electrifying edge to this timeless tale. You know darling, I wouldn't miss it for the world. "Giselle" is ballet perfection at its finest.
A world away from the ethereal charm of Paris, I found myself in New York City for the New York City Ballet's highly anticipated premiere of "The Dream," a neoclassical ballet inspired by Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream". It's an exciting step for NYCB, who, let's be honest, have a reputation for their devotion to the classic. This contemporary piece however, was a refreshingly whimsical dance adventure, a celebration of light, joy, and a hint of magic. It had the air of a vibrant summer dream!
What made the show truly captivating was Christopher Wheeldon's choreography. He is simply a genius of the stage, seamlessly weaving together graceful lines, delicate movements, and theatrical touches. The set design, a vision of ethereal greens and golds, transporting you into a mystical forest, while the costumes were simply heavenly, perfectly capturing the ethereal and playful nature of the story.
I was particularly drawn to Tiler Peck in the role of "Titania", the queen of the fairies. Her movements were exquisite, she glided with the effortless grace of a sprite while managing to imbue her role with both regal and vulnerable qualities. This production was a delightful breath of fresh air for NYCB. It showcases their ability to navigate the modern dance landscape without losing their classical touch. This "Dream" has a unique blend of fantasy, artistry and athleticism and I was utterly spellbound.
Moving on to a grand, majestic city, we arrive in London. Oh darling, I am never disappointed with The Royal Ballet, especially their captivating production of "Swan Lake." They certainly know how to put on a show. This rendition was, well, breathtaking!
You have the exquisite talent of **Marianela Nunez**, a ballerina known for her flawless technique and captivating stage presence. Her performance was a triumph of elegance, grace and pure emotion. You could practically feel the air thicken with every movement, as she conveyed both the innocent beauty of the White Swan and the seductive darkness of the Black Swan. Simply breathtaking.
And who could forget the glorious grandeur of the Bolshoi! It’s like a trip back in time, and it’s something truly special. It is the quintessential home of ballet tradition, of classic tutus and thunderous applause, and they continue to churn out remarkable performances. They just concluded their much-loved "The Nutcracker", with all the magic and grandeur we've come to expect from this masterpiece.
Svetlana Zakharova and Vladimir Shklyarov, two renowned dancers, graced the stage with such skill and emotion, they had the audience on the edge of their seats. There was so much precision and perfection. I watched their every movement with a silent, entranced gaze. "The Nutcracker" at the Bolshoi remains one of my favourite, with its classic set designs, opulent costumes, and breathtakingly executed choreography, making it an enchanting experience for everyone who witnessed it.
And if you are looking for something more intimate, a little off the beaten track, do venture to the Birmingham Royal Ballet's performance of "Cinderella". They are the reigning champions of theatrical brilliance and captivating storytelling. They create this story of hope and resilience into an enthralling masterpiece. The simple stage designs were truly innovative, creating a sense of intimacy, even amidst such a large venue. There is nothing quite like the grace of ballet dancers telling a story without the need for a word.
I absolutely loved how the ballerina portrayed Cinderella. You could feel the character's genuine warmth and humility. The costumes were equally enchanting, shimmering with every turn and revealing an incredible blend of elegant beauty and imaginative flair. Don't forget to note their brilliant choice of choreography. It was truly enchanting!
Oh darling, my list goes on. There are so many beautiful ballet performances around the globe right now. From the vibrant, energetic and visually striking performance of La Bayadère by the American Ballet Theatre in Los Angeles to the intricate story and moving emotions conveyed in the St Petersburg Ballet Theatre's performance of "Sleeping Beauty" at the Royal Opera House, London, I cannot emphasize enough, that now is the time to get your ballet fix!
I find the artistry, grace, and thematic resonance of each piece captivating, drawing me deeper into their narrative, and providing me with the escapism that we all crave. But of course, it's about so much more than simply watching a beautiful dance. It's about the way the movements capture our emotions, transport us into worlds imagined and realised, and remind us that there is always beauty and elegance to be found, no matter the challenges of the world we live in. And let's face it, the grace, the sheer talent and passion displayed in every movement – there's just nothing like it, darling.
Now go, darling, find your next ballet fix. Embrace the elegance, enjoy the drama, and lose yourself in the exquisite world of dance.