Darling, October! Can you believe it? The leaves are already starting to turn, the air has a definite nip to it, and the nights are drawing in. And you know what that means? It's ballet season! All those gorgeous costumes and dramatic sets – truly, there's nothing like it. I’ve been flitting around the globe, catching some absolutely divine performances.
Paris: The City of Love, The City of DanceOh darling, Paris, toujours chic! This time around, I took in a dazzling rendition of “Giselle” at the Opéra Garnier. The Paris Opera Ballet is always at the top of their game, of course. But this time, the prima ballerina was absolutely exquisite – her performance was delicate, ethereal, with a heartbreaking fragility. It’s amazing how these dancers make such dramatic movements seem so effortless! Then, to top it all off, the costume designs were just dreamy – exquisite silk, lace and ribbons. Such a beautifully rendered story! I mean, truly, the dancing itself – the artistry, the emotion! Just sublime!
London: A Whirlwind of TalentThe Royal Ballet in London is always a treat, of course. It was such fun to see the company's latest creation – "The Sleeping Beauty". Now, I know, I know – you’re probably thinking it’s a little passé. But this rendition, my dears, was like a breath of fresh air. It felt so utterly contemporary, yet retained the elegance of a classic story. A certain charm is always apparent when a classic piece is approached with such passion and artistic brilliance! And, of course, there’s no lack of talented dancers at the Royal Ballet, with impeccable lines and an extraordinary control. This is ballet at its most captivating, a truly mesmerizing experience, darling!
New York: Grit, Glamour, and GlitzNext up, the Big Apple! I always love New York – it’s full of energy and creativity! At the American Ballet Theatre, I caught a double bill featuring “After the Rain” and a revival of “The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude”, a new creation by choreographer Alexei Ratmansky.
- “After the Rain”, is just breathtaking in its intensity! A stunning depiction of the ephemeral nature of love – it has a wonderful melancholy about it that lingers even after the final curtain call.
- Then we have “The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude”, and, well, it certainly is exactitude! The precision and athleticism of the dancing, alongside the inventive choreography – it was all just so enthralling. This performance showcases both the beauty and the power of the art form, a captivating ballet with innovative flair.
And my dears, I can't leave New York without mentioning the magnificent dancers – there is so much talent in New York, with their artistry so palpable! Their ability to blend strength with delicacy - simply magical. Oh, and the costumes! The sheer brilliance of it all, just absolutely glorious! The American Ballet Theatre really does set the standard!
Moscow: Tradition and InnovationMoscow is the birthplace of ballet, isn't it? I had to take a trip to the Bolshoi Theatre! Of course, I had to see “Swan Lake”. Oh my dear, this production really gave me goosebumps! It was just utterly breathtaking – so powerful, emotional. The music, the staging, the sheer beauty of it all! You'd be forgiven for mistaking the stage for a magical dream!
- The Bolshoi has its very own "stars," and boy oh boy! Did they deliver! These dancers truly had something special to give the stage - the whole experience felt timeless and truly extraordinary!
- The choreography, just superb, an ode to classic traditions with such passion and beauty. And the corps de ballet - I could just sit there and watch them forever, all so beautiful. Each movement tells its own story and the passion behind them – breathtaking. And then the costumes, darling, absolutely spectacular! Each and every element was designed with such an incredible attention to detail. Truly a magical and moving evening in a truly divine space! The Bolshoi remains the grand dame of ballet - a stunning experience I will treasure forever!
Ah, Milan! This city oozes sophistication, and so does its ballet. The Teatro alla Scala - such an exquisite space. It’s like stepping back in time. But don’t let that fool you – they know how to deliver when it comes to dance!
I was treated to a production of “La Sylphide”, and it just shimmered and glowed! I must admit, I had never quite understood why this classic story had such staying power, but this performance, oh it brought me right in. You've got this elegant, light-footed ballerina with all this incredible beauty and poise. Then there's this charming, but oh-so-dark and dangerous figure lurking in the shadows. Oh, the story's got everything a girl needs. The whole performance was so emotive - a beautiful, poetic display, you know what I mean?
A Personal IndulgenceI’m never happier than when I'm dancing – it's what makes me feel truly alive. That's why this October, I’ve taken a step back onto the stage. This was always my dream, you know, to continue to dance. I love the grace and elegance it embodies - it’s like nothing else. I’m not dancing professionally, darling! No, no, no. It’s all just for pleasure – for my heart and soul. The joy and freedom I feel on the stage – just incredible. I do it for me. I love the music, I love the movement, I love feeling strong and powerful, I love connecting with the audience, and I just love the feeling of flying across the stage!
As we turn the page on this amazing month, it feels right to finish on this lovely note. This ballet season promises to be as exhilarating and exciting as the change of seasons themselves. Go out, see a performance. Let your imagination fly! Ballet will make your soul sing, darling!