The Year Begins with a Flurry of Feathers and Frou Frou: January 2023 in the World of Ballet
Darlings, as the frost thaws and the first shoots of spring peek through, itâs the perfect time to dust off those sparkly ballet shoes and immerse ourselves in the elegant world of dance. January offers a truly spectacular spread of productions, from the majestic and dramatic to the playful and intimate, there's something to suit every taste. So, pull out your best cashmere pashmina and join me on a whirlwind tour of what the new year holds for the world of ballet.
A Touch of Magic at the Royal Opera House: A Review of "The Sleeping Beauty"
Thereâs something so quintessentially charming about a production of "The Sleeping Beauty". Itâs like putting on a favourite ball gown â classic, beautiful and always guaranteed to turn heads. And, darlings, this production is positively divine! The Royal Balletâs January offering at the Royal Opera House was an absolute delight. From the first tinkling notes of Tchaikovskyâs exquisite score, to the breathtaking grandeur of the opulent sets, the sheer magic was palpable. The corps de ballet danced with precision and grace, swirling like a blizzard of tulle and perfectly capturing the dream-like atmosphere.
But what truly stole the show was the enchanting performance of Alina Cojocaru as Aurora. Her technical mastery was faultless, but beyond that, her expression was captivating. In her pas de deux with the gallant Prince Florimund, their movements flowed like a liquid dream, punctuated by moments of tenderness that melted even the most jaded heart.
Donât miss the chance to be swept away by this quintessential fairytale. It's a masterpiece for the senses, perfect for a night out that will leave you enchanted and your spirit soaring.
The Parisian Flair of "Giselle"
Speaking of the senses, our next stop takes us to the heart of Paris â where else, my dears, but to the hallowed halls of the Palais Garnier? The Paris Opera Balletâs presentation of "Giselle" was truly an intoxicating experience. The French penchant for romance and theatrical drama seeped through every pore of this production. From the shadowy woodland scenes to the exquisite grand pas de deux, every detail was imbued with emotion and poetry.
For this classic, the spotlight fell upon the powerful and poignant performance of Eleonora Abbagnato as Giselle. Her heartbreaking portrayal of the fragile village maiden tricked by love's cruel betrayal was simply masterful. Every flick of her wrists, every quivering sigh was steeped in raw, passionate truth. She was absolutely stunning.
Beyond the Classics: The World Premiere of "Emergence"
Of course, we cannot always be caught up in the intoxicating nostalgia of traditional ballets. Occasionally, a contemporary work arises to remind us of the vibrant lifeblood that flows through this art form. Enter the newly commissioned "Emergence", a powerful and innovative ballet, staged at the American Ballet Theatre in New York City. This piece by emerging choreographer, Julian Blake, promised a bold exploration of our connection to nature, and darling, it certainly delivered!
From the opening moments of the performance, I was swept away by the dynamic energy that permeated the piece. The music was a tapestry of both intricate rhythms and sweeping melodies, perfectly reflecting the themes of evolution and the cycles of life. Blake used stunning costumes that were inspired by natural textures, incorporating elements of earth, fire and water â beautifully echoing the fluidity of the dancersâ movements. The performance truly had an impactful effect â leaving audiences breathless and contemplating the world in a new light. A must-see for those who love to push boundaries and discover new heights of artistic expression.
Dancing Down Under: Sydney Dance Company's "Momentum"
Oh, my dears! Youâve heard me say it before and Iâll say it again â Australia knows how to make a show. The Sydney Dance Companyâs "Momentum" lived up to all expectations. This piece was a masterpiece of vibrant energy and daring acrobatics, a perfect reflection of the unique and exciting spirit of the Australian dance scene.
From the pulsating rhythms of the music, which flowed into a mesmerising, intricate web of dance, "Momentum" offered a bold exploration of contemporary dance with breathtaking energy. The companyâs technical prowess is simply jaw-dropping. Their jumps were like soaring birds, their turns as sharp as blades, and the fluidity of their movement had the audience on the edge of their seats, enthralled and utterly captivated.
Dance with the Stars at the Bolshoi
No January ballet tour is complete without a nod to the grandeur of the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow. They kicked off the new year with a mesmerizing revival of "Swan Lake", an exquisitely staged spectacle filled with technical excellence and passionate drama. This was a true celebration of the Bolshoi's rich heritage. Every aspect, from the costumes and set design to the dancers' powerful presence and precision, showcased the traditions and skill of the world-renowned ballet company.
And a Pinch of Jazz in the Mix
For those who appreciate the elegance and power of dance in a different light, "Urban Moves" by the Paris based Company L is a must-see. This show offered a dazzling spectacle of contemporary and jazz dance infused with elements of street culture. It was a dynamic exploration of rhythm and movement with captivatingly raw energy.
Beyond the Curtain: Where Art Meets Activism
But darling, ballet isnât just about fancy costumes and fancy footwork. Itâs about expressing emotions and narratives that resonate with the human spirit, a testament to the power of dance to touch our souls. It is this profound capacity that resonated most powerfully with me during a visit to the âIn My Footstepsâ performance in Budapest.
The choreography, created by local students in collaboration with renowned Hungarian ballerina, Emese VirĂĄg, used dance as a powerful platform to address issues of mental health, particularly within the world of dance. The piece featured moving personal stories shared by dancers, with both vulnerable moments and acts of immense resilience intertwined in a truly powerful performance. It left me feeling inspired and empowered.
A Word on Fashion
And darling, we canât talk about ballet without acknowledging the crucial role that fashion plays in it all! The January performances we saw, sparkled with breathtaking costumes, beautifully complementing the elegance and dynamism of the dancers.
A Note on Music
Of course, every ballet is also a symphony of sound. From the iconic scores of Tchaikovsky to the daringly modern compositions that accompanied "Emergence", the music we enjoyed throughout the month was simply mesmerizing. Each piece enhanced the mood and the impact of each performance, making the dance an unforgettable experience for the senses.
Our Ballet Bucket List: What to See in February
Oh, my dears! This January, the world of ballet has shown its full spectrum of dazzling artistry, offering us everything from grand tradition to fearless innovation, all served with a sprinkle of glamour and grace. So, donât miss out, get those tickets booked and let the magic of dance transport you!
Here are just a few upcoming productions worth circling on your calendar. Let the dance continue!
- "The Nutcracker" by the Vienna State Ballet in Vienna
- "Sleeping Beauty" by the American Ballet Theatre in New York
- The Australian Ballet's premiere of a new work by Australian choreographer, Graeme Murphy
- "Don Quixote" at the English National Ballet, London.
- The Moscow State Ballet's production of âRomeo and Julietâ in Paris.
- "Cinderella" at the Royal Opera House, London.
- A double bill featuring the innovative works of JiĆĂ KyliĂĄn at the Royal Ballet in London
Keep dancing, darlings! Let the music move you!