Darling,
Another month gone, and as ever the dance world was bursting with beauty, drama, and oh, the sheer elegance of it all! From Paris to Tokyo, there were ballets galore that had me swooning, each as captivating as the next. And I must say, I felt like a seasoned ballerina myself, able to savour every pirouette and plié, to discern the nuance and grace of every movement.
Paris: A Celebration of Colour and Style
The season started with a whirl to the City of Lights. Now, there is a certain je ne sais quoi that comes with French ballet - a flair, an almost nonchalant charm, that makes their interpretations uniquely Parisian. This month saw the opening of **La Fée d'Automne** at the Palais Garnier, and it was a visual feast! I'm always drawn to the delicate story of the autumn fairy, the ephemeral beauty of fleeting time, and here, the choreography embraced this, every movement as fluid as the falling leaves. Then, there was **Le Sacre du Printemps**. Oh my! You wouldn't catch me performing this one. It's bold, a tad avant-garde for my liking, but utterly fascinating to watch. The dancers were so fierce, so utterly dedicated to the physicality of Stravinsky's score, and the use of light and shadow transformed the stage into a powerful and primal tableau. Not the kind of dance for the faint of heart!
The Royal Ballet's Splendour: A New Interpretation
Now, I am an avowed devotee of The Royal Ballet. Nothing quite matches the prestige and perfection of that venerable institution, and this month, they didn't disappoint. The first piece was **Romeo and Juliet**, but not as you know it. There were fresh interpretations, new spins on the familiar, with an added emotional depth that pulled me right into their tale of doomed love. It was raw, passionate, heartbreaking; they didn't hold back one bit. I think the exquisite sets and costumes added to the intensity of their performance. That particular shade of Juliet's gown, the blood-red of Romeo's shirt - just divine! Then, in the finale, that poignant last look, that sense of profound sadness - truly the mark of master performers! And just as we've come to expect, **Swan Lake** returned to the stage in its full glory, as exquisite as ever. I felt myself being swept away into the dreamy realm of Tchaikovsky, the beautiful costumes, and those breathtaking Swan movements. I've lost count how many times I've seen it, yet, with each performance, it never fails to stir my soul. It truly is a testament to the power of ballet. The ethereal beauty, the stark drama - you can’t help but fall into the story and lose yourself in the magic of it all.
Moscow: Classical Elegance and the Strength of the New
Over in Russia, Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre never fails to amaze with its pure artistry. This month I was in my element, soaking up the **Sleeping Beauty** performance. It felt almost impossible to tear myself away. Everything was perfect - the grace of the ballerinas, the strong precision of the dancers. I especially loved Aurora's exquisite solos; they were a revelation! It wouldn't be a Moscow trip without catching the Moscow Ballet, known for its stunning new productions, and this time was no different. **La Sonnambula**, a reimagined ballet in three acts set to the music of Vincenzo Bellini's opera of the same name, captivated my imagination. With its exquisite storytelling, intricate choreography, and breathtaking costumes, this modern-day classic took the audience on an incredible journey through a landscape both dark and dreamy.
The Rising Star of Japan
Flying off to Japan for a ballet tour, I was captivated by their embrace of innovation. Now, this trip is always full of wonderful experiences and new discoveries, and this month I was mesmerized by **Sakura Bloom**, an utterly captivating creation at the New National Theatre in Tokyo. This is truly ballet at its most artistic, an evocative ballet performance drawing on Japan’s heritage and spirit, and telling a deeply poignant and yet hopeful story. The costumes were absolutely mesmerizing, each one a masterpiece of beauty and creativity. This truly is a company to watch out for - their dance is innovative and bold, pushing boundaries while paying homage to tradition.
London's Creative Scene
My trip back to London this month gave me an opportunity to enjoy the vibrant contemporary dance scene. London has this incredible buzz - this creative energy that makes it so enthralling - always buzzing, full of passion and ambition. A particular highlight was **The Crucible** at the Sadler's Wells theatre. I find a gritty ballet a great way to end a tour - it's exciting, full of drama and captivating. It truly captures the raw intensity of Arthur Miller's story. The choreography is beautifully intricate, each movement imbued with emotion. This production certainly stays with you.
Looking Back
Overall, July 2023 proved to be another phenomenal month in the world of ballet, and I couldn't help but marvel at the passion and artistry that shone through every performance. As a former ballerina, I can't deny the pang of nostalgia every time I enter a theatre - it's a world that always resonates deep within my soul. To experience such grace, such beauty and skill in the theatre, the intense emotion, the sense of pure joy and human connection...that is what makes ballet such a powerful art form. Darling, With this month of breathtaking performances and captivating stories etched in my memory, I simply must continue my quest for ballet excellence, to travel the world, experiencing the grace, passion and sheer joy of the dance, and perhaps share more with you, my dearest reader.
P.S
This July, my personal pick is **Romeo and Juliet**. That production, and those two exceptional dancers - I couldn't look away for a single minute. But don’t be afraid to try new things - I loved the intensity and unique expression in **Le Sacre du Printemps**. And oh, dear reader, if you haven't had the pleasure of a ballet trip to Paris, I highly recommend adding it to your to-do list!
I hope you found these musings about ballet exciting and delightful. And, remember darling, never stop moving, never stop dreaming, and always keep your eyes open for the beauty in the world, particularly the beautiful artistry of ballet.