Oh, darlings, October has truly arrived with a flurry of feathers and a whisper of tutus. It seems that the whole world is swirling with balletic brilliance, a whirlwind of grace and athleticism, of artistry and passion. A ballet lover could hardly wish for more! Firstly, my darling dears, we must travel to the heart of the Russian ballet tradition: Moscow! I simply had to make the pilgrimage to witness the Bolshoi Ballet's revival of "La Bayadère." My dears, the production is simply stunning, a riot of colour and sensuality. I was quite taken by the dazzling set, especially that glittering Temple of the Golden Idol, so evocative of exotic mystery.
From Exotic Glamour to Classical Brilliance And speaking of glamour, who could resist a trip to Paris? I recently attended a magnificent gala performance by the Paris Opera Ballet at the Palais Garnier. The program was a veritable smorgasbord of delights: A sumptuous “Le Corsaire,” exquisite excerpts from Balanchine's “Jewels” (particularly the shimmering Emerald section, a visual feast for the senses!), and the most stunning "Black Swan" pas de deux by the enchanting Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev, on screen but so lifelike. One couldn't help but sigh over the exquisite grace of these icons. The truly classical is still so vital! And while I love the glitz and glamour of ballets like "La Bayadère", there is something profoundly moving about seeing "Giselle" done with such exquisite precision. I was deeply moved by the Royal Ballet’s "Giselle" at the Royal Opera House in London recently. A true jewel of ballet, this performance showcased the dancers' extraordinary stamina and depth of emotion, from Giselle’s pure innocence to her ultimate heartbreak. The story, with its haunting beauty and romantic undercurrents, still packs such an emotional punch, doesn't it? I admit I had a little tear in my eye, and no shame! Modernity meets Ballet But dear me, ballet is not just about tradition. It is constantly evolving, don't you find? I was recently intrigued by the latest offerings by Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT) in the Netherlands. They are truly the vanguard of modern ballet, daringly pushing boundaries. The choreography in "Murmurs" by Marco Goecke was simply astounding! A breathtaking mix of abstract movements, unsettling costumes (in the most interesting sense), and dramatic shifts of lighting, creating a hypnotic, deeply thought-provoking experience. This isn't simply a visual spectacle; it's a challenging dialogue between the dancer, the body, and the audience. There is so much for the mind to digest, much like a truly exquisite cocktail. And what could be more modern and invigorating than seeing a stunning new work based on one of Shakespeare’s most brilliant plays, "Othello"? The Royal Ballet’s production at the Royal Opera House was electrifying. It really did capture the heart and soul of Othello, using both classical techniques and inventive choreography to depict his tortured emotions and ultimate tragedy. I dare say, dear, it is a truly gripping watch for both the trained ballet aficionado and the casual theatregoer. The sheer strength and dramatic weight of Othello’s passion felt as tangible as the velvet curtains around the stage. Ballet, More Than just Dancing My darlings, let's not forget that ballet is so much more than just dancing; it’s a cultural experience, a form of communication that speaks directly to the soul, that moves us in ways words sometimes cannot. Just a week ago, I went to a wonderful event in a stunning neoclassical building in a beautiful Italian town -- a wonderful benefit gala that supported young dancers and young dance-lovers. The dancers were wonderful! Some truly were "stars" and others with all the makings of a shining future. The program had the perfect blend of "Les Sylphides" and a rousing "Rodeo," followed by excerpts from some wonderful modern pieces. But dear me, one doesn't only go for the dance; it's all about the beautiful surroundings and the opportunity to connect with other lovers of this beautiful artform. Ballet is, truly, the universal language of art. A common language that bridges generations and continents. And on a personal level, I must tell you, it is so much more than just what I do -- ballet, my darlings, has always been a beacon in my life. It has been my constant companion through every emotional stage, a reflection of myself. That's the magical part, I suppose! Some Highlights & Personal Musings Of course, there are so many other events in the dance world, darlings. Have you seen any of the following? They're simply wonderful: * "Don Quixote" at the San Francisco Ballet — a charming rendition, don't you find? I heard it's particularly notable for its superb technical skills and playful choreography. * "Swan Lake" at the New York City Ballet — I can't help but mention this one as well, darling. I had to visit New York and see it -- "Swan Lake" never gets old, the music, the choreography and the sheer spectacle always transports me to a beautiful, mythical realm. * The Birmingham Royal Ballet's production of "Giselle" - truly remarkable for its captivating portrayal of love, madness and the bittersweet nature of loss. It left me yearning for more. The world of ballet, dear friends, is alive and vibrant, pulsing with passion and beauty. Each performance, each pirouette, each dramatic gesture is a little miracle. These dance troupes continue to inspire, challenge and transport us beyond everyday reality, lifting us onto a stage of grace and humanity. And that, darling, is the true gift of ballet, its magic and power to enchant us and hold our hearts captive, just a little longer. And as I dance my way through October, dear ones, I encourage you all to join me. Grab your fanciest scarf, your favourite little hat, your darling dancing shoes, and immerse yourselves in the wonder that is the world of ballet!