June’s A Whirlwind of Grace & A Touch of Scandal, Darling
Oh, my dears! The month of June has been a truly sensational flurry of exquisite movement, daring choreography, and moments that will linger in the memory for months to come. As ever, the ballet world continues to astonish with its captivating range.
The London Season
London, of course, never disappoints. At the Royal Opera House, I had the distinct pleasure of experiencing ‘The Sleeping Beauty’, which always takes my breath away. And, darling, let’s not forget the stunning performance by Victoria Peake, who effortlessly embodied the delicate, graceful princess. Her movements were as precise as the cut of a perfect diamond, yet so fluid. Truly a dancer on the rise! The set design was an absolute masterpiece, a sumptuous blend of Victorian elegance with a whimsical touch that never veered into saccharine sweetness. Oh, and the costumes! Those delicate lace sleeves and glittering tiaras transported us to an ethereal fairyland. You could almost smell the roses in the air, couldn't you? But what truly surprised me was the fresh interpretation of the traditional choreography. While the classical foundation remained solid, the choreographers infused the production with a hint of daring, an alluring sense of playfulness that set the work apart. I adore the way the classic ballet form is reimagined without compromising its core beauty. After all, who doesn't enjoy a bit of artistic license when it's executed with such mastery? Just around the corner at Sadler's Wells, I found myself entranced by “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.” Now, you all know how I feel about an innovative and original work. The performance was a visual spectacle, a kaleidoscope of movement that mirrored the delightful madness of Lewis Carroll's timeless story. I dare say the choreography brought tears to my eyes. You’ll never look at a rabbit quite the same way after seeing its intricate portrayal here. The dancers of the company, a dazzling mix of youthful exuberance and seasoned talent, transformed the stage into a whimsical, unpredictable wonderland, truly embracing the story's chaotic nature. A particular highlight was the performance of the “Cheshire Cat” by the exquisite Daniel Evans. Oh, darling, he moved with such feline grace! His movements were mesmerizing. I'm not ashamed to admit, he stole the show that night! I heard whispers in the foyer, even a few giggles.
A Touch of Romance in Paris
Next stop – the City of Lights! The magic of Paris was amplified tenfold when I witnessed the iconic “Giselle” at the Palais Garnier. There is simply something so divine about watching this timeless story unfold. The emotions - the heartbreak, the longing for love – it’s all so beautifully rendered. The dancers gave themselves entirely to the characters, allowing their souls to move across the stage with heart-wrenching grace. A particular standout was the talented and stunning Isabelle Dufour, whose portrayal of the fragile, doomed Giselle made every single soul in the audience cry with her. There was, however, a little something else I enjoyed – a whisper of scandal that I’ve been told wasn’t part of the original production. It seemed our Giselle had some rather, shall we say, "unconventional” movements at certain moments, with more than a touch of suggestive flexing of the thigh, which certainly sent shivers down the spines of the men in the audience and brought gasps of surprise from a few of the more daring ladies. Oh, it was glorious, perfectly irresistibly wicked and captivating! But perhaps I am simply getting too carried away.
Across The Atlantic – A Symphony Of Color Now, I wouldn’t be a true fashionista if I didn't mention the incredible dance spectacle in the vibrant city of New York City. At the American Ballet Theatre, I watched a most thrilling production of “The Rite of Spring.” The performance, a masterpiece of emotion and raw expression, truly encapsulated the bold and powerful energy of modern ballet. What stood out to me was the powerful choreography by the brilliantly talented and provocative Ethan Stiefel, which fused classical techniques with a unique and explosive energy, perfectly reflecting the primal rhythms of Igor Stravinsky's epic composition. It was almost as if the dancers, all in earthy and textured costumes that mimicked the colours and textures of nature, were born from the ancient ground, their movements a raw response to the powerful forces of the earth. As an experience, it was something that you just can’t put into words, but, darling, I assure you I’m still reeling from the sheer impact of it. It left me feeling energized, invigorated, and thoroughly satisfied.
An Ensemble Of Artistic Brilliance
These are, of course, just a few of the outstanding performances I've had the pleasure of enjoying this June. The world of ballet, dear friends, is a rich tapestry of talent and creativity, always evolving and captivating our hearts with fresh and exciting performances. Wherever you are in the world, I urge you to explore the magic that awaits on your local stage. You'll be captivated by the artistry of the dancers, the intricate details of the costumes, and the immersive worlds created through the artistry of choreography. It is, indeed, a pleasure for all of the senses. As a seasoned professional who has dedicated her life to ballet, it always fills me with immense joy and satisfaction to see so much incredible talent in the world. It is, of course, also rather a delightful indulgence to see myself reflected in their talent, to feel a pang of recognition for my dedication to the craft. After all, darling, nothing can ever compare to the sheer joy of gliding across the stage, the sense of power and grace you feel, the feeling of utter freedom. It is truly a magical art form that is able to touch the souls of all who witness it, from those in the front row to those standing at the back. So let us celebrate this art, its captivating beauty and its powerful magic, together!