Swan Lake

Credit: Sian Trenberth

I had always wanted to see a ballet production and took interest long before the success of the film Black Swan made it somewhat, commercially appealing. So seeing that there were a few shows on during the summer and that they were showing around my birthday, I took the opportunity to buy tickets for the opening night of Derek Deane's production of Swan Lake at the London Coliseum, performed by the English National Ballet.

With three tiers above the stalls, the interior of the Coliseum is very beautiful and majestic. My seats were right at the very top, on the balcony tier. Though it wasn't a bad view, I have to say that the seats on that tier weren't very comfortable.

The performance itself was an atmospheric spectacle; thanks to the set production, minimalist effects and the wonderful live orchestra who played very well; im kind of a sucker for Tchaikovsky. The dancers also held their own, the formation and precision of the corps dancing in the lake was beautifully done. Some of my favourite performances were when principle dancer, Erina Takahashi performed her solo as the Black Swan and when the four swans performed the well executed and much loved 'dance of the little swans/cygnes'. My only disappointment was that the last few moments leading up to the finale could have been built up a little more.

Eventually I would like to see The Nutcracker and an Opera production. What has been your favourite ballet, opera or theater production?

Diamond Jubilee

Credit: Taken by Ham at londondailyphoto

It is the Diamond Jubilee weekend and parties and celebrations are in full swing here all over in London and the UK. The Union Jack, in its red, white and blue glory has saturated every major and minor brand, store front and high street. It's a souvenir and merchandise galore on steroids. I think its now safe to say that we have seen the Union Jack fit every possible form, shape and size known to man; haha.

So I was down in Oxford Street on Saturday and keeping to the theme and occasion, I came across this awesome wall mural outside Selfridges side entrance by Graffiti Artist Paul Don Smith.

With all eyes on the UK this year as the Olympics also draw near, no doubt we will see (and have already been seeing) fashion, music, art and design being heavily influenced and inspired by the UK and its culture.

And on that note, hope everyone is enjoying their Jubilee weekend / holiday! :)