By Nisha Patel

Sparkling chandelier, hanging like a magnificent sculpture of stars, 

twinkling to bless the night in crimson passion, close to each intimate touch. 

A beautiful ball of butterfly attendees, where elegant colours capture the spotlight.

Fluttering in flamboyance, their wings dazzle in show and tell, 

the romance of wearing the grace of lace, enchants a spark of loveliness,

in which the love refuses to hide under table cloth, but brighten under glass décor.

Flirting like fireflies near the floral lanterns, they leave the candle sticks

to marry their candle holders, under the sculpture of stars. 

Keeping peace between butterflies and light, under dreamy darkness.

A ballroom dance crowns the night, the glimmering diamond of a ball ring.

Partnering to their lovers, they fly with each other, hearts together, 

like violins expressing love behind a curtain of waterfall.

Some butterflies share magic, clutching onto the sidelines of the French rose silk.

Other butterflies make wishes under the chandelier, praying to protect the ballroom,

a sanctuary for romance with wings, to reach the night.

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Ballet Performances to Watch, Courtesy of the Royal Opera House: 

 

 Review of Romeo and Juliet Beyond Words: 

I would highly recommend this ballet film to fans of the romantic genre and all things elegant. Starring William Bracewell as Romeo and Francesca Hayward as Juliet, this beautifully performed film captures my heart and fills my head with butterflies. There is no dialogue, which I found more engaging as the audience is left to feel for themselves, allowing their imaginations to flourish. The lack of dialogue also makes this performance much more accessible to those from different language backgrounds. The classical music in the background such as Dance of the Knights by Prokofiev, really brings  the scenes to life. With no words, the vision becomes even more unique to watch, as the romance blossoms on screen. 

The ballet creates a touching bridge between this classic love story and the power of pointed shoes. The acting, along with the imagery, brings you to the heart of the moment. I could feel myself wearing Juliet’s shoes and feeling all her emotions from my head to my toes. I simply couldn’t take my eyes off this film, and the enchanting atmosphere it created in my head, and in my room. The body language of the protagonists portray the sequence of events wonderfully – I could feel Romeo’s heart warming passion for Juliet through his actions. I so greatly admire the attention to detail in the making of this film, because it sewed the whole story together and transported me to their romantic world. 

I first watched this ballet film on a chilly winter evening, and I think this made the experience a touch more magical. I would encourage others to try watching it just as I did. To this day, I still feel drawn to the beauty of the film: my attachment to it will stay forever. There have been many films on Romeo and Juliet, but this was my favourite, because it made me pay closer attention to the visual art of ballet and how classical music feeds life to a love story. The beautiful silence elevated the scenes of suspense. I hope you all take the time to watch this glorious work of art. 

Written by Nisha Patel, edited by Mel Kartal