Culture Melissa wears: Cream silk and linen lace knit dress by Dior. Melissas custom pointe shoes are by Bloch, embossed with her name on the sole of each shoe. Photographed by Kip Carroll at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. Styled by Aislinn Coffey. LETS DANCE An exciting new wave of dance initiatives is shaking up the art form and reshaping how audiences engage with it today, finds Síomha Connolly E I really hope this show shakes up peoples perceptions of what ballet is today. arlier this year, actor Timothée Chalamet stated in an interview for CNN and Variety that ballet and opera are dying art forms and nobody cares about them anymore. His statement provoked a widespread backlash from both audiences and those in the industry. After all, theres a reason ballet and opera have endured for over 400 years. Both these art forms are pure outlets of artistic expression that can tell real stories, evoke emotion, create human connection, and enable us to get lost in beauty and escape the real world for a couple of hours. So theyre arguably more important than ever. But the statement did get everyone talking. Melissa Hamilton, the only Irish ballerina to be made principal dancer with the Royal Ballet in London, said: In a sense I agree with him and its part of the reason I set up the ballet production company Hamilton Christou with my husband Michael, to make sure that ballet was at the forefront of theatre, and its why Im so passionate about bringing world class ballet to Ireland. Hamilton is also clear on the need to adapt and speak to new audiences. This is a driving force for her to bring her production of Melissa Hamiltons Ballet Stars Gala to the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre on May 9. Ballet doesnt have a big enough voice or platform, and I think it is up to us as artists to use 30 May 2026 THE GLOSS MAGAZINE our platforms to shine a brighter light on what we do. Thats what I hope to show in the gala, that ballet and dance and opera are very much alive. Curated specifically for Irish audiences, the show consists of performances by Hamilton alongside Ballet Irelands company of twelve dancers, as well as international ballerinas including Gareth Haw, Tatiana Melnik and Maria Baranova. Along with global stars, we are incorporating homegrown talent, giving them the chance to shine on stage with dancers from around the world. Of this opportunity, Niamh OFlannagain, a dancer with Ballet Ireland since 2018 says: Its such an honour to share the stage with incredible artists from around the world. As a dancer, you get so much inspiration from watching other dancers, so it will be such an exciting and inspiring evening, not just for the audience, but for us as dancers too. Rather than producing a traditional full-length ballet, Hamilton explains that the show is split into segments, in a bid to capture shortening attention spans. I think the ballet gala will give people a different way of enjoying ballet and dance in a more flick-friendly format for todays culture. Its not a threehour performance that you have to sit through and watch the same story: instead, you see short excerpts and its like next, next, next. You will be mindblown by so much talent and variety in one night! Melissa will also perform with soprano Rachel Croash from the Irish National Opera live on stage, with music specifically created for Hamilton Christou Productions by Valentino Zucchetti. She explains: There will be not only the big blockbuster ballet grand pas de deux, but also neo-classical and contemporary ballet that pushes the boundaries physically and visually its not just tutus and tiaras anymore. I really hope this show shakes up peoples perceptions of what ballet is today. Its all part of a move within contemporary companies to shine a new light on the art form. Think mixed bills, interactive performances, open studios which allow the public a glimpse behind the scenes, outdoor stages, A SWEDISH SUMMERHOUSE / DESTINATION DINING / SUNNY DELIGHTS / SMART PACKING / ANDREW SCOTT / BRINGING BALLET BACK MAGAZINE MAY 2026 with THE IRISH TIMES LETS GET AWAY SUN-SOAKED STYLE Creative Retreats o ss .i e hegl w.t ww Dream Destinations Contents IN THIS ISSUE THE GLOSS MONTHLY REMINDER SIGN UP to receive a monthly reminder by email when THE GLOSS is out so that you never miss an issue. Simply register your details on WWW.THEGLOSS.IE. EDITOR JE NNIFE R STE V E NS D EP UT Y ED IT OR S Í O MHA CO NNO LLY S TYLE E D I T O R AISLI Glossip TWO UP Heating Up Gloss~ip! BALMAIN May is the perfect time to get away SEASHELL CHARMS On handbags, earrings or necklaces a rising summer microtrend. ROAD TRIPPING: Louis Vuittons Flight Mode collection features chic and comfy washed denim utility-style dresses, jackets and cargo t Fashion Spot The Trend 2 Maritime fashion is making a splash, says Aislinn Coffey 3 CELINE 1 6 4 5 7 LAUNCHMETRICS/IMAXTREE 8 9 10 SHIPPING FORECAST The nautical mood sweeping the SS26 runways feels polished, not costumey. Celine, Ralph Lauren and Dior are just a few of the fashion hou Moodboard 8 May Mood Chaotic 6 5 7 4 9 by Susan Zelouf 1 1. IM STRIPING in for festival season in Loewe. 2. IM COLLECTING work by Sarah Walker; at Oliver Sears Gallery until May 29. 2 3. IM DOFFING my feather Balenciaga cap at chaos; respect! 10 4. IM ENJOYING fringe benefits via Zimmerman Elevated Evenings IN THE HEART OF 3ARENA Discover Annual Membership Experience the pinnacle of live entertainment with annual membership to the 1878. 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Iv Restaurants Restaurant Notes These restaurants are worth booking a short flight for, says Ciara McQuillan SIMPSONS IN THE STRAND, UK: THE TICKET Recently reopened under hospitality legend Jeremy King, London institution Simpsons in the Strand preserves its old-world charm with polished wood-pane Food Something Fishy Kitty Coles is hooked on the tinned fish trend A n anchovy draped over a buttery piece of warm bread or toast is arguably one of the best snacks you can eat especially when the sun is out and its day one of a holiday. 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