Hello, my fellow dance enthusiasts! Emma here, back from a whirlwind tour of the Abingdon ballet scene. It's the most wonderful time of year for us ballet buffs - Winter Ballet Season has officially kicked off, and let me tell you, it's a sparkly soiree of grace and glamour!
This year, the performances were more magical than ever. From the first tentative pliés to the final, breathtaking grand jeté, it was a feast for the eyes. Each step seemed to twirl with the promise of sugar plum fairies and dazzling snowflakes, a perfect mix of artistry and magic.
First up, we had the Abingdon Academy's "The Nutcracker". This production was a real treat, especially for little ones. The twinkling Christmas lights and colourful backdrops were pure festive joy. I loved the costumes! So much pink - my absolute favourite. The young dancers, their tiny tutus twirling like miniature windmills, were a sight to behold. Even though it was cold outside, the vibrant energy on stage warmed the hearts of everyone in the audience. The sugar plum fairy was exquisite - her solo was a shimmering delight that I still dream about.
Moving onto the more contemporary "Snow Queen" by the Abingdon Ballet Company, it was a stunning, elegant display of power and poise. This wasn't your grandma's "Snow Queen"! The dancers were truly amazing. The choreography was so modern, yet timeless. They told the story so effectively, you could almost feel the sting of the snow and the warmth of the love between the characters. And the set? A magnificent snowy landscape that felt so real you could almost smell the crisp winter air. It's truly an experience that will stay with me for a long time.
Then there was the "Winter Wonderland" Gala - an annual treat at the Abingdon Town Hall. It showcased an array of ballet styles, from classical to modern to jazz. I'd say the biggest highlight for me was the contemporary number with the dazzling disco backdrop. I mean, disco and tutus? It doesn't get better than that! The energy was contagious, and the choreography was full of such dramatic flourishes. This gala is the perfect place to indulge your inner ballet lover – there’s a little bit of something for everyone.
Abingdon's Winter Ballet Season truly delivers an amazing experience. Every performance was brimming with talent and energy. The audiences were buzzing, with cheers, whistles and that sweet applause you just get at ballet shows. I've always loved the artistry and grace of ballet, and this season has rekindled my passion in a big way. I'm already planning my ballet outfits for next year - think sequins, fluffy tulle and perhaps even a touch of red!
I can’t encourage you enough to attend. Take a chance to be swept away by the magic and beauty of ballet this winter.
tutuwinter #tutuseason