Oh, hello my fellow ballet bunnies! Itās Emma here, ready to get your tutus in a twist as we dive headfirst into the glorious, glittery, winter wonderland that is Basingstokeās ballet season!
If you havenāt already felt it, a change is in the air. The leaves have begun their autumnal descent, a crispness hangs in the air, and even the pigeons on the high street are sporting chic little woolly scarves (OK, maybe not, but imagine!). This means one thing: Tutu season is officially upon us! š
I absolutely adore the whole vibe of winter ballet. From the cosy theatre evenings, snuggled up in my warmest coat, to the thrill of watching those beautiful dancers glide across the stage, the whole thing is a masterpiece. Thereās a real magic that comes with a performance under a wintry sky ā it's almost like the stage is sparkling even more with all the extra Christmas twinkle lights! āØ
Now, onto the actual dancing, because let's be real, thatās why weāre all here, right?! This year's line-up in Basingstoke is packed with absolute gems ā there's something for everyone!
Letās Get āDisco-ingā!
Kicking off our tour is a brand new production, "Disco Dreams." If you, like me, get major nostalgic chills whenever āI Will Surviveā blasts through the speakers, this one is for you! I saw a sneak peek and the costumes are everything! Think glittering sequined bodices and legwarmers (Iām dying to snag myself a pair!). The choreography is seriously fresh, taking all the best bits from disco and mixing it up with modern balletic styles. If the air isnāt buzzing with excitement when this one comes on, then you haven't got a pulse! š
Traditional Twirls:
If you're more into the classic ballet world, fear not, my darlings! Weāre also treated to āThe Nutcrackerā ā it wouldnāt be a winter ballet season without it! And while it may seem predictable, every new rendition of this classic offers a unique charm and flavour. I'm hoping for a fresh interpretation, some really stand-out costumes, and maybe even a few playful nods to the Victorian Christmas spirit (who doesnāt love a bit of festive extravagance!).
A Ballet to Embrace You:
The next performance has been a long-time fave of mine, and this year is extra special because they're giving it a unique twist. "The Swan Lake," featuring the award-winning principal dancer, Olivia, performing the role of Odette. You guys! Olivia is amazing! She brings this emotional intensity to the stage that has me wiping away a few tears every single time! If this productionās anything like the rest of her work, weāre in for a truly breathtaking treat.
Getting Local with Our Talents
Thereās no better feeling than supporting homegrown talent, right?! So letās give a big round of applause for the Basingstoke Ballet Company! Their annual Christmas-themed showcase promises to be a beautiful blend of seasonal fun and spectacular dancing. Itās the perfect event for all the family, filled with enough joy, sparkle, and festive spirit to fill the whole town!
More Than Just Ballet:
And while the main attractions are definitely the dance performances, the Basingstoke Ballet season isnāt just about the shows themselves. The beautiful Georgian architecture of the theatre sets a stunning scene for pre-show cocktails in the elegant foyer. It's the perfect spot for getting those pre-ballet selfies, enjoying a few bites from the local caterers, and exchanging excited whispers about the performance with your friends.
Post-Show Chatter and Fave Spots:
After the performance, the energy carries on. Grab a hot chocolate from the cosy coffee shop just down the road, where we can all debrief on our favourite parts, swoon over the ballerinaās technique, and plan our next dance fix!
For me, the real magic of winter ballet lies in the shared experience, the collective gasps, and the enthusiastic cheers that erupt throughout the performance. It's the feeling of knowing you're part of something bigger ā an audience connected by the power of dance and all its dazzling beauty.
So what are you waiting for, my ballet bunnies? Get those tickets booked, pull on your most glamorous coats, and join me as we take on the sparkling world of Basingstoke's ballet season! You won't regret it. š
#tutuwinter #tutuseason #balletlove #Basingstoke #discoballet
