Okay, so we're officially in the midst of that magical time of year. You know, the time where the air smells like mince pies and hot chocolate, the days are crisp and bright, and every shop window is adorned with sparkly Christmas trees... but most importantly for me, it's the start of the winter ballet season! I can't get enough of these twirling spectacles - the glitter, the costumes, the sheer artistry - and the amazing performances that only seem to sparkle brighter in the winter months.
Let’s be honest, it's easy to get wrapped up in all the festive frolics this time of year. There's endless Christmas markets to visit, carols to sing, and hot toddies to be had. But this ballet lover isn't just here for the eggnog and the mince pies, honey! The magic of ballet, and particularly winter ballet, is a whole other kind of festive spirit that truly elevates the season. And trust me, Bicester's winter ballet scene does not disappoint!
This year, I'm delighted to say, I've been spoiled for choice. From the classic elegance of [Insert Name of local ballet company/production 1 here]'s Nutcracker, to the contemporary and thought-provoking work of [Insert Name of local ballet company/production 2 here]'s winter showcase, Bicester has really come alive with talent and energy.
*[Name of company/production 1 here]’s Nutcracker was a sight to behold. * Think elegant Victorian sets, breathtakingly detailed costumes that would make Marie Antoinette jealous, and a performance that swept me away on a journey through a whimsical fairytale land.
You guys know I'm a total sucker for a good tutu (let's be honest, my closet's bursting with them!) and I was absolutely delighted by the exquisite tutu work on display. Those delicate layers of tulle, swirling and floating with every turn and leap - oh, it truly was a dream.
And speaking of dreams, [Name of company/production 1 here]’s Sugar Plum Fairy stole the show. I swear I caught her gliding across the stage on the tip of her toes, light as a feather, her every movement imbued with such effortless grace. It was like witnessing pure, distilled artistry. The other ballerinas also shone - each one adding their own touch of magic to the performance. But honestly, I'm not surprised, because [Name of company/production 1 here] have a history of delivering the very best ballet productions. It's definitely worth getting your tickets if you can.
[Insert Name of local ballet company/production 2 here]'s Winter Showcase, on the other hand, provided a breath of fresh air with its bold and innovative choreography.
[Name of company/production 2 here] is definitely not afraid to push boundaries, and the entire production felt like an exploration of modern dance, using ballet as its foundation. I loved the edgy costuming that definitely deviated from the traditional ballet attire - think more punk princess and less classic tutu. I also really enjoyed the unique musical accompaniment that took me to another dimension entirely! Imagine classical ballet meets disco. I actually caught myself dancing in the aisles during one particular sequence.
Don’t get me wrong - there was a ton of intricate technique on display throughout the show - breathtaking spins, awe-inspiring leaps, and the most stunning plies you'll ever see - but the real joy lay in [Name of company/production 2 here]'s daring approach.
It was a performance that was not afraid to take risks, one that pushed the boundaries of the traditional and challenged us to think about ballet in a completely different light.
One thing's for sure, both productions delivered something truly magical to the Bicester ballet scene and it definitely makes you want to celebrate ballet’s diverse forms and incredible potential. And believe me, these two performances are just a tiny glimpse of what's available throughout the winter.
So, don't wait to get your fix. If you're lucky enough to be in Bicester this season, grab your dancing shoes (and maybe a festive pink cashmere scarf for the theatre!), and experience the sheer delight of winter ballet. Trust me, it's an absolute must.
tutuwinter #tutuseason