Oh, the joy of winter ballet season! The twinkling lights, the festive spirit, and, of course, the glorious, swirling tutus – there's simply nothing else like it. This year, Bilston has truly been living up to its name as a hub for ballet lovers like myself. From the delicate grace of the local school's Christmas production to the professional polish of the touring companies, I've been utterly mesmerised by the sheer talent on display.
First up, we had the Nutcracker at the Grand Theatre, a spectacle that always gets me feeling utterly festive. The production was dazzling, the costumes magnificent (I'm still swooning over the Sugar Plum Fairy's tutu, especially the pink – it was practically calling out to my inner girly girl!).
Then there was the Sleeping Beauty at the smaller, more intimate venue of the Art Deco Palace Theatre. This production was an absolute treat, with some incredibly expressive dancing that truly brought the story to life. The finalé with the fairy godmother and all her fairy friends was a beautiful riot of colour, and the ending with Aurora and her prince in the moonlight felt like a pure fairytale dream.
And what about the contemporary ballet that I caught at the Civic Hall? Talk about a breath of fresh air! The movement was stunningly fluid and modern, and the music, a mixture of classical and electronica, felt very ‘now’ – definitely something to get your disco dancing feet moving. It was such a fresh perspective on the classical form.
Overall, I have to say that Bilston has been absolutely knocking it out of the park this winter ballet season. I can't help but feel a surge of pride as a local dancer knowing that our town is such a brilliant champion of ballet. Every production, from the biggest to the smallest, has been filled with passion, talent, and creativity. It’s so refreshing to see how ballet can be both classical and cutting-edge, all at the same time.
Top Tips For a Fabulous Winter Ballet Experience
You don't need to be a seasoned ballet critic to enjoy the magical world of winter ballet. Whether you’re a seasoned ballet aficionado or just a curious newcomer, here’s how to make the most of your experience:
Dress for the occasion: It’s winter ballet, so a warm coat and sensible footwear are essential, especially in those charming, slightly chilly, old theatres! But underneath, let your inner diva shine. I always try to find an elegant, but slightly dramatic outfit for my ballet nights. A little glitter is never amiss – let’s be honest, you can never go too far when it comes to shimmering fabrics.
Embrace the traditions: Even the simplest acts, like enjoying a delicious hot chocolate with a decadent, chocolate-dipped biscuit, are part of the magical experience.
Get involved: You don’t need to be on the stage to be part of the show. The audience energy is so much part of what makes ballet feel alive, so join in and applaud the dancers. Don’t be shy! If you want to really get into the spirit, maybe consider learning a ballet move or two.
Be open to something new: Don't just limit yourself to the classical productions, experiment! Take a chance on a new style like contemporary or even explore a local dance school production. You might surprise yourself.
Bilston, you've certainly had a winning tutu season. I'll be anxiously awaiting next year’s programme, dreaming of swirling tutus, magical stories, and that special spark that ballet brings. Until next year!
#tutuwinter #tutuseason
