2023 Winter Ballet Season in Bishop Auckland

Hello lovelies! It’s Emma here, and I’m positively buzzing about the Bishop Auckland Winter Ballet season. You guys know I adore a good tutu, and winter is definitely the time to bring out your fluffiest, most fabulous creations. The crisp air, the twinkling lights, the festive cheer - it’s all so deliciously dramatic and romantic, perfect for ballet! ✨

This year, the programme was overflowing with talent, leaving me wanting more! I just had to share my favourite bits from the season:

First, the highlight reel:

• “Nutcracker: The Snow Queen”: Honestly, the set design alone blew me away. Snowflakes sparkling, shimmering icicles hanging from the ceiling, the whole stage transformed into a wintry wonderland. Plus, the performance? Stunning. The corps de ballet, dressed in exquisite snow-white costumes, were simply magical. And then there was the snow queen, who glided through the performance with an icy elegance that took my breath away! 🌬️
• "Winter's Tale": What a joy! This original ballet really showed off Bishop Auckland’s dancers. I loved the storytelling, which blended whimsical, delicate scenes with dramatic, energetic ones. It was like watching a whole spectrum of emotions unfold onstage, and the costumes were simply divine - lush velvets and swirling silks, just perfect for that ethereal wintery feel.
• “Dancing On Ice”: Oh, this was fun. I’m not going to lie, I was a little sceptical at first about a show based on the TV programme. But those doubts vanished the second the dancers hit the stage! I’ve never seen a ballet performance like it - the energy was infectious, the routines were dynamic and fast-paced, and it truly was a feel-good night out! The fact that it was set to all the best disco hits didn't hurt either! 🪩🕺

The Tutu Factor

And speaking of costumes, the tutus this year were something else! It was like every designer decided to pull out all the stops for winter. I mean, we’re talking serious tulle - think frothy, feathery, layered goodness. We had shades of lavender, lilac, baby blue, and of course, tons and tons of sparkling silver. I literally spent the entire season counting sequins - it was truly a tutu-tastic extravaganza!

A Bit of Extra Sparkle:

Beyond the amazing performances, Bishop Auckland always does such a fabulous job creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. They had festive decorations, gorgeous lighting, and a festive pop-up cafe. You could even purchase a pre-show drink from the bar, which was a lovely touch. Honestly, there’s nothing quite like feeling like a proper princess (or maybe a snowflake queen, since we are talking about winter ballet!), sipping your sparkling drink before the curtain rises!

Why I Love Bishop Auckland’s Winter Ballet Season:

Every year, Bishop Auckland puts on a spectacular winter ballet season. It’s the perfect combination of captivating performance, breathtaking beauty, and sheer joy. The stagecraft, costumes, and energy are phenomenal. It’s like stepping into a magical winter wonderland - but with added sparkle and tutus!

My advice to you? Don't wait until next winter. Get yourself down to Bishop Auckland, enjoy the beautiful surroundings, and be sure to check out the fabulous ballet performances. You won't be disappointed!