2023 Winter Ballet Season in Bordeaux

Oh my god, guys, the Bordeaux ballet season is officially in full swing, and it’s everything I dreamt it would be, and more! From the iconic Opéra National de Bordeaux to the intimate stage of the Théâtre Fémina, it’s a winter wonderland of swirling tutus, stunning choreography, and enough sparkle to make even the most jaded heart swoon. As a tutu enthusiast myself (who doesn't love a good twirl!), it's truly been a treat to immerse myself in the beauty of this magical art form.

I'm not talking about your grandma's classical ballet, although there's certainly plenty of that to go around. Think whimsical, modern interpretations, stories that feel current and captivating, and performances that will leave you buzzing with energy.

So, where to start? Let's kick off with "The Nutcracker" at the Opéra, of course! It's the quintessential Christmas ballet, and I love how Bordeaux makes it feel fresh with stunning new set design. I swear I could see myself stepping through that enormous golden door into the magic of the Land of Sweets! They really pushed the boat out with the costume design this year, too, and the gorgeous array of vibrant reds and purples gave the whole thing a touch of gothic fairytale drama, which totally blew me away. Honestly, this is "The Nutcracker" on steroids - the dazzling performance, the incredible technical skill of the dancers, and the choreography that somehow made a familiar story feel brand new again. And did I mention the snowflakes? 😍 It’s like they’re actual magic being woven on stage - truly breathtaking!

After all that Christmas magic, I needed a bit of a break, but then I stumbled across "Carmen" at the Théâtre Fémina - talk about a change of pace! Now, "Carmen" isn't a story for the faint of heart, but it was incredibly powerful to see the story unfold through ballet. The emotions, the raw energy, the dramatic staging… I mean, seriously, there were chills down my spine several times during the performance! It's not always easy to make the transition from opera to ballet, but they pulled it off flawlessly. This production is all about the power of dance to tell a story that will stay with you long after the final curtain falls.

Of course, no ballet season is complete without a dash of modern choreography, and this year Bordeaux's got it in spades. "Momentum," a contemporary dance performance at the Maison du Ballet, explores themes of movement, rhythm, and the human condition through dynamic, experimental choreography. Let me tell you, these guys weren't afraid to push boundaries, and the performance was visually stunning, to say the least!

Honestly, the level of talent I’ve seen this season has just blown my mind. We're talking ballerinas with muscles like iron who leap and pirouette with effortless grace. The sheer artistry on display is astounding - the strength, the elegance, the dedication. These guys have really committed their whole souls to the stage, and it really shows. It's honestly quite humbling to witness.

Bordeaux, you’re truly on fire! You’ve definitely earned your place as a hot spot for ballet lovers around the globe! There are some truly brilliant performances taking place at theatres across the city right now - there really is something for everyone!

Oh, and speaking of brilliance, the fashion is on point! I mean, have you seen the new designs on some of the tutus? Think dazzling sequin dresses with swirling patterns of pink and black, sheer bodices that shimmer like moonlight, and tutus so grand that they seem to defy gravity! I literally spent an hour snapping photos in the theatre foyer before even one show. I mean, how else are you going to capture this sheer, divine elegance? (Spoiler: you’ll need a super zoom lens and a flash for those shimmering sequins!)

You don't need to be a ballet aficionado to appreciate the beauty of a show - I promise! This is about the human experience brought to life on stage. It’s about laughter, tears, moments of pure beauty that leave you breathless. So come on down and immerse yourselves in the beauty and magic of ballet. And let's keep the winter wonderland vibe going with all that glitter! 💖

I know, I know, what would a review be without a good, ol’ plug, right? I am totally obsessed with my current design! It’s the perfect blend of classic elegance with just a hint of playful flair (a little bit of pink sequin? Why not!). So head on over to the website, let me know your thoughts on the latest collection, and tell me what ballet performances have you in a spin this winter season!

See you in the pit! ✨