Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast, and winter has officially arrived, bringing with it not just a sprinkle of snowflakes and a shiver of frost, but also the most magical time of year - winter ballet season!
Carlisle, my love, you never fail to disappoint, and this year's winter ballet offering has been an absolute dream! From the first tentative notes of the Tchaikovsky score, my heart fluttered like a butterfly caught in a snowdrift.
First up was the annual Christmas production at the Theatre Royal, a glistening affair that felt like stepping into a Victorian snow globe. The air was thick with the scent of pine and cinnamon, and the costumes, oh, the costumes! Sparkly, shimmery, and as vibrant as a robin’s breast in the winter sun. There were tutus, of course, enough to satisfy even the most fervent of tutu fanatics like myself, some shimmering silver, some candyfloss pink, a dash of emerald green, and even a breathtaking red velvet number that made my jaw drop. The dancers were flawless, gliding across the stage like swans on an iced-over lake, their movements precise yet effortless.
The programme itself was a delight, with the familiar and much-loved classics like the Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty, interspersed with some wonderfully modern pieces that truly brought out the athleticism of these incredible performers. My absolute favourite, however, was a brand-new interpretation of ‘The Swan Lake,’ featuring a surprising contemporary twist. Gone were the romantic traditional stylings, replaced with powerful, energetic choreography that left me feeling completely exhilarated. This is how you keep ballet relevant, my loves!
Next on the ballet agenda was the "Winter Wonders" programme at the Carlisle Playhouse. This was a more intimate, experimental affair, with a delightful mix of genres and styles. We had a playful take on the 'Snow Queen' which felt charming and whimsically festive. But the absolute highlight was a daring modern piece set to disco beats. It's not every day you see a ballerina effortlessly executing pirouettes to the rhythm of 'I Will Survive,’ but believe me, this was something special! There was a thrilling raw energy to the performance, leaving me wanting more and more. It felt like a rebellious reimagining of the classic ballet, and a reminder that the beauty of this art form lies in its versatility and willingness to push boundaries.
My dance-filled day concluded with the ever-reliable "Ballet at the Border" performance. It’s a truly beautiful tradition to end the winter season. Imagine the magic of being enveloped in a snowy landscape, watching a group of talented dancers grace the ice-cold air with their artistry. It was simply magical, their movements a blur of snowflakes against the stunning backdrop of the moors.
So there you have it, darlings, a tutu-ful celebration of the winter ballet season in Carlisle. From the classic beauty of the Theatre Royal to the vibrant innovation of the Playhouse and the enchanting, intimate charm of “Ballet at the Border", there’s truly something for everyone. I highly recommend embracing the magical season, stepping into a world of grace, twinkling lights, and maybe even a dash of disco!
#tutuwinter #tutuseason #balletlife #carlisle
