Oh, darling, you won't believe the fabulous winter ballet season we've had here in Catford! I've been practically living in my fluffy pink dressing gown and fluffy slippers, dreaming of leaping onto a stage and twirling in a tutu, just like the incredible dancers we've seen this winter. From classical masterpieces to sparkling modern pieces, Catford has definitely got the tutu itch scratched for anyone with a love for dance!
This year, the magic started at the beautiful Catford Town Hall, where the annual "Snowflake Ballet" had its usual spellbinding impact. This stunning performance features a plethora of local talent alongside some seasoned professionals, creating a spectacle you wouldn't expect to find tucked away in south-east London. The set design was pure magic – a glittering wonderland with twinkling snowflakes suspended in the air and a glorious cascade of white fabric that practically had the whole audience swooning!
What’s more, the show brought the audience right into the heart of winter's story through incredible costumes – think sparkling snowflakes on shimmering bodices and intricate patterns reminiscent of the frost on a winter’s day. And don't even get me started on the music! It was so beautiful, I was half-tempted to break into a pirouette right there in the stalls (though luckily I didn’t - I do know my audience, after all!)
But let's be honest, darlings, I’m a bit of a dance chameleon, loving both the classics and modern contemporary moves, so I couldn’t resist venturing a little further down the road to The Albany for the Avant-Garde Dance Collective’s latest offering, "Electric Dreams." Oh, my goodness! If you thought the "Snowflake Ballet" was captivating, "Electric Dreams" truly takes you on a journey, embracing contemporary choreography and an electrifying soundscape. It's an intense, powerful piece that draws you into a story that is both beautiful and a bit mysterious - think dramatic movements with a captivating use of light and shadows that play with your senses. You simply must see this performance – it's the epitome of #tutuwinter.
But it wouldn't be a proper review of the Catford winter ballet scene without mentioning the "Ballet Blitz" at the Catford Broadway, which features an incredible mix of styles. Honestly, darlings, this one has it all: dramatic leaps and bounds, heart-stopping moments of grace and a smattering of humorous sketches. The final act even included a flashmob performance where the dancers took over the Broadway, drawing in unsuspecting shoppers with a rousing rendition of ABBA's "Dancing Queen," (which I swear, for a brief moment, I thought I was back at the Studio 54 in the 70s, what with the fabulous, glittering costumes!).
The "Ballet Blitz" was the perfect finale to this extraordinary winter ballet season. Each performance in Catford had its own charm and its own unique twist, proving that when it comes to #tutuseason, this corner of London is a true contender for the tutu crown.
Here's to a fantastic ballet season and let's keep the tutu magic alive all year long, Catford!
tutuwinter #tutuseason