Oh my goodness, Chichester, you really know how to make winter sparkle! I’m Emma, your resident ballerina, fashion fiend, and all-round fan of everything tutu-licious. And let me tell you, this winter ballet season has been absolutely dazzling! I've practically been living in my sparkly pink puffer jacket and, between rehearsals, I've been hopping around to all the performances like a joyful ballerina bunny.
This year's program has been pure magic! It's like the choreographers took a deep breath of the crisp winter air, sprinkled in some glitter, and then dreamt up some absolutely beautiful dances. It's a mix of classical favourites and contemporary gems, and everything has that special wintry charm.
The Nutcracker: You can't beat the festive feel of this classic. There were shimmering snowflakes, an abundance of cute little mice, and that beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy scene! Every performance brings a special kind of joy – even if I'm half-tempted to leap onto the stage and join the dancers. But I behave, of course!
The Snow Queen: A modern take on a beloved fairy tale with incredible costumes and some absolutely stunning choreography. I particularly loved the way the snowflakes danced on stage, reminding me of those sparkly winter evenings when the city lights reflect on the frost.
Contemporary Choreography: Chichester's local dance companies are really pushing the boundaries! I loved the contemporary works I saw – they were fresh, powerful, and had this incredible intensity that truly brought the season to life.
Behind the Scenes at Chichester Ballet School: You know me, I always try to sneak a peek behind the scenes! I spent a delightful afternoon at the Chichester Ballet School, and it was a real treat to see the young talent coming up through the ranks. These youngsters were a delight to watch – and I was reminded how much I love seeing that fiery passion in budding dancers.
Fashion for a Winter Tutu
And of course, a proper tutu season isn't complete without a bit of sparkle and shine! It's time to ditch those boring puffer coats and embrace some fab winter outfits! I’ve been sporting everything from shimmering silver sequins to delicate pearl accents on my tights. And nothing screams “festive winter ballet” quite like a touch of blush pink! My top picks for this year's tutuwinter wardrobe are:
- Pink and white: Think delicate blush hues, and touches of fluffy white for a classic yet chic winter look.
- Statement jewellery: Nothing completes a winter ballerina ensemble better than chunky necklaces and earrings. My favourites are those sparkly vintage pieces with beautiful floral designs – they always bring a bit of fairy tale charm!
- Velvet and fur: Feeling extra fancy? Nothing beats velvet for that warm, wintery luxe feeling. And who can resist a little faux fur for those extra chilly days?
- Pink sparkle: Because sometimes, only a dose of glitter will do. Let those shimmery pink bags, hats, or scarves add that extra sparkle to your look!
Chichester’s Tutu Season: It's not just about the dancing (although, the dancing is amazing!)
For me, it’s about the whole experience. It's the smell of freshly fallen snow, the twinkle lights in the town, the hushed anticipation in the theatre before the curtain rises. It's about being swept away by beautiful stories told through dance and about leaving the real world behind for a couple of hours. And of course, it’s about indulging in those fab winter treats after the show – warm pastries and steaming hot chocolate with a sprinkle of pink candy!
Here's to another amazing Tutu Winter, Chichester!
I’m already eagerly looking forward to next year’s program! This season has been nothing short of spectacular, and I have a feeling that next year’s going to be even more magical.
#tutuwinter #tutuseason
