2023 Winter Ballet Season in Consett

Hey everyone, Emma here, ready to dish on the most magical time of year: Consett's Winter Ballet Season! It’s like everyone suddenly remembers the beauty of dance and decides to embrace the twirls and leaps with open arms. Let’s be real, there’s no better excuse to dress up in your fanciest attire (hello, sparkly tights and those killer heels!) and get swept away by a world of artistry.

I love this time of year for the tutuwinter energy it brings! Everywhere you look there are whispers of tulle and a sea of rosy hues that are making me weak at the knees. This year, the season in Consett has been a whirlwind of stunning performances. From the classic Nutcracker, all sparkly and magical, to contemporary masterpieces, showcasing raw power and emotion, there’s something to satisfy everyone.

(Let’s pause a moment to admire how much I love a classic tutus, shall we? *🤩 *Especially when they're dancing under those sparkling, twinkly Christmas lights! 🤩)

My first stop this season was the Consett Youth Ballet’s rendition of the Nutcracker. Honestly, I was floored! Watching these young dancers put their heart and soul into this story was absolutely captivating. The costumes were just the right amount of cute and festive, the set design was pure whimsical magic, and their enthusiasm had the entire audience whooping and hollering with delight! There's something so endearing about watching the next generation of ballerinas grow and blossom - I can't help but get emotional thinking about it all! I mean, isn't this exactly why we fall in love with ballet?

Then we had the Northern Ballet’s take on Swan Lake, which was pure breathtaking brilliance! These dancers brought such incredible power and precision to every move. There was such depth of emotion in every step, every flick of the wrist, and every expressive movement. The costumes, too, were so ethereal. Seriously, you couldn't ask for a more gorgeous combination of movement, emotion and elegance! And I absolutely loved the ending; it was the perfect mix of tragic, beautiful and powerful!

But my favourite of all has to be the Consett Community Ballet’s “A Christmas Carol” performance. I mean, talk about an innovative take on a classic! The choreography was so fresh and contemporary - I loved the way they combined the traditional balletic movement with some street dance flair, especially during the festive sequences. Plus, they got all the audience members singing carols at the end! It's a performance I'll remember for a long, long time!

And the best part of it all? The feeling of togetherness, of a community united by a passion for ballet, is palpable! Seeing the kids light up, hearing the families giggling, and catching the whispers of awe from seasoned balletomanes just fills me with so much joy. It’s honestly the perfect antidote to those bleak winter nights!

Speaking of community, let's give a big shout-out to the dancers themselves. Every performance showcases their sheer dedication and skill. It’s clear that they pour their hearts and souls into every movement and emotion. And those smiles they flash after each show, oh man, they're pure magic! You can really feel the passion these dancers have, and it’s inspiring!

Now, I know you’re probably thinking, "Emma, this sounds incredible! I wish I could experience it!" And guess what? You absolutely can! The Consett Winter Ballet Season has something for everyone. Whether you’re a diehard ballet enthusiast, a curious newcomer, or simply seeking a night of pure entertainment, these performances are truly special.

So, grab your fanciest outfit, throw on a warm coat (those chilly theatres, eh!), and embrace the tutuseason! I guarantee you won’t regret it.

And finally, a shout-out to the amazing team who make all this happen - the directors, the choreographers, the costume designers, the technicians, the ushers, the support staff - everyone who pours their hearts into ensuring each show is an unforgettable experience. You’re all absolute rockstars!

I’m already counting down the days until next year’s season! Consett, I can't wait to see what magic you’ve got in store! 💖