By Emma, @EmmaTheEn Pointe
Hello darlings! Winter is officially here, the air is crisp, the trees are bare, and the only thing missing is the glittery magic of the annual ballet season! As a tutu-loving, disco-dancing ballerina at heart, I’ve been counting down the days until the first pointe shoes hit the stage, and let me tell you, Darwen, you didn't disappoint!
This year’s Winter Ballet Festival is a real treat, a delicious blend of classic elegance and exciting contemporary flair, with enough sparkle to rival a disco ball! I’ve already enjoyed a flurry of performances, from the breathtaking "Nutcracker" at the Theatre Royal, where the Sugar Plum Fairy's tutu was the epitome of fairytale glamour, to the incredibly contemporary "Echoes" at the smaller, more intimate Studio 1.
But let’s be real, I don’t need to gush about how stunning these performances are, that’s obvious! The true delight of winter ballet for me is the atmosphere, the festive spirit that envelops every show. From the twinkling lights and shimmering decorations to the excited chatter of the audience, everyone's clearly ready to be swept away into a world of graceful moves and passionate storytelling.
Speaking of atmosphere, you’ve got to give Darwen a big thumbs-up for its charming venues. The Theatre Royal is an old-world beauty, the grandeur of the auditorium and plush red velvet seats setting the scene for an evening of enchantment. It’s the perfect backdrop for the traditional classics, while Studio 1 with its exposed brickwork and intimate setting brings out the rawness and passion of the contemporary performances.
I know a lot of you think ballet is all frills and tulle (and you’re not entirely wrong!) but don’t let that fool you. There’s a real strength and athleticism beneath all that delicate grace. Watching those dancers spin and leap, their bodies flowing in perfect unison, is simply mesmerising.
This year's highlight for me? The Darwen Ballet Academy's rendition of “Swan Lake”. This troupe of young dancers, barely older than teenagers, were nothing short of extraordinary. Their dedication to every move, the raw talent and passionate energy, simply left me speechless. Seeing young people so dedicated to their craft and performing at such a high level was inspiring. They're definitely ones to watch for the future!
Of course, no ballet season is complete without the post-show celebrations! Thankfully, Darwen has it covered with a plethora of charming cafes and bars to unwind after the final curtain. I particularly recommend “The Dancing Lady”, a tiny little tearoom tucked away near the Theatre Royal, where you can sip on a delicious latte and nibble on homemade cake while reliving the night's magical moments.
This season in Darwen, we’ve got everything a tutu-lover could dream of: stunning performances, charming venues, vibrant energy, and enough festive cheer to banish even the most stubborn winter chills.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your favourite winter coat, put on your most glamorous dress, and get ready to be transported into a world of grace and elegance. The magic of Winter Ballet awaits!
#tutuwinter #tutuseason
And for my fellow pink-loving ballerinas out there, I've been spotting some fabulous fuchsia ensembles at the local boutiques. A statement pink velvet clutch would make a great statement piece for a night out at the theatre, don't you think? I'll post my favourite finds on my Instagram (@EmmaTheEnPointe) - check it out!
