Oh, hello darlings! It's Emma here, your resident tutu-obsessed ballet enthusiast, and the winter season has officially begun! You know what that means, right? Winter Ballet! * It's a time for shimmering tutus, glittering costumes, and some seriously magical performances. This year, Deal is *really outdoing itself with a diverse and dazzling lineup that has me practically pirouetting with joy.
So grab your favourite hot chocolate, settle into your comfiest chair, and get ready for a fabulous whirlwind tour of Deal’s winter ballet delights, presented through the eyes (and heart) of your resident pink-loving, tutu-adored dance fanatic.
Step One: The Swan Lake at the Theatre Royal
First stop, The Theatre Royal, where Tchaikovsky’s classic masterpiece, “Swan Lake,” took centre stage. I'm not just saying this because I have a slight obsession with swans (blame my childhood spent daydreaming about ballerinas and fluffy feathery creatures), but the performance truly did make me want to take flight.
The set design was breathtaking. Think billowing silk drapes the colour of a dusky sunset, a glittering moonlit lake (the special effects were absolutely divine), and a stage that felt more like an enchanted fairytale forest. The lead ballerina, Emilia, was simply sublime. Her portrayal of Odette and Odile was pure artistry, flawlessly switching from the vulnerable swan to the seductive black swan with the flick of a wrist. I was glued to my seat, practically holding my breath. This Swan Lake had me dreaming in tutu and tutuing in my dreams for days after!
A Disco Delights Me at the Neptune Ballroom
Next, I found myself at the Neptune Ballroom for something entirely different – Disco Fever: On Ice. Now, you might be thinking: "Emma, what on earth are you doing at an ice-skating show? Surely that's not ballet?” Well, hold onto your sequined tights because, believe me, this was no ordinary skating spectacular. Think 70's fever-dream glamour on skates!
This show was less about the technicality of ballet, but all about having fun, dancing, and celebrating the iconic energy of the disco era. I loved the flamboyant costumes, the bright lights, the funky choreography, and the pure infectious joy that emanated from the stage. I had my arms raised in the air, bopping my head and grinning like a fool – it was simply irresistible!
I think it was a stroke of genius to bring disco into the winter ballet scene. It offered a lighter, more fun take on ballet for audiences of all ages, and really proved that a bit of shimmy and a whole lot of disco moves can truly be magical!
Tiny Ballerinas at The Deal Academy of Dance
One thing I absolutely love about winter ballet season is seeing the joy and dedication in the eyes of the young dancers. So, off to the Deal Academy of Dance I went, where they were staging their annual winter production. Now, I'm talking little dancers here – tots who have only been dancing for a year, perfecting their plies and bourrees.
The whole show was a burst of vibrant energy, and the pure joy on the little dancers’ faces was heartwarming. It's a great opportunity for kids to learn discipline, coordination, and self-expression, and let’s face it, isn't it always a delight to see little ones twirling in their mini-tutus? It's pure adorable overload, I tell you!
Deal Ballet: An Enduring Legacy
Lastly, but by no means least, I have to talk about Deal Ballet's grand production of "Giselle" at the town hall. This company, a veritable institution in the Deal community, consistently brings out the best of the best, and this production did not disappoint.
There were beautiful, detailed sets, costumes that literally made my jaw drop (think flowing fabrics in an incredible spectrum of colour, adorned with exquisite embroidery – seriously, you have to see it to believe it!), and the dancing, well, the dancing was breathtaking.
You know me, I love tutus, so the white act was a complete dream. Those flowing skirts, fluttering with each leap and jump – I felt like I was caught up in a swirl of beautiful movement. It really brought to life the emotional rollercoaster of Giselle’s story, from the playful, joyful maiden to the hauntingly beautiful, ghostly presence of Wilis.
And the star, Fiona? She was superb, with her elegant moves and expressive face, Fiona commanded the stage with power and grace. She truly embodied the soul of Giselle, both tragic and triumphant.
I'm always blown away by the sheer artistry, the technical skill, and the passion that Deal Ballet brings to every performance. They really make Deal a destination for anyone with a love for ballet, and their winter season is always a true highlight of the year.
The Verdict? Ballet Season is the Place to Be!
This season, Deal’s winter ballet shows are proving that you can experience so much more than traditional ballets. They are offering a spectrum of styles, from classical and emotive to modern, contemporary, and downright funky! There’s a performance for every taste and preference – all you need is a desire for a good time!
And you don't even need to be a hardcore ballet fan to appreciate these performances. Everyone enjoys a dazzling spectacle of grace, beauty, and energy. You don't even need a tutu (although, why wouldn't you?). So, my dears, ditch the winter blues and head down to Deal for a weekend filled with tutus and magic. You won't regret it!
#tutuwinter #tutuseason
