Forget the reindeer and the snowmen - it's all about the tutus and the twirls this festive season! Ealing is absolutely buzzing with beautiful ballet, and let me tell you, it's everything a pink-loving ballerina like myself could ever wish for. From classic favourites to modern twists, there's a ballet for every taste and age. It’s practically a festive disco ball of graceful moves!
Firstly, let’s talk about the venue, the stunning Ealing Town Hall. A beautiful old building with twinkling Christmas lights, its high ceilings and grand ballroom setting perfectly transport you to a fairytale setting. And let's not forget those elegant Victorian chandeliers – like sparkly jewels hanging in the air!
I’m kicking off my #tutuwinter adventures with a heart-warming performance of “The Nutcracker.” The choreography was stunning, from the precision of the snow scenes to the dazzling energy of the Spanish dance. The whole theatre erupted in cheers at the grand finale with a beautiful rendition of "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy". It felt like pure magic, and honestly, if I didn’t know better, I would have thought I had stepped into a dream. Speaking of sugar plums, the sweet little ballerina playing Clara, the young protagonist, was a complete star – she practically danced like a whirlwind! And for those who love an extra touch of glitz and glam, the costumes were just spectacular – imagine a sea of pale pink and shimmering tulle!
And it wouldn’t be a true ballet season without some Tchaikovsky – so I also squeezed in a performance of “Swan Lake” with my ballet best friend Chloe, who actually coincidentally wears a lot of pink too! The music was sublime – Tchaikovsky at his most romantic. We were completely swept away by the drama and power of the love story between the Prince and Odette, and by the ethereal beauty of the white swans, just as elegant as a winter wonderland. The choreography in this piece is simply divine.
But Ealing’s Winter Ballet Season isn’t just about the classics. There’s something truly unique about seeing contemporary ballet – the movements, the emotions, and the unexpected twists and turns are breathtaking. This year, I got a chance to see “Urban Dance” which featured innovative choreography. It was an exciting exploration of modern city life – energetic, fast paced, and full of unexpected surprises. The soundtrack was a funky mix of hip hop, jazz and classical music, which kept me completely enthralled.
Of course, no winter ballet season is complete without a visit to the Ealing’s Winter Ballet Ball! It was an unforgettable night of music, dancing, and glamorous celebration – and all for a fantastic cause! Think elegant ballgowns and sparkling champagne, and the dance floor bursting with all the fabulous steps of the winter season. The night included a fabulous ballet performance by some of Ealing’s brightest rising stars, a beautiful ballet inspired by all things winter – think icy snowflakes and magical fairylights! – all danced to a disco music soundtrack. It was truly the best way to finish my #tutuwinter adventures.
All in all, Ealing’s Winter Ballet Season has been a dream come true. I can’t wait to see what they have in store for us next year. Until then, I'll be busy perfecting my pirouettes, practicing my poses, and maybe even taking some ballet-inspired disco dance classes - because even the most graceful ballerina needs a little bit of a disco groove in their life! #tutuseason
