Hello, my fellow ballet bunnies! Emma here, your resident tutu-obsessed blogger, and boy, oh boy, is it tutu season in Edmonton! The city is awash in graceful leaps, twirls, and, of course, glorious tutus. Itâs the perfect antidote to the winter blues, and honestly, I canât imagine anything better than getting all glammed up in a fabulous frock and settling into my plush seat at the Jubilee Auditorium to be whisked away to a magical world of dance.
This season has truly been a tutu-tastic one, and Iâm absolutely buzzing to share all the delights with you lovely lot. Letâs dive in!
The Alberta Ballet: Swan Lake: An Eternal Classic
Okay, so maybe youâve seen âSwan Lakeâ a dozen times before (like, me!). But trust me, the Alberta Ballet's rendition was something special. It was as if they'd sprinkled a little extra magic on the whole thing, making it absolutely captivating. The choreography was both powerful and elegant, and the sheer skill of the dancers took my breath away. Seriously, I gasped more than once during the âBlack Swanâ pas de deux â I've never seen such fluidity and intensity before! It truly felt like the story came to life right in front of me.
And honestly, can we just talk about the tutus for a minute?! Swooooooon. The white swan costumes were breathtaking, and those black feathered beauties?! They were just chef's kiss. A real testament to the skill of the costume designers, right? It's almost a crime not to sneak in a few extra photos. But then again, who wouldnât want to capture that magical moment when Odette floats through the air? The whole theatre practically went swoosh every time she took flight!
Edmontonâs âNutcrackerâ: A Whimsical Wonderland
Every winter season wouldnât be complete without a good old-fashioned âNutcrackerâ, wouldnât it? And this year's production was no disappointment. You all know I have a thing for sparkles (like, obvs) and let me tell you, the Christmas tree in this production was truly dazzling. Honestly, it put my Christmas tree to shame, lol. It sparkled so bright, I swear I could see my own reflection in its shiny, glorious surface!
The choreography was beautifully playful, perfectly capturing the whimsy of this Christmas classic. And the children dancing the roles of Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy? Honestly, they stole the show! I mean, can you imagine being that talented at such a young age? I wouldnât have been able to hold my position in a pas de deux, let alone actually do a tour!
Ballet Jörgen: A Fresh and Vibrant Breath
Now, if you're looking for something a little different from the classics, Ballet Jörgen is your go-to. This is modern dance with a capital M. Forget the usual elegant tutus (though there are a couple!), think bold colours and innovative choreography. Their show, âThe Shape of Dreamsâ, wasnât just about dancing â it was an entire artistic experience! And let's be real, their staging was truly avant-garde. Like, think disco lights, colourful projections, and a live band with an absolutely killer beat â all those things, and more! It was definitely the most energising, lively ballet Iâve seen all season. It almost felt like you were in a club, dancing to the rhythms of their incredibly dynamic performance. And those outfits? Honestly, they were a feast for the eyes.
I even snuck in a little shimmy to the beat, and I could see the audience around me bopping their heads. Itâs honestly quite invigorating watching the modern dancers create their own shapes and stories within a ballet framework.
But what's the best bit about the winter ballet season, you ask?
Apart from the incredible dance performances? Itâs the feeling of camaraderie and community that Iâve really loved this season. I mean, who wouldnât love a fancy night out with your mates? Dress to impress and maybe even grab a little something sparkly at the end? The whole ballet season is a little escapist adventure, honestly. I could easily spend all winter glued to my seat at the Jubilee!
So, if you're looking for an experience that's both graceful and exhilarating, check out the winter ballet season. It's not just a show â itâs a total party! Itâs definitely an experience for everyone, regardless of age or whether or not youâve ever touched a barre before. Just throw on your best dress and head over for a night of twirling, leaping, and sheer artistry! I know youâll leave the auditorium feeling energized and utterly smitten by the sheer brilliance of ballet.
Until next season, darlings!
#tutuwinter #tutuseason
