Okay, my fellow tutu-lovers! The air may be crisp, the nights may be drawing in, but that just means one thing - it's time for the magical return of Winter Ballet Season! And let me tell you, Fareham has truly stepped up its game this year, serving up a delicious helping of twirls and toe shoes. It’s been an absolute joy to see how much passion and creativity is flourishing in this little corner of Hampshire!
From the whimsical joy of The Nutcracker to the heartwarming storytelling of Swan Lake, this season has truly had it all. And trust me, it hasn’t just been about the classic performances – we've seen some bold and dazzling new choreographies that really pushed boundaries, bringing fresh and vibrant life to the stage!
First stop? The fabulous *Fareham Ballet Theatre. Their production of The Nutcracker was utterly charming. The children's enthusiasm was infectious, and the set design – with its glistening snow and Christmas trees - was a perfect feast for the eyes. Seriously, it's impossible not to feel utterly joyous and full of Christmas spirit during this performance! They did a beautiful job on the classic story, which I always adore seeing, and their interpretation was beautifully refreshing and exciting, keeping it relevant for modern audiences. They totally delivered on the ‘winter wonderland’ theme and were all smiles – especially the tiny dancers who made their stage debuts. *Swoon
The costumes were incredible – we’re talking fluffy tutus, sparkling gowns, and some absolutely dazzling, show-stopping snowflake outfits (which are a staple of this production) The choreography had a youthful energy that perfectly reflected the classic ballet - and they brought their A-game with the Sugarplum Fairy and the Spanish and Arabian dances. This is the kind of production that truly brings you back to that pure childhood magic of ballet, and a performance that definitely left me reaching for the glitter. It was a beautiful reminder that Christmas is all about hope, love, and, of course, magic!
After the sparkle and snow of The Nutcracker came the utterly divine performance of Swan Lake at Fareham's Royal Ballet Company. Oh, my. If you love drama and elegant dance, this was the ticket. It really got my emotions going - the beauty and fragility of Odette’s character, the intense rivalry of Rothbart and Von Rothbart… And that finale – just pure goosebumps! Let's be real – there’s a reason why this is a classic - the drama is absolutely electric. It really got those tears going, and everyone was glued to the stage! It’s incredible how such a timeless story still feels so powerful and relevant. I loved the use of dramatic lighting in this performance - it really helped highlight the changing moods and tensions. I’d also add a shout-out for the performance of Prince Siegfried, it was phenomenal and totally made me feel every single emotion alongside him.
The Royal Ballet Company’s interpretation of this classic piece was exquisite and captivating – a truly stunning performance that was brought to life by an absolutely flawless and dazzling cast, A real visual treat with an array of vibrant costumes in a colour palette inspired by swans, white, black and shades of blue. Their costumes really highlighted the movement and showcased the impressive physicality of each ballerina and dancer. Let’s not forget the incredibly impactful and well-placed moments of powerful yet graceful leaps! There's just something about those sweeping pirouettes and impossibly elegant poses…
You can really see how much time and energy is dedicated to each and every piece – and the quality shines through on the stage!
Now, you know I'm a huge fan of those traditional, elegant pieces, but Fareham really has it covered when it comes to shaking things up too. Fareham's New Wave Dance Company gave us The Modern Swan which was truly a revelation! Imagine if Swan Lake had a night out at Studio 54, with a killer disco soundtrack and bold choreography. I absolutely adored the mix of traditional ballet moves and dynamic contemporary styles. The performance was so energetic and inspiring – it made me want to get out there and bust a move myself! This was definitely a crowd-pleaser and I’ve got a feeling this performance will have the entire community on their feet dancing to a disco beat!
Speaking of innovative dance, how can I not mention The Art of Ballet company? This young and emerging talent showcased their Fantastical Flight which explored the magic and wonder of flight – literally. This production used an array of beautiful projected visuals alongside dynamic choreography, transporting us into a world of imagination, using bold, beautiful colors and ethereal movement. Their modern style mixed elements of both classical and contemporary dance, creating an original and unforgettable production that pushed boundaries in an innovative way! The entire company gave it their all - there was real passion on stage and their talent shone through, creating some beautiful moments. This really highlighted the evolution of dance in Fareham - exciting new movements, new interpretations, and a bold statement on how beautiful and versatile dance can truly be.
I truly appreciate how these local companies showcase their talents alongside showcasing new up and coming artists in each production - which really reflects the passion of the local dance community and brings an energy and dynamism to each piece. You could really feel the joy and pride they had for the craft. I'm going to keep a close eye on their development, because these dancers have bright futures ahead of them!
Overall, this year’s Fareham Winter Ballet Season was utterly amazing! It was clear to me that dance is absolutely thriving here, full of energy, creativity and passion. Every performance I saw truly exceeded my expectations! I just love seeing those twinkling, excited eyes, watching those tutu-wearing fairy tales come to life – that's the real magic of dance!
I can't wait to see what these incredibly talented companies bring to the stage in 2024, because let's be honest - you can't get enough tutu magic!
tutuwinter #tutuseason