Okay, so, Folkestone ā who knew? Itās not exactly known for its cultural scene, but trust me, the last couple of months have been absolutely magical with the winter ballet season. It's like the whole town has embraced this beautiful tradition of graceful dancing and glittering costumes! And Iām totally here for it!
Honestly, the first time I saw a poster advertising Swan Lake, I did a double take. Like, a proper double take! I know, right? Youād think Swan Lake would be more at home in London's West End or even the Royal Opera House but nope ā it was right there in my beloved Folkestone! I thought, āWell, thatās kind of coolā¦ ā but then my inner ballerina just shouted āGET ME A TICKET!ā
Now, donāt get me wrong. This isnāt just any old ballet season. Think pink. Think tutus. Think all the sequins, the feathers, the sparkly headbands, andā¦ disco music! Yep, this Folkestone ballet scene is throwing some seriously fierce moves. Youāve got your traditional classics, sure, but then they're like āLet's jazz things up, darling!ā
The Shakespeare Theatre: The Jewel in Folkestone's Crown!
Speaking of "jazzing things up", I had to start my Folkestone ballet adventures at the Shakespeare Theatre. Let's just say they know how to throw a party, even when they're doing Tchaikovsky! I am all about those grand old theatres with the red velvet seats, you know the ones with the tiny little balconies at the top where they say Shakespeare himself wrote. The Shakespeare Theatre in Folkestone isnāt quite as old, but it does have this same classic vibe. It's a gorgeous theatre with this incredible stage ā you really feel like you've stepped back in time! They have this fantastic programme called āFolkestone Dance Delights,ā which, honestly, just makes my inner dance-enthusiast scream with joy!
Thereās a real emphasis on family-friendly performances too, which is brilliant for spreading the love of ballet! They even have this cool āBehind the Scenesā day with workshops and talks about the ballet ā so educational, but also just plain fun. The Shakespeare Theatre also has some great costume exhibitions and displays that are really, really interesting to see.
Not Just Swan Lake, Darling!
Folkestone's ballet scene doesnāt just do Swan Lake and other classics though! There was a truly spectacular production of Aliceās Adventures in Wonderland, a totally original choreography set to the best pop anthems from the 90s. Can you even imagine?! It was totally mind blowing. It really shows the dedication and commitment of the talented dancers and choreographers who are making a real name for themselves in Folkestone!
My favourite, though, was probably a one-off performance of āPink Flamingo Fiesta,ā which was totally electric! They set up the most gorgeous lighting effects and there was even a live band ā serious party vibes!
New Talent, Bright Futures
The Folkestone Dance Academy also has a programme of exciting student performances which show how vibrant and fresh the future of ballet looks in Folkestone! I was so impressed by these talented youngsters ā it was great to see their commitment and dedication to the art form. I think we are seeing some major stars in the making in Folkestone, it's so exciting!
And the Costumes?! OMG!
But hereās the thing about the ballet in Folkestone - it's not just the performances that make this winter season magical. The costumes!! Honestly, these have to be seen to be believed. Every ballet, every performance - the designers in Folkestone go absolutely wild with the costumes. I'm talking sparkling gowns, enchanting tutus, and everything from shimmering silver to dazzling ruby red, and of course, so much pink! Itās all incredibly creative and the way it fits with the different performances is genius!
Dancing, Cocktails, and Champagne
Of course, every good performance needs the right atmosphere. After a great show, there are all sorts of lovely cafes and bars you can visit. You can grab a drink and get ready for a late night conversation with your fellow ballet buddies. There are so many options in Folkestone, with chic cocktail bars for a more refined post-show vibe and cosy, friendly pubs for a proper post-performance pub crawl with your besties.
And if you are a real foodie like myself, you need to try one of the little boutique hotels for a fancy post-show meal, just donāt forget the disco ball!
More Than Just Ballet
Beyond the world of dance, Folkestone itself has become an inspiration to me this winter. The whole town has embraced the spirit of ballet, and there are amazing events popping up everywhere. Itās not just ballet shows but a celebration of everything related to dance! They have special dance classes for kids, free events in the public squares, and they even have this amazing, larger-than-life ice sculpture competition, themed after ballet scenes! So clever!
This is really a whole lifestyle and you know what... I'm obsessed! Itās like the spirit of sparkle, sass, and dance has just overtaken the town. Even the shops have gotten in on the act ā literally everything has pink ribbons and ballet-themed window displays!
A Magical Season
This winter in Folkestone has been truly magical. Itās the perfect escape from the chill (literally!) of the winter weather. Every time I see a flyer with the phrase āWinter Balletā I do a proper double take, but in the best way possible. This isnāt just any old winter ballet season ā itās an experience you have to see and feel for yourself! It's about the dancing, itās about the atmosphere, and itās about the pure joy of a town that embraces its artistic spirit! I highly recommend checking it out! And remember, folks, when it comes to ballet in Folkestoneā¦ itās more than just swan lake. It's a full-on ballet dream come true!*
#tutuwinter #tutuseason #balletlover #folkestone
