Hey gorgeous gals and guys,
The air is getting crisp, the nights are drawing in, and that can only mean one thing: Winter ballet season is here! I can't even express how excited I am! You know me, I live for that sparkle of a stage, the smell of the theatre, the rush of anticipation before the curtain goes up… and of course, the majestic tutus. It's no secret, pink is my absolute favourite colour, and this year’s ballets have been dripping in that delicious shade. Pink tutus are definitely having a moment!
And to make it even more exciting, the whole season has felt like a glamorous party. Think disco balls, feathers, sequins, and all the energy of a Saturday night out (only with much more graceful twirls!).
I kicked off the season with "The Nutcracker" at the Hampstead Theatre. This was a real treat - their new staging, with those beautiful snow-white set pieces and the glitzy Christmas trees, was utterly magical. The dancers were absolutely on fire - the Sugar Plum Fairy’s performance was truly unforgettable. They made me want to pull out my own pink tutus and practice my pirouettes!
But it's not all about the classics. The next big one for me was the modern dance piece, "Winter Light" at the Burgh House. Now, this wasn't your usual ballet. There were no fluffy tutus, just edgy, modern costumes and super-stylish moves. They used a lot of lighting, making the whole experience really immersive, which I loved. It wasn’t just a performance, it felt like you were actually stepping inside the dance! I could just imagine myself dancing with those incredible, free-flowing steps in my own contemporary-inspired outfit - lots of black, grey, and a hint of metallic sparkle, obviously.
For something more whimsical and romantic, I absolutely fell in love with the "Swan Lake" production at the Kenwood House. Now, who can resist a classic swan lake with stunning lake backdrops and elegant white tutus? I was swept away by the performance, and I can tell you, that final dance of the swan and prince had everyone in tears (myself included!). It felt so powerful and heartfelt, like watching a love story unfold right in front of me.
Let's talk about costumes. This year, I've noticed a trend toward bold, graphic colours and really expressive details. Those shimmery fabrics and sparkly sequins were everything! Some of the costumes even incorporated little pops of neon pink - perfect for this fabulous pink-loving ballet-fan!
The whole season has been an incredible explosion of creativity, from the performances themselves to the venues that housed them. I have to admit, I’m a little bit in love with all the incredible theatre spaces in Hampstead. Each one had its own charm, adding to the magic of the shows. Plus, nothing beats wrapping up after the ballet with a hot chocolate and a spot of people-watching in the beautiful, snowy streets of Hampstead.
I'm definitely not ready to let the magic end. I can’t wait for the next show in Hampstead – there's a brand new, original ballet being staged by the Hampstead Dance Company which I’ve heard is going to be phenomenal! I hear they have a surprise appearance from a very special pink-themed character... you can bet I'll be there to witness it all and add to the sparkle!
So, my lovelies, if you haven’t already, make sure to grab those tickets and get down to the theatres! Winter ballet is simply the best thing since disco, and I'm absolutely buzzing to be part of this vibrant season. See you there, darlings!
tutuwinter #tutuseason