Let's face it, there's something magical about winter. Crisp air, twinkling fairy lights, cosy fires, and... BALLET! For me, it's the season where ballet really comes alive. Forget your usual dusty old theatre, the winter months are all about glitz, glam, and, of course, tutus! As a seasoned ballerina with a deep affection for all things pink and sparkly, I'm here to tell you why Hastings is the place to be for the hottest winter ballet season around.
(Disclaimer: I am ridiculously biased about the magic of winter ballet and may have been caught fan-girling a bit too enthusiastically at some points.)
Firstly, let's address the elephant in the tutu - The Hastings Ballet Companyās production of āThe Nutcrackerā is phenomenal! This year, it wasn't just the exquisite costumes and stunning choreography, it was the pure joy on every dancer's face. You could truly feel their passion for the story, and I swear I saw a tear in the eye of even the most stoic member of the audience. I've never seen āThe Nutcrackerā so full of life, so full of Christmas cheer, and it really made me appreciate the incredible talent within this company. Itās no wonder itās become a Hastings Christmas tradition.
Beyond the Nutcracker, Hastings has become a haven for ballet in recent years. The beautiful Victorian Theatre with its stunning backdrop of Hastingsā Victorian seafront has proven a fantastic stage for the emerging scene here, hosting smaller productions as well as the big blockbuster Christmas shows. The little independent schools are all showing off their talents with winter dance shows. And with so much focus on dance in local schools, we're witnessing a new generation of young ballerinas and gentlemen take to the stage - a future full of beautiful grace and elegance, just waiting to explode!
This season also marks the return of my all-time favourite ā The Swan Lake. It's not often you find this classic piece on the stage, but it has taken root in Hastings with its powerful storytelling and dramatic use of choreography. The dancers, they absolutely nail the emotional rollercoaster of this piece ā the grace, the power, the fragility, they nail it! I canāt recommend this performance highly enough, just be sure to have a box of tissues at hand because I dare you not to cry during the final scenes.
Speaking of crying, let's talk about "The Wizard of Oz". Okay, so I have a soft spot for this film. Maybe a little too soft. I may have watched the film every single day for a month when I was younger. So, imagine my surprise when I found out Hastings was staging a full-scale ballet version! It was everything I could have hoped for, a delightful, magical trip through the world of Dorothy and her Oz adventure. This really is the kind of production that puts a smile on everyoneās face ā I dare you to leave this performance without feeling at least a little bit like Dorothy yourself, tapping your heels three times!
Donāt just take my word for it. The entire Hastings community seems to be dancing along! The cafeās are packed with tutu-clad ladies enjoying a āPinkā latte before a performance, and everyone is abuzz with excited chatter about the local dancers ā the kids canāt wait to see their favourite ballerina or aspiring prince perform! Even the street artists and bakers are getting into the ballet spirit! From "ballerina"-inspired cupcakes in the local bakeries to painted windows showcasing ballet scenes - youād be hard-pressed to walk through Hastings these days and not be touched by the magic of the season!
Beyond the performances themselves, the winter ballet scene has truly come alive. The new ballet academy in Hastings, the Hastings Dance School, is booming, teaching not just the classics but even incorporating styles like contemporary ballet, even offering disco-ballet classes! With so much happening, Hastings has fast become the beating heart of the winter ballet season.
So, my fellow ballet fans, pack your sequins and your love of all things twirly, and join me in celebrating this brilliant season. From stunning classic performances to a dazzling array of styles and the excitement of up-and-coming dancers, this year, Hastings truly proves itās the place to be for ballet!
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