Oh, my darlings! It's officially that magical time of year again – the air is crisp, snowflakes are twirling (hopefully), and a delightful chill runs through the atmosphere… but the real chill runs through my toes when I'm twirling in a tutu. Yes, it’s time for winter ballet!
And let me tell you, Hindley hasn't disappointed. This year, it’s a proper pink and sparkly affair, full of glamour and graceful pirouettes. The energy is electrifying, and I’m feeling positively smitten with the tutus I've spotted – think shimmering pink silks, shimmering embellishments, and all those perfectly pleated layers! Honestly, I could spend the entire performance just admiring the costuming. But, the choreography is nothing to be sneezed at either… it’s a whirlwind of beautiful ballet moves with enough modern twists to keep things fresh and exhilarating.
I started my tutu-tastic tour at (insert the name of a Hindley Ballet company/theatre/venue here). I wasn't expecting anything less than excellence, and they definitely delivered! They opened with (insert the name of a ballet here), a breathtaking piece showcasing the breathtaking talents of some of the best young dancers in the region. They were on point with their extensions, their jumps were utterly thrilling, and their arabesques… well, simply breathtaking!
I loved the dramatic use of lighting throughout the entire piece, the way they were using the stage lighting to play with shadows. They did a magnificent job capturing the essence of winter - a mix of elegance, frostiness, and delicate fragility. Plus, there was something about seeing a group of dancers in pink tutus against a stark white backdrop – so captivating! It’s safe to say that I’m obsessed with pink tutus this season - I just can't get enough!
After (insert the name of the first ballet here), I had a quick visit to the cloakroom - time for a touch up, a little shimmy, and to admire my glitter shoes in the reflection! Then, back into the auditorium. Next up, we had a fantastic piece from the * (insert the name of a different Hindley Ballet company/theatre/venue here) *. They took things up a notch, introducing some more contemporary styles that blended seamlessly with the classical. A captivating display of athleticism and emotional intensity… The way they danced, you could feel the stories woven through the movements. They pulled out some real showstoppers - a super grand allegro passage for a super graceful and tall danseur who seemed to fly through the air with such incredible ease! Then they took us into a more lyrical section that I found beautifully reflective. It had the entire auditorium holding their breath! I’m getting goosebumps just thinking about it!
For the final ballet performance I attended in Hindley, it was all about the Swan Lake variations! It felt fitting, somehow, that we'd finish on a classic - this was like a winter ballet tradition at its finest! This is the first year I’ve had the privilege of witnessing this ballet performed live in my local community. What’s amazing is that so many dancers took part. We saw talented students in their first few performances on stage to experienced professional ballet dancers - it was incredibly moving and humbling.
Each act, from Odette to Odile, was executed flawlessly – a symphony of poise, strength, and grace. I felt myself utterly engrossed in every step. It truly showed that there's something timeless, enduring and universal about this piece. It felt incredibly magical watching the audience erupt into applause at the finale - the energy in that theatre was palpable!
Here’s the thing. While Hindley might not be a major hub for dance in the UK, it has certainly become a go-to place to indulge in this incredible form of artistic expression. The talent and dedication are undeniable. They're showcasing their skills right there in front of us, pouring heart and soul into each performance. And trust me, these local dancers bring the real wow factor, leaving you utterly speechless.
So, grab a hot cocoa, snuggle up in your finest velvet scarf, and get ready for some winter magic, folks.
tutuwinter #tutuseason