2023 Winter Ballet Season in Hove

#tutuwinter #tutuseason

Hello, my lovely dancers! It's Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast and, most importantly, your guide to all things sparkly and graceful during this most magical time of the year – winter ballet season! Hove, my favourite seaside town, transforms into a wonderland of swirling tulle and twirling talent each winter, and I'm here to share all the fabulous highlights with you.

First, let's talk pink. Pink, glorious pink! I’m wearing my blush-toned tulle masterpiece today (a little bit of pink is my daily dose of sparkle) and I'm practically vibrating with excitement. This winter’s ballet offerings in Hove are bursting with colour, from the gorgeous costumes in the Brighton & Hove Dance Festival’s “Nutcracker” (the candy-land scenes? Absolutely divine!) to the ethereal pale pink tutu worn by the lead in the “Swan Lake” at the Hove Theatre.

My first stop was the Brighton & Hove Dance Festival, and what a fantastic start to the season! Now, I have to admit I was a little skeptical about their interpretation of "The Nutcracker" – I'm a bit of a traditionalist, but they gave it their own quirky, modern twist and absolutely nailed it. The young dancers were incredible, the sets were magical, and I swear I spotted a cheeky disco ball during the Arabian Dance (never one to turn down some glitter, even when it's unexpected!) This production is perfect for families and ballet newbies – it's a real feel-good show that captures the magic of Christmas and the joy of ballet.

Then, on to the Hove Theatre! Now, let’s get real. There's nothing quite like watching “Swan Lake” on a cold winter's day. It's a timeless classic, with beautiful music and storytelling, but the real star was the lead ballerina – her performance was absolutely flawless! Her grace and control were captivating, and the emotion she brought to the role of Odette/Odile had the audience spellbound. The costume department outdid themselves this year – I can’t get over the exquisite craftsmanship of those white tutus – pure ballerina magic.

This season wasn't just about the big productions, either. There's something about seeing smaller, independent companies perform that really touches my heart. I'm talking intimate spaces, passionate performances, and a sense of community – those moments where you truly feel connected to the dancers and their stories. One of my favourite discoveries was “Winter Sketches” at the Hove Arts Centre, a collection of short ballet pieces choreographed by up-and-coming dancers from the Hove Dance Academy. This showcase is the perfect opportunity to catch emerging talent in their element – a bit rough around the edges, yes, but brimming with creativity and raw talent.

Oh, and the community classes! Did you know you can even take ballet classes in Hove? There's a whole range of options from beginner’s courses to advanced technique sessions. It's a great way to step into your own dancing shoes and find a love for ballet that goes beyond simply watching the performances. It’s about letting loose, letting your inner ballerina shine and embracing the joy of movement.

So, there you have it, my little dancers! This tutu season is packed with dazzling shows, passionate performances, and the pure magic of ballet. So grab your tickets, don your most fabulous dancewear, and join me for a winter wonderland of twirling, leaping, and unforgettable moments on the stage. This is more than just watching ballet; this is experiencing a winter wonderland of tutus!

#tutuwinter #tutuseason #balletlove #hovedancing #wintermagic