By Emma, The Tutu Whisperer
Oh, hello darlings! It's Emma here, your resident tutu whisperer, and it's that magical time of year again – Winter Ballet Season! In Lancaster, where the cobbled streets are draped in festive lights and the air is crisp with Christmas cheer, winter brings something truly special to the stage. Forget your predictable pantos; we're talking about ballet, baby!
The minute I saw the first glittery snowflakes falling outside, my heart started thrumming with excitement. That’s what winter does to me. The chilly air, the frosted windowpanes, the twinkling lights... they all make my little ballet soul feel like it’s twirling on cloud nine. But nothing, nothing I tell you, can compare to that feeling when I step into a grand theatre, my velvet-clad shoulders brushed by a feather boa and my ears anticipating the beautiful symphony of the orchestra.
And, as a huge advocate for the joy of dancing, dazzling and disco, you just know that I'm going to be absolutely obsessed with this winter's performances. Trust me, you're about to experience ballet in a whole new light. This season has truly brought something spectacular, not only in the dance, but also in the sheer brilliance of the set and costume design! Think cascading clouds of tulle, sparkles that could rival the Milky Way, and more feathers than a peacock’s finest plume. We're talking a symphony of color that'll leave you feeling absolutely smitten!
This season was truly an absolute delight for the senses. Forget your classic "Swan Lake" or "Nutcracker" (though I'm always happy to twirl to a Tchaikovsky classic). These performances were a riot of contemporary stories and re-interpretations. There was something for everyone, whether it was the heart-wrenching beauty of a piece showcasing modern life, the playful cheekiness of a fun, disco-infused dance or even a jaw-droppingly majestic production based on our all-time favourite, "Sleeping Beauty"!
Oh, the costumes! The first one that captured my heart was an utterly stunning "snow queen" number that shimmered and moved like a cascading glacier. Then there were these show-stopping, feather-trimmed dresses that brought an enchanting fairytale world to life! It was like a kaleidoscope of colour and elegance, and it sent a shiver of pure excitement down my spine every single time it was on stage.
And, of course, what's winter ballet without a sprinkle of disco magic? We were treated to a number in that fantastic new interpretation of "Sleeping Beauty," which had our audience clapping along with the music. They used all those amazing dance elements - from hip-hop to contemporary - and somehow, miraculously, they wove them all into one incredible performance! I even caught some of my favourite male dancers sporting shiny sequined jackets. That, my dears, was something you didn’t see in the old ballet days!
If you’re like me, a die-hard fan of everything sparkly, a lover of classic elegance and a lover of anything fun, then you’re going to absolutely love these productions. They have taken everything we love about winter ballet and made it bold, brilliant, and oh so glamorous. Every pirouette, every grand jeté, every whisper-soft arabesque... It all blended seamlessly to create an experience you will not forget.
So, darlings, get your little dancing shoes ready, pack a little sparkle into your wardrobe and grab your warmest coat – winter ballet season is calling your name! It’s not just about dancing, it’s about the energy, the passion, the breathtaking performances, and of course, it’s about the glamour. And the fact that it takes place against the most picturesque backdrop – wintery Lancaster. You simply have to experience it for yourselves.
See you at the ballet! ✨ 🩰
tutuwinter #tutuseason