2023 Winter Ballet Season in Lowestoft

Hey, darlings! It's Emma here, ready to dive into the most wonderful time of the year: the time when the chill in the air makes me want to slip into my fluffiest pink cardigan, and the stage lights twinkle with the magic of the winter ballet season! Lowestoft, you haven't disappointed.

This year, the local theatre has outdone themselves, conjuring a kaleidoscope of dance that had my heart doing pirouettes in my chest. It's clear they know the power of a little sparkle – there wasn't a performance that didn't have at least a single sparkly costume. Honestly, even the Nutcracker's Mouse King had some subtle glitz going on. And let's talk about the ballerinas' tutus! This season is about texture and movement and there were fluffy, feathered, and tiered tutus in every colour under the rainbow. It felt like the designers just said "go wild," and we’re so grateful.

Here’s a lowdown of what we saw, and why you should definitely try and catch some shows:

The Nutcracker: Okay, this one was a classic, a sure-fire festive crowd-pleaser. The first act was all about Victorian Christmas extravagance. Imagine an opulent drawing room filled with families in beautifully elaborate outfits. This energy set the tone for the show, a whirlwind of dazzling dancing. It was extra in the best possible way, and I definitely channeled my inner Clara by snapping up a gingerbread biscuit at the interval. (They’re so good here, and they do a killer hot chocolate too!)

The second act is where it got real! The snowflakes swirled in their ethereal dance (seriously, I felt like I was drifting into a winter wonderland), and the Sugar Plum Fairy just about stole the show. There was something about the grace and lightness of her movement that left me speechless. This wasn't your grandmother's "Nutcracker." They’ve amped up the contemporary dance moves while still keeping the traditional choreography. It was definitely a "best of both worlds" scenario and it got my toes tapping. I could honestly watch the sugar plum scene a hundred times – or maybe just buy myself a ticket for next week’s show.

Swan Lake: This show is always a hit because it really pulls on those heartstrings. The whole emotional rollercoaster from graceful swan to tormented dark swan (and the story behind the prince) never fails to tug at me. And honestly, I always cry during this performance. It’s my soft spot! The Lowestoft Ballet dancers really brought the drama with a powerful blend of classical technique and bold expression. I don't know about you, but sometimes there's nothing more beautiful than a powerful and emotional performance.

And then, let's talk about the staging. It's all about making sure every single performance is an experience. "Swan Lake" included shimmering lakes, misty woods, and a backdrop with stunning projections.

Beauty and the Beast: This wasn’t even on my radar when the season started, but I have to say, it was a real surprise! They somehow managed to bring this classic Disney tale to life in such a magical way. The costumes – talk about bold! And the choreography? I loved the energy and whimsy, it felt fresh and fun, and even included a sprinkle of disco vibes for the “Be Our Guest” number! There were a lot of clever choices, like using the set to move and change scenes, with really creative projections that really immersed the audience.

It wasn’t all glitz and glamour. I did appreciate the local talent - not everyone’s on pointe just yet, but their commitment to telling stories with movement shines. We have so much to look forward to as these budding stars hone their craft. The community really got behind it with people of all ages coming together for this spectacle. I mean, the whole town is just bursting with "tutu season" vibes. Everyone is so excited, from the mums picking up their kids after school to the elderly gentleman I saw wearing a “Nutcracker” t-shirt – it’s all in good fun.

You know I'm obsessed with the ballet, but it goes way beyond just the dancing. This whole season is a celebration of the arts in all its glory! The atmosphere in the theatre is just magical, you can almost feel the creative energy vibrating through the air! They really put the spotlight on the magic that comes from watching talented dancers pour their heart and soul onto the stage.

You definitely need to get yourself a ticket if you're in the Lowestoft area! Trust me, you won’t be disappointed. Whether it’s classic ballet or a bit more contemporary and fun, it really is a great experience for all ages. So go on, ladies and gentlemen, slip on your dancing shoes, grab a hot chocolate (and a biscuit!), and get ready to fall head over heels for this winter’s ballet season in Lowestoft!