Hey dance lovers! It's Emma, back with my usual mix of twirls and sequins. This winter, Lyon has become a real ballet wonderland and Iām absolutely smitten.
There's something about the crisp air, the twinkling lights, and the magical atmosphere that just screams, "Time for a good ballet!" And with so much amazing choreography on offer, you wouldn't want to miss a single pirouette.
So, letās get down to the nitty gritty. Where do you even start in Lyon? Don't even get me started on the beautiful Opera, and Iām a huge fan of the Palais des Sports for more modern, inventive work. I've been flitting from one venue to another, all dressed in my most glamorous tulle (youāll never see me without one in December!).
Opening Nights with a Twinkle - Ballet du Rhin at the Opera:
My first stop was the iconic Opera. Talk about a statement building! The moment I stepped inside, I was swept up by a whirl of pink feathers, glistening diamonds, and an aura of pure theatrical magic. Itās a very grand, almost royal vibe, which just made me feel all sparkly inside.
I was so impressed with the Ballet du Rhin's "The Nutcracker," a modern reimagining of the classic. The choreography had this wonderful blend of traditional ballet and cutting edge modern techniques. Think: classic tutus with an added edge of edgy modernism. And those stunning pink tutus?! Iām not going to lie, I may have teared up. Pink is, after all, my absolute favorite colour. The little girl inside of me squealed with delight at the pure whimsical nature of it all, not to mention those fantastic sparkly costumes. My Instagram was alight with the event!
Bringing Back the 70s with 'Disco Fever' at the Palais des Sports:
Forget āFever,ā the entire Palais des Sports had gone utterly āDisco Feverā with the "Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo" performance. Now, I wouldnāt normally go for contemporary or "modern" (unless it's very whimsical, Ć la Nutcracker), but this was an absolute triumph. Their interpretation was witty, charming, and completely full of life! It was so much fun, all bright colours, sharp, quick movement, and all about just enjoying being on stage. The dancing was utterly engaging - I found myself cheering for every dramatic, slightly hilarious misstep and, of course, I completely adored their costumes - what is a Disco Fever ballet without some blinding gold sequins and feathered hats? You can say I was in my element!
I must also mention the audience - such a vibrant mix of people! The vibe in that place was off the charts - the applause, the shouts, and the whistles had me grinning for the entire show.
From Classical to Modern:
To mix things up, I decided to go for something slightly more "serious" with the Lyon Opera Balletās performance of āGiselle." It was a poignant and emotionally charged show. I particularly enjoyed how they utilized traditional ballets with a bit more edge ā so elegant, powerful, and utterly dramatic! The emotion on the dancer's faces had me wiping tears from my eyes. Just a truly stunning rendition. And, while I was mesmerized by the emotion of the ballet, the lighting also played a huge role. From dramatic lighting to almost candle-lit moments, the use of lighting was absolutely top-notch and had me swooning in my seat.
I then found myself at the Grand ThĆ©Ć¢tre de Lyon, where the ballet company had a stunning production of āThe Rite of Spring,ā by the Compagnie Lyon Opera Ballet, which had me practically on the edge of my seat. This production was just wild and vibrant. You could really feel the energy and power of the choreography. The use of light and the dark contrasts made for such captivating and thought-provoking stage design, and it was utterly perfect for this raw and emotionally charged work. I found myself glued to the performance and was literally spellbound. It's this kind of dance that makes you realise how powerful dance really is!
Finding your Tulle Muse in Lyon:
There is really so much ballet on offer in Lyon, it is a beautiful whirlwind. No matter your preference - classic, modern, fun or whimsical - there's something out there for you! There are even plenty of pop-up events at local schools, theaters, and even street performances happening - keep your eyes peeled. Lyon is, without a doubt, a true ballet lover's paradise, offering a truly rich, diverse, and inspiring selection of dance performances, which is just perfect for the tutu season! I for one am already booking my tickets for next year's winter performances, so do stay tuned and #tutuwinter with me all season long. And hey, let me know if you spot me rocking a pink tutu at any of these events!
