Oh, how I love the Winter ballet season! There’s just something about crisp, chilly nights and the twinkling fairy lights on Oxford's cobbled streets that gets me in the mood for swirling tutus and sweeping choreography. And this year has been a total delight! From the whimsical charm of the Oxford Ballet Theatre's production of "The Nutcracker" to the breath-taking intensity of the National Ballet's "Swan Lake", every performance has been a delicious explosion of beauty and artistic brilliance.
"The Nutcracker" - Oxford Ballet Theatre
As the snowflakes twirled outside, the magic of the Christmas story unfolded on stage. The Oxford Ballet Theatre's "Nutcracker" truly captivated. Their young dancers, many of whom are just starting their journey in the ballet world, breathed life into the classic story. Each snowflake seemed to twirl with genuine delight, each gingerbread cookie a joyful step, and Clara's journey through the magical Land of Sweets a whimsical dream. It was a reminder that even the most traditional tales can be freshly enchanting, especially when told with youthful passion and impeccable precision.
The set design was simply exquisite – a sparkling winter wonderland where sugarplum fairies flitted between towering gingerbread castles and enchanted snowflakes danced under twinkling star lights. It felt like I’d stepped into a beautifully crafted dream.
But it wasn't all candy-coloured sweetness and playful sugar plum fairies. The "Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy" stole the show for me. I just couldn't get enough of the stunning, graceful ballerina. The way she moved – fluid, ethereal, a masterpiece of delicate strength – left me in absolute awe. That iconic solo is truly a triumph, and the dancer executed it with poise, precision and undeniable charm. I even tried mimicking her steps on the way home! 🩰 (But let's just say it didn't look nearly as graceful, ha!)
"Swan Lake" - National Ballet
If "The Nutcracker" was a charming childhood fairytale, the National Ballet's "Swan Lake" was pure dramatic brilliance. The tale of the swan queen cursed into a bird form is as captivating as ever. The choreography, though steeped in tradition, felt fresh and full of life. There were moments of absolute heartbreak, moments of fierce power, and moments of pure joy - each dance echoing the complex emotions of the story with astonishing precision.
The "Black Swan" pas de deux was an emotional whirlwind. The fierce grace of the black swan, her movements imbued with passion and power, was mesmerizing. I couldn’t take my eyes off her, her every gesture conveying an internal battle between darkness and light. There was real vulnerability hidden behind the steely strength, making it an incredibly moving piece of performance art.
But it was the "White Swan" section that really blew me away. This beautiful pas de deux with its flowing movements, delicate gestures, and heartbreaking vulnerability really showcased the true range of the ballerina's abilities. It was a perfect balance of strength, elegance, and vulnerability. She seemed to glide through the air, each step conveying a powerful combination of tenderness and resilience. It was pure magic.
Beyond the Stage
Beyond the breathtaking performances, this season also celebrated ballet in some really unique ways.
The Oxford Ballet Theatre hosted a "Ballet Tea" in the ballroom of their theatre. Think fluffy scones, delicate sandwiches, and the sweetest ballerina-inspired desserts! I even got to chat with some of the dancers and hear about their personal experiences with the production. It was so lovely to see how much they poured their heart and soul into their art, especially as young women navigating the challenging world of ballet.
They also launched a “Tutu Tuesday” campaign, which encourages local businesses to give a little “twirl” to their regular offerings - everything from ballerina-inspired cupcakes at local bakeries to "swan lake-themed" cocktails at cocktail bars. What a fabulous idea! It has really put a spotlight on Oxford's creative spirit and given the city a fun, vibrant feel throughout the season.
A Season to Remember
Overall, this Winter ballet season in Oxford has been truly magical. Every performance felt special, every show leaving me spellbound. This season has made me remember why I adore this art form so much.
Here’s to next season already. I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled for the next set of captivating performances.
tutuwinter #tutuseason