Aaaaah, the glorious season of twirling snowflakes, festive cheer and – my absolute favourite – Winter Ballet is finally here!
As a self-proclaimed #tutulover, nothing excites me more than seeing those frothy skirts swish across the stage. From the twinkle-toeing ballerinas to the majestic leaps, it's like watching a real-life fairytale come to life.
And this year, Paignton's winter ballet scene has really stepped up its game, serving up a glittering, diverse, and absolutely dazzling feast for the eyes (and soul!). I’ve seen it all – graceful swans, playful fairies, even a dashing prince or two! Honestly, the entire experience has had me positively beaming with joy.
Let’s be real, the costumes are basically the best part (don't judge me). This season has brought us a kaleidoscope of colour and creativity, and trust me, I've seen some truly stunning pieces! The shimmering velvet, the flowing tulle, the dramatic sparkly embellishments - I was transported to a world where only dreams could exist. Talk about the perfect way to spice up your wardrobe this winter, am I right?
Speaking of fabulous… The music! Oh, the music! You’ll find everything from classical to contemporary tunes, even a little disco in some shows, and I for one, wasn’t complaining! The musical director deserves a huge round of applause. Each performance was punctuated with perfectly matched music that flowed beautifully through every step, every emotion, making each moment even more magical.
Let’s dive into the heart of the season – some of my favourites
First up, the Nutcracker. It's a classic for a reason, and this production was truly special. The Sugarplum Fairy's pas de deux with her Prince was a sight to behold, the Christmas Waltz, absolutely captivating, and the Mouse King’s duel with the Nutcracker – let's just say I’m rooting for the good guy, and there were a few gasps from the audience during those scenes. It was pure magic. I literally felt the chill of the winter wonderland the second the snowflakes began to fall.
Swan Lake is another staple that always steals my heart. From the sheer elegance of the swan maidens, to the dark, powerful presence of the black swan, this performance was breathtaking. The iconic death scene, as the heartbroken Odette falls into the lake – it’s hard not to get a bit emotional! Every dancer was sensational. I was particularly blown away by the captivating storytelling within their every move.
Now, the Sleeping Beauty - talk about a real fairytale! This one definitely made me feel like I was a princess trapped in an enchanted sleep. Aurora, in her glorious pink dress, brought tears to my eyes when she finally found true love. You won't just witness exquisite dancing, it's truly a narrative that'll steal your heart.
The shows weren't the only highlight The charming, atmospheric theatres in Paignton really added to the overall experience. I loved feeling the anticipation bubbling around me as I entered the venue – a sense of joy and magic!
Of course, let's not forget the real heroes - the dancers! Every single one was a testament to talent, dedication and raw artistry. I could feel their passion in each graceful pirouette and powerful jump.
The joy of ballet doesn’t stop there – after each performance, the vibrant, lively energy continues to swirl in the cafes and pubs nearby. The music buzzes, chatter swirls, and everyone seems just a little bit more alive!
So if you’re looking for something a bit magical to liven up your winter, I highly recommend you grabbing your best glittery attire, indulging in a hot chocolate, and heading down to Paignton for a Winter Ballet spectacle. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
I can’t wait to see what incredible performances next year’s Winter Ballet Season will bring!
#tutuwinter #tutuseason #Paignton #balletlove
