Hello my fellow ballet bunnies! It's Emma here, your favourite tutu-loving blogger, and it's officially that magical time of year again - the Winter Ballet Season has arrived in Rainham, bringing with it a flurry of frothy tutus, soaring leaps, and breathtaking choreography! This year, the season feels extra sparkly, extra special, and extra…pink!
From the opening notes of Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake" to the final flourish of a contemporary piece, I've been absolutely blown away by the performances I've seen. My inner ballerina (and frankly, my entire wardrobe) has been dancing with delight, and my Insta feed has been flooded with pictures of me striking various poses in front of the majestic backdrop of the Rainham theatre.
Here’s what’s got me feeling fabulous about this season:
1. The Tutu Revolution! Honestly, have you seen the tutus?! They're a kaleidoscope of colours, from classic white to bold sapphire blue, with just the right amount of glitz and glam. Let's face it, a tutu is the perfect garment for embracing winter, it's a warm embrace of fluffy tulle, and it’s just utterly divine. Every dancer I've seen has been swirling and twirling in their own mini-fashion show, and I'm completely hooked. I mean, how can you not be? It's all about celebrating the sheer joy of movement, the beautiful art form, and of course, the sparkle!
2. New Dance Styles? We're All About It! There's a real excitement in the air with some new dance styles making their debut on Rainham's stages. We’re not talking traditional ballet alone – I’m seeing elements of hip-hop, modern, and even contemporary woven seamlessly into some performances. One show I saw included a sassy tap dance routine – it was like a whirlwind of joyous footwork and intricate rhythms! This bold fusion of styles adds a layer of ‘cool’ that's seriously fresh and vibrant, bringing a contemporary edge to classic ballet, without sacrificing any of its beauty. It's just what winter needs, a shot of vibrancy and a reminder that ballet is truly for everyone.
3. Let's Get Disco! Even though we're all snuggled up in our winter layers, it’s impossible to feel down during the winter ballet season. There’s just so much infectious energy and joyful expression! My favourite part is always when the music swells and everyone hits that “disco moment,” you know the one I mean! It's like watching a flash mob of the finest dancers, a wave of sheer joy washing over everyone, both performers and the audience. My feet have been twitching just watching those fabulous leaps and pirouettes! It's a reminder to let go, to enjoy the moment, and just bask in the pure exhilaration of a great dance performance.
4. Community spirit: A Tutus & Tiaras Tea Party! Speaking of joy, this season is also about a fantastic community spirit that has sprung up around the ballet performances! There's something really special about a shared love of dance. I've been loving all the "Tutus & Tiaras Tea Parties" being held after performances! I even managed to snag a super cute tiara (let's just say it’s all shades of pink). These events have become a really fun way to meet other people who love ballet, and enjoy a spot of gossip over a nice cuppa. I met some fantastic girls at one, we all had such a laugh over our shared passion for all things ballet!
5. An inspiration for the young and the young-at-heart: It's no secret, seeing dancers gracefully perform makes you feel, well, graceful! And even if I never reach that "triple pirouette" goal (hey, a girl can dream!), witnessing those captivating performances reignites my passion for dance. I’ve already signed up for some new classes at the studio just down the street from the theatre, feeling inspired and ready to twirl! This winter season is proof that ballet is an art form for all ages, it’s something that continues to captivate and inspire no matter who you are. It reminds us that with a little passion and practice, we can all move beautifully and celebrate the joy of expression.
So, my dear readers, I say this to you: Put on your favourite pair of heels, grab your cutest bag, and get yourself down to the theatre. Experience the magic of the Winter Ballet Season! It’s not just a performance, it’s an opportunity to escape, to be swept away, and to find your inner dancer, whatever that might be!
#tutuwinter #tutuseason
