By Emma, aka The Pink Ballerina
Okay, let’s be real, the festive season is officially kicked off when those first snowflake-shaped baubles appear in shops and, for me, when the winter ballet season descends on Rochdale. It’s a magical time – think twinkling lights, steaming mugs of hot chocolate, and the thrill of watching talented dancers flit across the stage in, you guessed it, gloriously beautiful tutus. I mean, let’s be honest, tutus are the absolute highlight of any ballet production. They are basically built for winter, right? You get the full, fluffy tutu look that looks so dramatic against a wintery backdrop – talk about picture-perfect!
This year, Rochdale’s theatre scene was bubbling with exciting performances, and as someone who thrives on all things sparkly and dramatic, I felt it was my duty to soak up as much tutu-filled goodness as possible. So, I got my winter wardrobe prepped – a thick pink cashmere scarf was non-negotiable - and grabbed my favourite ballet flats, ready for the ultimate tutuwinter experience.
A Whirlwind of Glittering Choreography:
My first stop was the ever-fabulous Rochdale Dance Academy’s Christmas Extravaganza, which promised an evening of classic holiday favorites. I must admit, I had huge expectations – this event is always a must-attend for any serious tutu-enthusiast – and it definitely delivered. There were the usual festive staples, Nutcracker excerpts, of course, but then there was also an absolutely breathtaking interpretation of Snow White. I mean, how can you go wrong with a gorgeous princess battling a villain in a pink tutu under a stage full of fake snow?! Seriously, if you haven't experienced it, you need to! I swear I saw at least three audience members dab at their eyes as the dancers took their bows – such emotions!
But, if I had to choose, the true star of the show was their new original ballet, "Twinkle Toes". Let me tell you, the costumes! They were like little sparkling dreams. It was basically like someone said "let's combine a snowflake with a disco ball" and put it on a tiny, bouncing dancer, and oh my goodness - it was genius! I wouldn’t blame you for feeling slightly envious of the kids at the Dance Academy! The entire production had this incredibly festive energy. And can I just say, there was some seriously impressive tap-dancing! The "Twinkle Toes" scene where everyone in the audience was invited to tap their feet to a joyful Christmas tune - utter genius! My feet still ache, but it was totally worth it.
Sparkling Stars & Dazzling Tutus:
Next up was the always-anticipated Rochdale Opera House production of Swan Lake, and let me tell you, it was simply glorious. Honestly, I was blown away. Swan Lake is a classic for a reason – the story, the music, the choreography… it’s simply perfect, especially on a winter night. Plus, I got to experience the pure joy of witnessing a full-length swan tutu! Those were huge, so fluffy, and oh my gosh did those dancers float! They must have been glued to the floor! The way they changed between the gentle innocence of the white swans and the darkness of the black swans was, frankly, incredible! The drama, the emotion, the intensity! I mean, they literally brought tears to my eyes! It’s the kind of ballet that stays with you, long after the curtain falls.
Speaking of staying with you, let's talk about the costume! It wasn’t all graceful elegance either, of course, they have to give those princes a chance to shine, right? But for me, Swan Lake is really all about the tutus. And believe me, those swans did not disappoint.
New Faces, Fresh Energy
I also caught the opening night of a new show, A Winter's Tale. I was particularly impressed with a newcomer to Rochdale’s dance scene, a young ballerina named Isabella. She was incredible! Seriously, her solo in the third act completely blew me away! The energy she brought to that scene – captivating, dynamic – truly remarkable. If this is what the future of dance holds, then tutuwinter is in good hands!
Rochdale's Dance Scene is Alive and Kicking
This tutuwinter was all about seeing old favorites in new ways. The beauty of Rochdale’s winter ballet season is that there’s something for everyone, whether you're a diehard tutu enthusiast like me or just curious about what all the hype is about. This winter was particularly fantastic for discovering the new, and I truly hope that in the future we see more fresh faces on stage in Rochdale.
My final thought? This year’s tutuwinter was pure magic. It filled me with warmth and wonder, reminding me of the magic of ballet and the beauty of winter. So, let’s raise a glass to the dazzling tutus, the captivating dance, and the truly magical world of winter ballet. See you next year, Rochdale! #tutuwinter #tutuseason #rochedaledance
