Hello lovelies! Emma here, and it’s that most wonderful time of year again: winter ballet season! As you all know, a girl can never have too many sequins or too much pink. (Especially during the festive season!) So, naturally, I'm already practically vibrating with excitement for the flurry of ballets about to hit the Scarborough stage.
This year, the programme's absolutely bursting with captivating classics and fresh new creations that promise to sweep us off our feet – and frankly, after a rather gloomy November, who doesn’t need a bit of that?
The season kicked off with the glorious Nutcracker at the Scarborough Spa. Oh my goodness! The magic was simply electric. It’s hard not to fall in love with the story – with the warmth of the family Christmas, the sugarplum fairy’s swirling grace, the mischief of the mouse king, and of course, the beautifully romantic journey of Clara. The set design was like stepping straight into a beautifully illustrated fairytale book, the dancing absolutely spectacular. They truly captured the heart of Tchaikovsky's iconic score, bringing both the playful energy of the Christmas party and the tenderness of the dream sequences to life. The costumes? Breathtaking. Particularly the Sugar Plum Fairy’s tutu – a masterpiece of fluffy pink tulle! Talk about sparkle and grace! This is a perfect way to get you into the Christmas spirit. So gather your loved ones, grab a hot chocolate, and get ready to be transported to a magical winter wonderland.
Moving onto Cinderella, now this production took me on a complete whirlwind! A mix of classical grace and playful humour, this wasn’t your typical, pretty fairytale ballet – and that's precisely what I loved about it! There were nods to modern dance, touches of flamenco, and some incredible feats of athleticism from the dancers – truly impressive. And what's a fairytale without a dash of wicked stepmother, right? Oh, the sheer drama! This wasn’t the saccharine version you expect, it was full of grit, sass, and an actual hilarious step-sister duo – their comedic timing had the whole audience howling! Plus, the dancing is just sublime. The ensemble choreography is absolutely flawless, and I swear, some of the steps they do leave you in awe. A fantastic night for ballet lovers, families, and anyone who wants a good dose of festive fun!
But let’s talk about Swan Lake, because for me, it's a true ballet masterpiece. There is a certain something about that melancholy, beautiful score, that always gets me. It's like Tchaikovsky painted a symphony of emotions with his music. This performance truly lived up to the hype, the emotion was raw and real. The dance between the graceful swans and the sinister Black Swan was simply mesmerising. I loved the contrast between Odette's ethereal grace and Odile's dramatic passion - the story played out so flawlessly! I must give a special shout-out to the choreography for the finale. It was an explosion of white tulle and soaring athleticism that truly showcased the strength and technical brilliance of the entire cast.
And just to keep the spirit of festive season high, I’m so excited about the contemporary retelling of The Snow Queen, taking inspiration from Hans Christian Anderson’s story. It's so clever and full of whimsy! It explores the power of empathy, the strength of friendship, and, of course, the icy magic of a magical winter. The costumes for this show were fantastic: beautifully modern interpretations of traditional fairy tale imagery with bold splashes of colour and unique textures that captured the icy beauty of the story. I’ve always been a sucker for a bit of gothic romance, and this show gave me all the chills in the best way.
Scarborough’s winter ballet season is about so much more than just tutus and pretty dresses! It's about sharing experiences, discovering new art forms, and appreciating the power of movement and music. This year's line-up is a real testament to the power of artistic vision, and frankly, the dedication of all those involved is truly inspirational.
From the beautifully lit stage designs to the stunning costumes and the incredible dedication of each and every dancer, this season has something for everyone! I've had a ball so far, and it’s definitely not too late to get your tickets for this fantastic season! Head down to Scarborough Spa and let the magic of the season sweep you away. And don't forget, we’re only half-way through the season.
Don’t miss out! And as always… Stay glamorous, loves! 💖🩰❄️
#tutuwinter #tutuseason
