Hello darlings! Emma here, and it's officially that magical time of year again: #tutuseason! I am positively swooning over the gorgeous winter ballet line-up happening in Stevenage this year, so grab your best sparkly clutch and let's dive in!
This year's programme has it all, from the traditional classics to modern masterpieces that will leave you breathless. The theatre's festive decor has already started popping up (I'm eyeing those stunning pink velvet curtains in the foyer!), and I can practically feel the magic bubbling over!
Opening with a Bang: "The Nutcracker"
The season kicked off with none other than The Nutcracker. We all know this festive classic, right? I confess I get so excited to put on my favourite festive sweater and dance along in the stalls every year. The set was divine this year! Imagine a winter wonderland painted with soft, twinkling lights - I wanted to reach out and touch the snow-dusted branches.
The dancers themselves were superb! I particularly loved Clara's performance. It's such a difficult role, all that joy, wonder, and then a touch of nervousness as the story unfolds. This little gem had just the right blend of sparkle and tenderness.
Disco Dreams at the Dance Theatre
I was thrilled to see the Dance Theatre go all-out disco this year! It felt so daring and different! They presented "Disco Fever", a wild mix of high-energy contemporary ballet, inspired by the sounds of Donna Summer, the Bee Gees, and - wait for it! - Chic!
From the get-go, you could tell this wasn't your usual "Nutcracker" set. The stage was bathed in a riot of neon, mirrored panels, and pulsating lights that had the audience humming along in no time. And the costumes? Imagine sparkly, body-skimming tutus, vibrant pantsuits, and platform shoes that wouldn't be out of place in a Studio 54 nightclub - perfection.
The choreography was mind-blowing. So much energy and movement! It wasn't all flashy acrobatics though. The slower pieces captured the yearning and romanticism of the disco era so well, especially that beautiful dance duet set to "I Feel Love". Pure romance!
A Tale of Romance and Resilience: "Giselle"
Okay, prepare yourselves for pure emotion! Giselle is the quintessential love story ballet, but it's more than just a fairy tale - it’s a deep dive into the human experience, dealing with betrayal, heartbreak, and ultimate sacrifice.
The performance was utterly mesmerizing, filled with tender grace and technical brilliance. I couldn’t look away! The story unfolded like a whispered secret. Each pirouette and arabesque was like a heartbeat - a symphony of beauty. The way Giselle navigates the despair of love lost, then finds solace in the magical world of the Wilis, is a real journey. The Wilis are incredible too, their performance had an ethereal, spectral quality, as if they were haunting memories dancing to life.
So Much More to Come!
This is just the beginning, my lovely readers! I've heard rumours of a "Sleeping Beauty" with a very innovative set design, and a jaw-dropping new work featuring local talent. You can bet I’ll be there, snapping away and sharing the experience with you.
And for all the fashionistas and budding ballerinas out there, the #tutuseason is a dream for shopping! I snagged some gorgeous sequined heels and a cute pink scarf (don’t judge me!), and I saw the sweetest vintage ballerina shoes in the window of that darling boutique down the road.
So get ready to twirl, glitter, and be dazzled, darlings. #tutuwinter has arrived, and Stevenage is the place to be!
