It’s that time of year again, darlings – the air is crisp, the leaves are falling, and the smell of mince pies is in the air! For me, that can only mean one thing: winter ballet season is upon us! As a true balletomane, there’s no other time of year I get quite so giddy with excitement. And this year, Stourbridge has truly outdone itself with a delightful selection of performances to keep even the most discerning tutu-lover entertained.
From the grand spectacle of The Nutcracker to the poignant elegance of Swan Lake, Stourbridge has a winter ballet show for every taste. Personally, I'm drawn to the whimsical world of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, where the costumes are outlandishly fantastical (I mean, a talking teapot, really? Yes, please!), and the music is wonderfully enchanting. The ballet itself is a dazzling kaleidoscope of pirouettes and grand jetés, and the whole performance has a mischievous, joyous energy that leaves you feeling utterly charmed.
And who better to kick off the season than the renowned Stourbridge Ballet Company? Their rendition of Sleeping Beauty was a pure delight, with costumes that shimmered like spun gold and the most breathtaking sets you could imagine. I felt transported into the fairy tale, almost reaching out to touch the glowing, frosted-glass trees on the stage!
This year, Stourbridge has also embraced a contemporary twist on classic ballet, and I'm so glad they have. The Giselle at the Stourbridge Theatre this season is reimagined with an edgy, modern vibe. It’s all about the music! They incorporated a live band that gave the performance a pulsing, disco-era rhythm, which honestly, had me shimmying in my seat. (Forgive me, but I can't help it when the music moves my feet!) They also injected a touch of political commentary that, while thought-provoking, did not distract from the powerful performance by the young, talented dancers. This is ballet, darling, but not as you know it. And I am absolutely living for it!
Beyond the classical and modern offerings, the Stourbridge Ballet School hosted its annual Nutcracker performance, showcasing the bright young talent in the region. Watching the adorable ballerinas leap, twirl, and express themselves with such confidence is truly inspiring. Their sheer joy on stage is absolutely infectious – and I felt my heart melt a little bit watching them bring the classic tale to life. It's such a special opportunity to witness these future stars in their early stages.
For the fashion-forward ballet lover like myself, the costume design is a huge part of the winter ballet experience. And this year, Stourbridge didn’t disappoint. Swan Lake, for example, showcased exquisite, shimmering gowns that moved as gracefully as the dancers themselves. Each movement of a skirt, the subtle glimmer of sequins, and the intricately designed tulle — it's art in motion! It makes you understand why every little girl dreams of being a ballerina. The Alice costumes were just wonderfully wacky, like something straight out of a Dr. Seuss story, and I absolutely loved the Giselle dancers’ sleek and athletic silhouettes. All of these performances had a special attention to detail that made me gasp!
But it’s not just the costumes and performances that make the winter ballet season so special in Stourbridge. It's the overall atmosphere. Stepping into the theatres, it feels like stepping into another world – a world of elegance and artistry, where the air crackles with a delightful energy.
As a dedicated balletomane, I feel like this year, Stourbridge has truly nailed it. It's the perfect blend of tradition and contemporary vision. I can’t wait to see what next year brings, but for now, I'm fully embracing the beauty, magic, and glamour that #tutuwinter and #tutuseason has to offer!
