Oh, darling, you wouldn't believe the fabulousness of winter ballet season in Stratford! It's the time of year my soul truly sings, where sparkling snowflakes and shimmering stage lights collide to create an absolute enchantment. And believe me, I've been getting my fill of it, embracing the #tutuwinter and its accompanying #tutuseason with a vengeance.
A Fairy-Tale Wonderland
First up was "The Nutcracker" at the Stratford Festival Theatre, and honestly, darling, it was utterly divine! Stepping into the theatre was like walking into a fairytale wonderland. The beautifully-dressed audience was a kaleidoscope of colours, adding to the magical atmosphere, and the dancers, all decked out in their finest tutus, moved like graceful snowflakes dancing on the wind. My favourite part? Definitely the sugar plum fairy's exquisite pink costume! It was pure ballet perfection! And don't even get me started on the Sugar Plum Fairy’s dance with the Cavalier – utter artistry.
A Touch of the Romantic
The next week I caught the Royal Ballet’s “Swan Lake,” which was all ethereal grace and elegant drama. Odette's white tutu in the “White Swan” sequence was pure romance, and her tragic transformation into the black swan was executed with heartbreaking precision.
Twirling with the Stars
And speaking of enchanting transformations, let's talk about the “Alice in Wonderland” ballet. I was particularly tickled by the use of modern technology, where the Cheshire cat appeared on the screen behind the dancers – sheer brilliance!
Feeling the Disco Fever
Then, just for a change of pace, I hopped over to the “Ice Festival” for a bit of "Disco on Ice.” Yes, darling, that's right - it was basically the best of both worlds – ballet, ice-skating and all with the disco beat of the seventies pulsating through the air! The dancers and skaters were all so fantastically coordinated – they truly were moving to the rhythm of the music, bringing out the glitter ball in me, if you will!
Final Curtain
But let's face it, darling, it's the magical, otherworldly atmosphere of winter ballet that I really get hooked on. This season has had all the elements, from stunning visuals and choreography to beautifully designed tutus and a plethora of amazing dancers. As I sit here in my pink-tutu-inspired jumper (because what's more apt than embracing your tutu love every day!), I’m already longing for next year’s magical winter ballet season. I just hope the snow continues to fall and I can soak up as much enchantment as possible. Until then, I’ll just be keeping my tutu at the ready and humming “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” to myself…
This is Emma signing off from a rather fabulous winter in Stratford.
