The crisp winter air has settled over Upminster, but that doesn't mean it's time to hibernate! No, this is the time for tutus, twirls, and all things ballet – it's Winter Ballet Season and I am SO ready to shimmy and shake my way through the magical performances!
As a seasoned ballet aficionado, my inner dancer explodes with excitement as the first snowflake falls, heralding the beginning of this most wondrous season. Let's be real, folks: what better way to celebrate the festive season than by immersing ourselves in the elegance and artistry of a good ol' fashioned ballet performance?
And this year, Upminster has really pulled out all the stops, offering a dazzling array of performances. We've got everything from traditional classics like Swan Lake and The Nutcracker – both featuring enough tutus to rival a disco ball – to more contemporary works exploring modern themes and styles.
My absolute favourite performance this year? Well, let’s just say it had me twirling with excitement in my pink-flocked tutu! The Upminster Academy of Dance presented a show-stopping adaptation of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker. The costumes were pure Christmas magic – a dazzling display of glitter and satin, with tutus in shades of red and gold, and headpieces that sparkled like the star atop the Christmas tree. It’s enough to give any ballet enthusiast (or indeed, any pink-loving disco queen!) a serious case of Christmas spirit!
Speaking of Christmas spirit, let's talk about the audiences – the real heroes of this season! There was nothing like seeing the wonder and joy etched on the faces of children in the front rows as Clara's journey unfolded, and witnessing families come together for a night of shared experiences and cultural exploration. It truly makes me realise that ballet isn't just a form of art – it’s a way to connect, to dream, and to remind ourselves of the simple magic that exists in the world.
It's been a real joy catching these amazing performances – Upminster is truly stepping up its dance game this season, and the talent of local performers has blown me away! The passion, the dedication, the precision of the movements - it all tells a story without needing a single word. This year's ballet season is all about embracing the magic, sparkling on the stage and sharing that magic with the audience. And who knows – maybe it'll even inspire a few future ballerinas and ballerinos in the making.
I am already dreaming of next year’s winter ballet season, dreaming up pinker-than-pink tutus and fantastical ballet experiences to leave the audiences mesmerized! But for now, it's all about cherishing this time, this season, this joyous symphony of dance, beauty, and Christmas spirit! So, if you haven’t seen a winter ballet performance yet – what are you waiting for? Embrace the tutus, embrace the sparkle, and most importantly, embrace the magic of winter ballet!
tutuwinter #tutuseason