2023 Winter Ballet Season in Waterlooville

Hey darlings! It’s Emma here, your resident tutu-loving, disco-dancing, ballet-obsessed blogger, back with another hot take! Winter’s here, which means one thing… ballet season is officially in full swing! And oh boy, have we been blessed with some absolute showstoppers this year.

Forget the festive jumpers and reindeer sweaters, this season is all about sequins, tulle, and twirling. The winter air has been abuzz with whispers of delicate leaps, graceful pirouettes, and of course, the majestic, glittering tutus that set my heart aflutter.

So grab a cup of hot chocolate, put on your most sparkly sweater, and let’s dive into this season's dazzling dance-off, shall we?

Kicking things off, we had the grand, opulent production of The Nutcracker. From the very first twinkling note of Tchaikovsky's score, I was transported to a land of sugared plums and frosty magic.

This production was everything I've ever wanted: shimmering snowflakes, a breathtakingly beautiful sugar plum fairy in a tutu the colour of … well, pink, naturally – and a handsome Prince who made even the most hardened ballerina heart skip a beat. The choreography was divine, fluid and delicate, telling the story with such elegant precision. But what really stole the show were those amazing costumes, the kind that make you want to twirl like there’s no tomorrow!

Next up, we had the timeless tale of Swan Lake. And, let’s be real, this is always going to be a classic! But this particular production had a modern twist – a dash of gothic flair that was seriously seductive. The beautiful Odette and the feisty Odile in their breathtaking, swan-themed tutus, were mesmerizing. And the choreography – well, it simply had my jaw on the floor.

The drama and emotion were palpable, each dancer pouring their heart and soul into their roles. I particularly loved the scene in the cursed lake – those shadows, the powerful movements, it was a masterful display of artistic talent.

Then there was Cinderella. Now, let’s face it, who doesn’t love a bit of fairytale magic? This adaptation was utterly charming. It was perfect for little ones, but still held enough artistic depth for even the most seasoned ballet fan like myself. The pumpkin carriage scene was a triumph of creativity, and Cinderella’s ethereal gown, an exquisite blend of elegance and playfulness – definitely making it onto my top tutu list!

But it wasn't just about the grand spectacles. I was truly impressed with the performances of all the local dance companies and schools. From the youngest dancers just finding their footing, to the more seasoned performers who moved with such power and grace – there was so much raw talent and dedication on display.

Seeing all this talent reminded me of why I love ballet season so much. It’s about community, shared passion, and pure artistry. Waterlooville truly comes alive with a sense of shared celebration during the winter months. From the packed theatres to the buzzing social scene, there's a palpable sense of excitement that’s impossible to resist.

Whether you’re a ballet fanatic or a first-time attendee, I highly recommend getting swept away by the magic of winter ballet season.