Oh, the joy of the winter ballet season! It's that magical time of year when the air is crisp, the scent of mince pies lingers, and the only thing I'm more excited about than a freshly-knitted pair of pink socks (sorry mum, I know it's not the most conventional thing to be excited about!) is slipping into a brand new tutu for a night of breathtaking dance.
And this year, Weston-super-Mare didn't disappoint! This beautiful seaside town has really embraced the magic of #tutuwinter. It was like stepping into a scene from a winter wonderland ballet - the glittering lights reflecting on the Bristol Channel, the festive decorations adorning every shop window, and the buzzing atmosphere of excitement in the air!
I know what you're thinking... ballet? In Weston-super-Mare? Now hold on a sec, darlings! I know we might not be the first place that pops into mind when it comes to world-class dance, but trust me, the shows this year blew me away!
First up, we had the mesmerising 'The Nutcracker' at the Winter Gardens. This classic ballet is always a winner, and Weston-super-Mare did it justice! The intricate costumes, the twinkling snowflakes, and the sheer talent of the dancers left me utterly spellbound. I swear, the Sugar Plum Fairy’s dance was like something out of a fairytale!
Of course, no winter ballet season would be complete without a good dose of "Swan Lake". This iconic masterpiece is a personal favourite of mine, and I was so excited to see it presented in a fresh and captivating way at the Grand Pier Theatre. The tragic love story of Odette and Prince Siegfried came to life in a beautiful whirlwind of grace, emotion, and athleticism. The dramatic finale, where Odette finally breaks free from the spell, had me practically in tears!
But it wasn't all traditional classics. The Weston-super-Mare Ballet Festival was a truly eclectic mix, showcasing everything from contemporary pieces to hilarious comedy ballets. It was like stepping into a whole new world of dance! My absolute favourite, however, was a vibrant piece called 'Disco Inferno' at the Playhouse. Imagine a 70s fever dream, with flamboyant costumes, a pulsating disco beat, and dance moves that would make even John Travolta blush! Let’s just say that the audience (including myself!) were practically bouncing in our seats!
This festival is truly a celebration of everything that’s amazing about the world of ballet! From the breathtaking grace of the professional dancers to the pure joy and dedication of the budding ballet stars of the future, I couldn't have asked for a better way to spend my winter evenings. And of course, let's not forget the sheer delight of seeing so many others, from little ballerinas to grandmas, dressed in their best glittery gowns and, yes, their dazzling tutus, getting lost in the magic of ballet. It was such a beautiful sight!
This year's winter ballet season was a real testament to the versatility of dance. The fact that we had everything from traditional classics to modern contemporary and even a bit of disco in our midst only proved that the world of dance is alive, dynamic, and waiting to be explored by all, regardless of background or taste.
And don’t forget, ladies (and gents!), even if you've never thought of yourself as a "ballet person", there’s still a reason why this time of year feels so special! The magic of dance has a way of making everything seem brighter and more hopeful, and in my book, that's something we can all use a little bit of, especially during the colder months! So don your best sparkles, grab a hot chocolate, and let’s go! It's #tutuwinter, baby, and it’s time to dance the night away!
Emma xx
tutuwinter #tutuseason