Christmas Ballet in 2011

Post 120: The Magic of a 2011 Christmas Ballet

Hey lovely people,

Welcome to my little corner of the internet, www.pink-tutu.com. It's Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad ballet enthusiast. I'm back this festive season with another enchanting journey through the captivating history of Christmas ballet. And trust me, this year's escapade takes us to some pretty amazing places!

We're diving back into 2011, the year I graduated from the Royal Ballet School. It was an exciting year in my world. The Christmas ballet was my main focus and you know what? You wouldn't believe the amazing shows I got to see!

This was the year when a trip to the theatre, to see the Royal Opera House's production of The Nutcracker, kicked off the Christmas festivities. Oh, the splendour of it all! A breathtaking stage filled with exquisitely designed sets, the exquisite costumes (my favourite, a dazzling confection of tulle and sparkling crystals - just chefs kiss) and, of course, the iconic music that always gets me feeling the Christmas spirit. The ballet brought a heartwarming tale of Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, and the battle with the Mouse King – all sprinkled with magic and a little bit of sparkle, just how Christmas should be!

Speaking of sparkle, can we talk about ballet fashion in 2011? It was the year that we saw a huge surge in ballet-inspired fashion, with ballet flats becoming a major trend for casual chic. It’s such a lovely thing to see because, let’s be honest, what’s better than comfy shoes that make you feel graceful, even if you’re just popping to the shops?! I couldn't resist stocking up on ballet flats for my own personal wardrobe - let's just say, a little sprinkle of ballet elegance goes a long way in my daily life!

Speaking of ballet on the street, 2011 saw me dancing up a storm in Derbyshire to raise money for my little passion project. It may not have been the Royal Opera House, but I did bring some of the magic and elegance to the bustling streets of my hometown! After all, a bit of dance joy makes any place feel more magical!

Now, to add some more excitement to this Christmas trip back in time, we need to have a look at some of the world’s biggest ballet companies.

The year was absolutely bursting with magical performances - and one that stands out for me is “Giselle”. This haunting tale of a betrayed maiden with a magical destiny was showcased by some of the world’s greatest ballerinas! In New York City, the American Ballet Theatre performed a powerful and moving production and back home, at the Royal Opera House, Marianela Nuñez and Thiago Soares dazzled with their performances in Giselle, showcasing an intoxicatingly romantic story, perfect for Christmas season!

So many performances. Such a wonderful year! And as I often say, let's never forget that ballet is an art form for everyone!

What are your favourite Christmas ballet moments?

Happy Christmas ballet viewing and a wonderful new year!

XOXO, Emma www.pink-tutu.com

Christmas Ballet in 2011