Hey my lovely tutu-wearing darlings! Itās Emma here, your favourite Derbyshire ballet enthusiast, and Iām so excited to share my festive journey back in time to a Christmas ballet wonderland: 2035!
Iāve been hopping through the time portal with my trusty pink tutu (of course!), and landed in a world where the Christmas ballet scene is even more exciting than ever before. Itās a perfect blend of the classic and the cutting-edge, and Iāve got a mountain of inspiration to share with you all.
The Festive Shows
First off, the most anticipated event on the ballet calendar, "The Nutcracker: Remix". Imagine a symphony of lights and holograms, featuring our beloved sugarplum fairies floating around a real-life candy kingdom, thanks to some cutting-edge stage tech.
But it wasnāt all digital magic. A traditional version of "The Nutcracker" performed by the London Royal Ballet stole my heart, set in the most gorgeous Victorian-era costume and a beautiful, minimal set that really allowed the story to shine. I snagged a couple of the Victorian-style ballet slippers in the Royal Opera House shop (theyāre perfect for a festive spin on the High Street!) and managed to nab some hand-stitched ballet tights from a gorgeous independent designer on a small lane just outside the theatre. It was the most festive treat for my wardrobe!
Of course, no Christmas season would be complete without a visit to the panto, "Cinderella", in the West End! Now, I know panto is all about cheesy humour and sing-alongs, but even my strict ballet-loving sensibilities had to melt for the pure energy and fun. Iām so glad the show has evolved, featuring some jaw-dropping contemporary ballet pieces that took full advantage of the stage space. The finale had the entire audience dancing and singing in a joyous storm of glitter!
Christmas Ballet Fashion
Speaking of glitter, 2035ās ballet fashion scene is nothing short of dazzling! Imagine sparkling tutus in holographic shades, embellished with 3D floral motifs, and statement accessories like crystal-studded ballet flats. I absolutely adore the futuristic vibe of the season, and have definitely been channelling that with my own pink tutu style.
Hereās my pick of the must-have trends from this festive season:
- The Glitter Bomb: Seriously, who needs sequins when youāve got full-blown, multicoloured, glitter explosions! My new shimmering, blush-pink tutu is proof enough that itās all about the wow factor, with a delicate touch of vintage tulle underneath. It's the perfect blend of bold and sweet.
- Eco-Chic Ballet: The emphasis on sustainability in the fashion world has made its way to the ballet stage. A number of performances featured hand-painted tutus and costumes made from recycled materials, which definitely made for some visually captivating designs! The company, "Ballet For Earth", created their designs by repurposing discarded dance shoes and fabric from older collections, a truly inspiring move!
- Statement Accessories: Statement jewelry like bold earrings and geometric pendants really elevated my Christmas ballet outfits. You can always count on my favourite designers, Lily & Luna, to come up with beautiful new pieces. I even managed to snag their limited edition, sparkly ballet slipper keychain for my bag - absolutely the perfect way to channel my love for ballet even when Iām not in a tutu!
More than just Ballet
But it wasn't all about the theatre in 2035. I made a pilgrimage to the Birmingham City Centre, the new home of "Dance Alley", an extraordinary street art project that transformed an entire alleyway into a permanent ballet installation! With interactive murals, digital light projections, and even a platform for live street ballet performances, it was pure creative bliss. It even had an actual tutu sculpture made entirely of recycled paper! You'd be surprised at the imaginative way artists in this year were able to repurpose everyday items!
Thereās a real focus on making ballet accessible to everyone, and this kind of street-art fusion definitely reflects that spirit. My personal contribution, of course, was a quick ballet sequence performed amidst the murals, inspiring a few passerby to join in! You see, my mission in life isnāt just about pink tutus; itās about making ballet a part of everyoneās life, bringing smiles and joy through every pirouette and plie.
So, hereās a little gift to all my tutu-loving followers:
A Christmas Challenge: Try this festive ballet combo at home, a little āPink Tutu Specialā inspired by the festive performances and trends I saw in 2035:
- Pink Glitter Time! Dust your favourite pink tutu with some magical fairy dust (glitter, obviously!), or, if you're a DIY extraordinaire, create your own pink glitter magic with some glue and some festive glitter.
- Upcycle It! Give your old ballet shoes a new lease of life. Use fabric paint and glitter to transform them into whimsical little Christmas creations. Donāt throw out those old dance shoes, repurpose them!
- Play with Style: Mix and match textures. It's all about combining elements, like layering a silky pink tulle tutu over a pair of cozy, sparkly leggings. And donāt forget to accessorise with festive jewellery, maybe some sparkly earings?
And as always, let's end this blog on a high note: Remember, ballet isnāt about perfection. Itās about freedom, joy, and celebrating your own personal style. So put on your pink tutu, twirl like nobodyās watching, and let the festive spirit move you. I'll see you in the next time portal journey, my tutu-loving friends!
Happy Twirling, Emma www.pink-tutu.com
