The ballet. I don’t know what the word means to you but to me, I was never 100% what my definition of ballet was. Part of me pictured the ballet as this opulent event that was out of reach to everyone bar the wealthy, that it wouldn’t fulfill my mind and I’d find myself drifting off into slumber; on the other, I imagined being wowed by the stunning pirouettes of beautiful dancers and wishing I had been pushed to dance when I was a kid and was a prodigy by now.
Last night I discovered my definition of the word when I was kindly invited along to The Scottish Ballet’s production of The Snow Queen at His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen.
Celebrating 50 years, The Scottish Ballet delivers enticing, contemporary performances, regularly around Scotland, while staying true to the classical atmosphere that ballet brings.
The Storyline
The production of The Snow Queen, directed by Christopher Hampson, is widely inspired by the Disney favourite Frozen, which makes it a must for the whole family.
The story follows three dynamic female leads: The Snow Queen, The Summer Queen (Lexi) and Gerda.
Unhappy in the Ice Palace, Lexi longs to leave for the real world, leaving her sister, The Snow Queen, behind in rage, while she ventures to find the dashing gentleman she has seen herself embracing in the magic mirror.
Lexi, a strong playful character, finds herself in a bustling marketplace, pickpocketing to make her way, when she spots the handsome man, Kai, in the crowd proposing to the beautiful Gerda.
The story takes a turn when The Snow Queen returns and meddles, placing Kai in a trance to fall in love with her instead, finding poor Gerda alone and Lexi without the handsome stranger but they are not to give up hope and Lexi certainly doesn’t give up her mischievousness.
The Review
The story itself is uncomplicated making it effortless to follow along while remaining exciting and dramatic. The tale of love and heartache is a classic but with the addition of comedic moments from the circus that’s come to town, the mood is lightened which a whole new range of dazzling costumes and characters.
The fun-for-all show is one that I think will engulf you and have you in awe of the grace from start to finish. The dancing. The drama. The compositions. The outfits.
During the performance, expect wonderful, dramatic music by the 70-piece, Scottish Ballet Orchestra, which will draw you into the storyline and make you feel part of the magic. Take in all of the 110 different, charmingly designed costumes, created by Lez Brotherston. And relish in the picturesque realms of deep fairytale forests and icy domains.
If you are after a bit of magic and elegance in your life, then The Snow Queen is a ballet that you will thoroughly adore.
I have a newfound appreciation for ballet and the relaxing yet exhilarating feelings that I had throughout the show are feelings I am reliving again while writing this review. I loved it and I’m already excited to purchase tickets for the next ballet to come to Aberdeen!
Tickets
If you fancy heading along to see The Snow Queen for yourself, then I’d say it would definitely be worth your time.
In Aberdeen, the show runs until 25th January 2020 so if you do want to go you will need to be quick! You can book your tickets here so you don’t miss out.
For my non-Aberdeen friends, don’t worry, the show is also coming to Inverness from 29th January – 1st February 2020 and Newcastle from 12th – 15th February 2020. You can book tickets here for the coveted show.
Are you a ballet virgin or a seasoned audience member? I’d love to know if you end up going to the ballet and your thoughts afterwards. Feel free to leave them in the comments or you can chat to me over on Twitter/Instagram.
Looking for another post to read? Why not check out my last post featuring a Travel Guide of 6 Things to do in Chengdu, China?
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