-
The Nutcracker opens and we celebrate Sir Peter Wright’s 90th Birthday
What signals the start of Christmas to you? Putting up the decorations and the tree? Starting the shop for those special gifts? The Coca Cola advert on the TV (holidays are coming, holidays are coming…). Well for me, Christmas comes when I go to see The Nutcracker staged by the Birmingham Royal Ballet at the Birmingham Hippodrome. Last night this was made even more special and unforgettable by being both the opening night and also being the 90th birthday of the legendary Sir Peter Wright, the genius behind The Nutcracker. He chose to spend that special night in Birmingham, coming on stage for a standing ovation and a chorus of Happy Birthday. This was…
-
Strictly Come Dancing Live returns to wow the crowds
Strictly Come Dancing The Live Show returned to wow a capacity crowd at Birmingham’s Barclaycard Arena last night. With Mel Giedroyc as the new host, and judges Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood returning to the judging panel, it was a night of classic entertainment, the biggest and best Strictly show yet. The Strictly live shows are the glitziest and most glamorous events held at the Barclaycard Arena, with the arena transformed in a ballroom, complete with a huge glitterball, pink chandeliers and a series of props that turn a rather industrial auditorium into a vintage Hollywood setting for one group dance, and transports the audience to the…
-
How to choose the right ballet wear for your kids
If you have a budding ballerina or ballerino in your family, you’ll know that a ballet costume is more than just a cute outfit for pirouetting around the living room in. As well as being nice to look at, dancewear should be comfortable, durable and allow for movement. However, if you’re new to the world of ballet, it can be difficult to know where to start when choosing clothing. To get the lowdown on selecting ballet wear for your little ones, read on. Tights Tights are an essential part of a ballet dancer’s wardrobe, and for good reason. From accentuating form to helping improve circulation and prevent strains, a good…
-
Strictly Come Dancing Live Wows the Crowds in Birmingham
I can honestly not think of a better way to spend a rather cold afternoon, than enjoying the endless delights of Strictly Come Dancing, performed live on it’s arena tour. For sheer glamour, fun and family entertainment, it is hard to beat, as a packed house at Birmingham’s Barclaycard Arena discovered yesterday. Presented by the lovely Zoe Ball, and with a new judging panel that now included 2008 champions Camilla Dallerup and Tom Chambers (swoon and double swoon – read my previous post to find out why), the live show combines the best of the television series – the most accomplished dancers (in this case reigning champion Caroline Flack, the…
-
Billy Smart’s Circus – a great family night out
Last night I enjoyed a wonderful night out at Billy Smart’s Circus, which is currently enjoying a week long stay in Wolverhampton’s West Park. I can honestly say that this is a night out I would highly recommend for families, with enough thrills, spills and comedy to entertain every age group. The huge Big Top tent was an exciting welcoming sight for my five year old Joe, but we had also taken Joe’s cousin Thomas, who is eleven. Thomas was just as excited to be at the venue which didn’t disappoint – it was just how you would expect a circus to look, give or take a red stripe or…
