History of Ballet in 2042

Hey my lovely readers, it's Emma here! You know how much I love getting lost in the glamorous history of ballet, and this week, we're taking a very special trip – right into the future! Buckle up, because it's 2042, and believe me, it's fabulous.

Last month I was dancing in the street, in my new bubblegum pink tulle tutu (with diamante accents!), and I stumbled into this amazing portal - no, really! I knew straight away, this was how I was going to get that exclusive look at the future of ballet, just for you. I spent weeks there (so lucky there’s a whole wardrobe of vintage-inspired outfits that I managed to get into! cough, cough) learning all about how ballet is shaping up in the next few decades!

Oh, darling, the ballet world in 2042 is simply sensational! I saw this phenomenal futuristic production by the Paris Opera Ballet – they called it "Cygnus," using advanced hologram technology. It was absolutely dazzling - birds in flight! And you've got to hear about these dazzling eco-conscious costumes – they were made from recycled materials! Talk about sustainable style! You wouldn't believe how well they held their shape – oh, and I must show you some pictures. They looked as delicate as real feathers, truly spectacular. It was such a clever combination of the classics and cutting-edge technology, really pushing the boundaries. It makes you wonder how we ever survived on just good old stage lights and costumes before, don’t you think? The Royal Ballet are doing a spectacular production of a futuristic, all-female “Don Quixote,” starring our gorgeous pink tutu girl darling, Anya Ivanova, and this whole season is set to explode across all social media platforms with ballet, dancers and… wait for it…. Tutus! They really know how to hold a pose – not just physically!

Oh, the fashion darling! The shops were full of tutus everywhere! Every shade of pink, turquoise, lavender, lime green, with glittering jewels, holographic embellishments and shimmery iridescent fabric - oh my gosh. I literally couldn't control myself. Of course I stocked up with the latest styles - I just had to show you all what is in fashion in the future! But darling, here is the best bit of the future! I’m told all the fashion houses have a strong focus on using recycled materials, which means our gorgeous, sparkling tutus are all ethical, cruelty-free and really great for the planet. You go girl! I mean, look at that! What's more sustainable than a pink tutu to make the world a more beautiful place, I ask you? I think it is a trend we should really keep up and make into a movement! Who wants to start their own “pink tutu” club? You all know I would be right at the front leading that charge with a new bespoke sparkly tutu that I shall have to buy later today. And the footwear darling! It's a ballet slipper boom! Everything is on offer - custom made slippers to fit you like a glove - with light up LED panels for a modern twist, comfy flat ballerinas in shimmering, recycled materials – even sparkly flip-flops in metallic shades. My, how the times have changed.

Then, there is the street ballet – dancing in the streets in all their gloriousness! Everywhere I went, I saw people of all ages, shapes, and sizes dancing – it was pure joy to watch! You know how much I love a bit of street performance (my latest "pink tutu” piece, as the world knows, involves the best moves from my fabulous trip back in time to 1890s London wink, wink) but the street ballet I saw was really special. I found groups who incorporated real-time video projections into their performances, with light and music! Just picture it. It's quite something! But darling, this is only a small taste of what is coming in the ballet world - but the future, at least this bit, has got to be seen, heard, and enjoyed! And believe me, I am back for more! You know I’m just dying to see what else lies ahead and let you all know every fabulous little detail! Oh, there are so many shows in London next week that I am excited to see: “Alice In Wonderland” at the Sadler’s Wells with my friend Lucy and a whole ballet crew (all in their fabulous tutus of course), then the “Rite of Spring” is back at the Royal Opera House - did I tell you that I’m thinking of creating a “pink tutu” for this production - how cool, would that be?! Oh, then of course “Swan Lake” in the Barbican and a new one man “Giselle" starring Daniel De Vos in the London Coliseum. The ballet world here in Derbyshire, though not quite on the level of London - has become quite sophisticated with the fantastic performances on offer at the Derby Theatre and a ballet performance in a park near my local dance school! I do think you would find a lot of things you are very interested in at my favourite dance store "Stepping Out" with everything you could possible imagine (from leotards to tutus and everything else for the ballerina from every era). You never know what bargains and amazing finds you will make there.

Oh, I can't wait to tell you all more next week - until then, keep dancing and make sure to show off those fabulous pink tutus – even in Derbyshire!

With Love, Emma x