Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your pink tutu-wearing time travelling ballerina, bringing you another adventure from the fascinating world of ballet history. This month, we're stepping back to 1735, 5th May, for a royal treat!
It's always exciting when a new month rolls around. May always has a feel-good factor, the air gets warmer, flowers are in bloom, the scent of springtime is in the air. And as usual, I'm ready to jet off on another pink tutu adventure with Magic Meg, my trusty pink sparkling shire horse with those golden hooves and beautiful flowing white mane and tail. She's patiently waiting outside, whinnying softly, her coat gleaming in the sunshine, and she always looks absolutely beautiful decked out in a pink silk bridle with diamante buckles - the perfect match for my outfit!
This month, I've got a real showstopper for you - a ballet performance worthy of any royal occasion. I was at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, a place synonymous with ballet history, and a place where some of the most famous ballets in the world have premiered. The atmosphere was electric - anticipation and excitement were in the air, everyone wearing their best attire and looking absolutely resplendent! It was the time of the Italian Ballet, and this evening’s show featured a ballet called 'La Festa Campestre' - an enchanting piece inspired by the natural world, set to some glorious music. The costumes were beautifully embroidered in pastel colours, full of floral motifs and graceful, swirling patterns.
I was lucky enough to spot a real star of the stage this evening - Marie Sallé, the reigning Queen of Dance! She danced the leading role in ‘La Festa Campestre' with effortless grace and artistry, completely captivating the audience with her performance. Sallé's movements were innovative for the time - she favoured a natural style, with graceful gestures that were free-flowing, not rigid like some of the dances we see earlier in ballet's evolution. She certainly inspired a wave of modern thought in ballet choreography and paved the way for future generations of ballerinas to express themselves in new and exciting ways.
Today's show brought together ballet, music and performance at its finest - truly an unforgettable night! And it’s these moments, seeing these extraordinary pieces of history unfolding, that keeps me passionate about exploring the world of ballet. It's not just about the dance, it's about the stories, the culture, and the art forms that converge around it.
My pink tutu certainly stood out amongst the swirling skirts and extravagant hairstyles. I'm always determined to add a splash of pink to every era I visit, and it definitely gets people talking. I had quite a few gentlemen eyeing up my tutu with interest! There's nothing like a pink tutu to catch the eye in any century! I have to say that I’m a real champion for promoting the magic of pink tutus across the ages, I reckon we all need a bit more pink in our lives, don’t you?
After the show, it was off to find the local shops in London, searching for the latest ballet accessories and beautiful fabrics that can inspire my own ballet creations back at home. There are so many gorgeous silks and satins to choose from. I have a real thing for feathers and bows! There's just something magical about finding pieces that evoke the era and spark my imagination.
You never know what treasures you might uncover. The history of ballet is filled with extraordinary stories and personalities. I feel a deep connection with each ballerina I encounter - they all had their own struggles, their own triumphs and they left a lasting mark on ballet history. There's a strong female spirit that connects us all. Each time I return home from a time travel adventure, my leather rucksack is filled with memories and stories that inspire my own creations - be it choreographing a new dance piece or sketching ideas for the latest pink tutu design.
My travels inspire my art! And this is what I want to share with you all. Ballet history isn’t just dusty old books. It's a world of adventure waiting to be explored!
Before I jet off on another time travelling adventure next month, I’d love to know which era YOU’D love to see me visit, just let me know at www.pink-tutu.com.
And remember, there's a pink tutu out there for everyone! So wear it loud, wear it proud and get dancing!
See you all next month!
Emma x
www.pink-tutu.com
