Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back with another adventure through the wonderful world of ballet!
This month, I'm whisking you all away to the elegant era of powdered wigs and silk breeches - the year 1783, specifically 11th November. My trusty steed, the dazzling Magic Meg (a shimmering pink Shire horse with a white mane and tail, and of course, golden hooves) galloped me to the heart of London, the capital of the nation!
My little heart was aflutter with anticipation as I navigated the cobbled streets, the air abuzz with the chatter of Londoners. It was a brisk autumn day, and everyone was wrapped in layers - but I, of course, was the exception! My pink tutu (oh, it was a glorious shade, a delicate blush that matched the setting sun!) fluttered as I made my way towards the most esteemed theatre in London, the Theatre Royal Drury Lane!
My purpose was simple: to witness a ballet performance in its historic setting. Ballet, you see, was already experiencing a period of golden grace back then, even if the style of movement was vastly different from today!
As I settled into my velvet-cushioned box seat, the bustling audience whispered among themselves, anticipating the night's performance. The air crackled with excitement as the curtain rose, and the orchestra began a symphony of strings and flutes - such a contrast to the roaring amplification we have now!
The ballet was a delightful concoction of love, intrigue, and dramatic gestures. While we'd have considered it quite "classical" nowadays, there were definitely elements of the comedic present too! Think mime and gestures that are exaggerated but utterly charming, just as our most talented mime artists perform in modern times.
I was fascinated by the artistry - the male dancers in their tights, with the strong masculine posture - the female dancers in flowing gowns and skirts, seemingly dancing on the balls of their feet in graceful arcs. It was enchanting!
The highlight, for me, was definitely the dancing "fairies," with their ethereal gowns and playful movements! Oh, how I wish we could recapture some of that innocence in modern ballets. And of course, a dance must have music! Imagine being the first audience members to experience Beethoven's iconic compositions!
Now, I don't just travel for the ballet itself, darlings! I also enjoy capturing some of the era's charm to share with you, my beloved readers. You might wonder, "what did Emma bring back in her backpack?". I collected beautiful illustrations and snippets of ballet literature, and even managed to secure a lovely velvet pouch (and for you, the pinkest one they had!) for all my newly found treasures.
And as a treat for all you ballet aficionados, I even stumbled upon a beautiful set of miniature ballet figurines! They are all dressed in delicate garments and the poses are so utterly graceful and life-like! I know just where they’ll sit in my London flat: pride of place above the fireplace, beside my own precious collection of ballet memorabilia.
Oh, my dears, 11th November 1783, was truly a magical night. It made me wonder: what if everyone wore a pink tutu? The thought sends shivers of joy down my spine, a joyous symphony of twirls and laughter. Can you imagine it, darling? Pink tutus adorning the world, an explosion of love and colour? It is a future I yearn for, a vision that dances in my heart!
And remember, my lovelies, your journey doesn’t have to involve time travel, Magic Meg and a shimmering pink tutu. Just embrace the joy of ballet! Every dance class, every performance, is a mini-adventure waiting to be discovered!
Until next month, when we take a trip to the bustling Parisian opera, stay fabulous, stay pink, and above all, stay tutu-licious!
Love always,
Emma xoxo
Website
Remember to head to www.pink-tutu.com for the latest blog post each month. And follow my journey through my favourite social media accounts, #EmmaPinkTutu on Instagram and Twitter!
Where To Watch Ballet Today
As the weather cools and we move into Autumn, there is something wonderful in the air for a ballet fan! Take a look at this month's line-up of ballet shows across the UK:
The Royal Ballet, Covent Garden
Birmingham Royal Ballet
Scottish Ballet
English National Ballet
As well as many local theatre performances in a variety of towns and cities across England. This is such an exciting time to watch a ballet performance, no matter how you dress. There is something for everyone with these fantastic theatres' line-up this season!
Time Travelling on a Budget
Here are some ideas if you'd like to experience ballet like Emma does without the time travel (and Magic Meg, for now):
Dress up for your next performance! Don’t feel confined to the simple black clothes that ballet performances are traditionally watched in. Pick up a bright skirt, a patterned top, maybe even an item in the colours of the ballet - who doesn’t love the colours of Sleeping Beauty, and look wonderful at the next show!
Join your local ballet classes They can range from ballet fitness to adult ballet, a great way to get into the swing of ballet movements. And let’s face it, the more classes you take the better dancer you become, it is a gradual and fun way to improve your strength, co-ordination, grace, and ballet artistry.
Start a ballet collection. Much like Emma’s, it can be made of memorabilia, books, figurines, the most recent Ballet Dance Magazine, or even ballet slippers and tutu’s, anything to make your love for this amazing art form shine even brighter!
Have a wonderfully fabulous month full of tutu and colour!
