Hello my darling ballet bunnies! Welcome to another month, another fabulous time travel adventure!
September is always a special time, especially this year! September the 9th, 1843! The weather here in Derbyshire is absolutely delightful, all sunshine and clear skies. But don’t worry, it's not stopping me from heading off for my adventure today! Today I’m visiting Vienna, and as any ballet bunny knows, that’s a trip for the senses!
Don't even get me started on the sheer magnificence of my pink tutu! My beautiful, sparkling pink tulle with the delicate diamond-shaped sequins that catch the light as I move - simply exquisite. And my pink satin shoes, they make a soft 'swoosh' as I walk! Of course, Magic Meg, my magnificent pink Shire with the golden hooves and flowing white mane and tail is all dressed up too. We always make a grand entrance, darling! I have to make sure she looks her best! We wouldn't want to detract from my shimmering pink ensemble. She looks quite the fashion horse!
It's fascinating to think that while I am in 1843, back in the present, the world is just starting to discover the thrill of ‘Swan Lake’ with the new music from Tchaikovsky - and my oh my, how beautifully this music translates across time.
Today, however, we’re diving back to a slightly older piece. As I dismount from Meg in Vienna, the bustling crowds make my heart race. There’s the most incredible fragrance in the air - a sweet, almost smoky blend - and the buildings! Such stunning architecture! You have to love this grand city. This isn't my first visit, but even though I've seen so many stunning locations over the years, the imperial beauty never fails to take my breath away.
Vienna! Home of the grand Imperial Ballet School and such a hub of classical ballet - all the beautiful dancing, and so many lovely ballet outfits and fashions! I love being inspired by other countries and other time periods - but don’t you worry my darlings, the pink is here to stay. There's something special about a bright pink tulle in the middle of all these old cobbled streets! It really stands out and makes such a statement.
The streets buzz with life. Elegant ladies, adorned with bustles and elaborate bonnets, sweep past in their carriages. Handsome gentlemen, some in formal coats, others with dashing military uniforms, stroll with an air of confidence. I have to admit, this style is right up my alley. Maybe there's an idea for a new pink tutu to put on my next creation list...
You see my darling ballet bunnies, in this time period the ballet wasn’t just the elite’s preserve. No, it was truly loved by all - every street and corner was infused with music. Every family, even the poorest, would save for their daughter to go to a ballet class - so fascinating and how I hope it stays that way! It gives me a lot to ponder for when I take my little ballet bunnies to my dance school in Derbyshire.
Speaking of dance, I was thrilled to stumble upon a rather peculiar, yet utterly charming, sight! There is a street theatre production showcasing "La Fille mal gardée." The little theatre is bustling, bursting at the seams with people wanting a chance to experience this ballet. They all seem to know the story, they’re really into the acting and of course, all dressed up and down for the occasion. Now there’s a reminder of why we, as ballet dancers, do what we do. There's nothing more inspiring than watching an audience thoroughly enjoying themselves.
The street performers, a troupe of talented dancers with vibrant, flowing tutus and impressive costumes in a symphony of rich, deep colours, all in beautiful patterns! Oh, my darling ballet bunnies, imagine, performing outside with your tutu billowing behind you, sharing the joy of ballet with so many people. The sheer energy was so moving and a stark reminder that the magic of ballet is everywhere. You just need to know where to find it. And, yes, you will be surprised how much fun I’m having taking a note from their wardrobe and my notebook is overflowing with beautiful sketches of the most delightful tutus. Perhaps I will incorporate some of these ideas into my new ballet creations back home... a pink tutus, of course, with a dash of this lovely old fashioned flair. Imagine the effect!
So I'm off again. On my travels today, my notebook has so many interesting stories to fill, some to keep secret for future posts, others that might become the backbone of the ballet class. This trip has just confirmed that, really, everything is connected and you never know what beauty you might find.
Time to head home to Magic Meg and back to the present. I have to write down all my notes before they become too much. And then it’s time to pack my bag, choose the right fabric for my next masterpiece tutu! I wonder which one it’ll be! It’ll have to be pink, of course.
Don’t forget to visit our website for our monthly giveaway: pink-tutu.com, we are giving away a free ticket to our latest performance – ‘Pink Ballerina, The Time Traveller’ – in the beautiful town of Buxton. It’s sure to be a glamorous affair. So don’t delay and have a beautiful September, everyone!
And of course, darling ballet bunnies, you can always write in with any requests or tell me your own favourite dance time travel destinations!
