Hello, darling dancers! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-wearing time traveller, and oh my, this month's adventure was simply divine! Buckle up your ballet slippers, grab your favourite pink tiaras, because we're going all the way to Russia!
It’s a chilly November evening in 1873. I'm perched upon the back of Magic Meg, our fabulous pink Shire with a shimmering mane, hooves the colour of molten gold, and the most wonderful tail you've ever seen. She's all spruced up, her harness sparkling with tiny pink crystals. We're on our way to the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow - the pinnacle of ballet brilliance!
Magic Meg takes me to a cobbled side street where the air is thick with the smell of freshly baked bread and roasting chestnuts. A group of women dressed in vibrant colourful shawls are bustling towards the theatre, their faces lit with anticipation. It’s impossible not to be caught up in the excitement!
The Bolshoi is truly magnificent. It's built in a beautiful neoclassical style and as we enter the plush foyer, a gentle scent of perfume and leather mingles with the excited chatter. My eyes sparkle like a thousand little diamonds when I catch a glimpse of the grand staircase and the sparkling chandelier overhead. It's straight out of a fairytale!
The excitement mounts as we enter the grand auditorium. The plush velvet seats are adorned with ornate carvings and the lighting creates a romantic and mysterious atmosphere.
The stage is lit up as the orchestra begins to play Tchaikovsky’s ballet, "Swan Lake." Oh my goodness, this music! It's so magical, so poignant, and so full of emotion! I can feel a tear welling in my eye. I can imagine how captivated the audience is by the stunning performance.
What are some of the ballet stars dancing tonight? Why it's none other than the legendary ballerina, Pelagia Ivanovna! This legendary Russian dancer, known for her beautiful technique and incredible expressiveness, was considered one of the leading ballerinas of her time. I try to discreetly watch her, taking notes on her delicate footwork, and graceful lines, noting every nuance.
As the performance concludes, the applause is thunderous! Everyone is on their feet, giving the dancers a well-deserved standing ovation. This is the very best of the best! The Bolshoi really is the jewel in the crown of Russian ballet. It’s where legends are born! I couldn't help myself! As the curtains close for the final time, I take a final look around and imagine myself up on the stage, twirling in my own pink tutu, basking in the love and appreciation of the crowd!
This was such an incredible evening of ballet bliss! This really has been the highlight of my time travel this month, I can’t wait to tell you more about this performance next time.
What a magical night, my lovely tutu-lovers!
So tell me, what’s been your ballet highlight this month? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Let’s make the world a more pink-tutu-fied place, one ballerina story at a time!
Emma xoxo
P.S. My monthly Ballet Time Travels are made possible thanks to your support through the ballet performances that I put on back in my time! Every donation helps me keep Magic Meg gleaming, and bring these amazing historical moments to life.
www.pink-tutu.com
Until next time… Embrace the pink and keep on dancing!
A Peek at Emma’s Backpack:
Emma’s backpack isn't just for show - it's where she collects little treasures of ballet history from her journeys. Tonight’s find is particularly special! Tucked amongst the ballet sketches, a miniature pointe shoe and a scrap of fabric from a costume, there’s a small, delicately embroidered fan with the inscription “The Bolshoi Ballet, 1873.” Just by touching it, I can almost imagine the whispers of ballerinas past. I think this might find a very special place in my pink-tutu studio…
Behind the ScenesOkay, my dears, while my trips are amazing, I'd be lying if I said everything always goes according to plan! Here's a little bit of "behind the scenes" fun.
Let's just say my love for pink sometimes gets me into sticky situations! Imagine my face when Magic Meg took me on a very, very "pink" shortcut across the Red Square. Turns out, wearing a big pink tutu in front of the Kremlin isn’t exactly considered 'fashionable’ back in 1873! All I heard were gasps and pointing fingers...Let’s just say, I made a swift exit on Magic Meg, leaving the 'pinkest of pink' cloud behind me!
A Ballet Treasure for My Collections
I love finding new and exciting ballet fashions wherever I go! On this trip, I spied an incredible ballet slipper shop filled with every type of ballerina shoe you could imagine. The owner told me about an intriguing custom of ballet shoes back then. A pair of slippers was said to hold a lucky charm – it could be a tiny piece of silk ribbon, a flower, a pressed four-leaf clover, or even a coin!
I managed to snag one of those slippers with the tiniest little pink pearl tucked into the toe. I can't wait to tell you all about this custom next time!
Time Travel Tips from a Pink Tutu Professional
Time travel can be exciting and unpredictable. Here’s my best advice: Remember, it's all about blending in, my darlings! In the world of 1873, those pink tutus weren't quite the fashion yet. It’s time for a little discreet disguise. My secret? My pink tutu stays safely tucked inside my magical backpack!
Have a fabulously pink day and don't forget - the world is waiting for your pink-tutu adventures!
