Hello my lovelies! Emma here, back from another dazzling adventure through the realms of ballet history! This month, my pink tutu and I whisked ourselves off to the magical world of 19th-century Russia, specifically Moscow on the 12th of December, 1875. Buckle up, darlings, because you won't believe what we encountered!
As always, Magic Meg, my trusty pink shimmering Shire with the golden hooves and glorious white mane and tail, took me through time. My pink leather rucksack is filled with goodies this month: a beautiful vintage Russian ballet poster advertising "The Sleeping Beauty", some exquisite hand-painted fabric swatches and a little antique theatre programme – all precious finds!
Arriving in Moscow, it was like stepping into a fairytale! The air crackled with excitement. Tonight, my loves, we were off to the Bolshoi Theatre!
The Bolshoi Theatre was a sight to behold - all grandeur and glamour! We walked through snow-covered cobblestones, bundled in our furs and wools. I even popped my pink tutu beneath my long pink velvet cloak. Oh, wouldn’t it be divine if they had pink tutus here?! You know I’m secretly hoping to convince them all that a dash of pink wouldn't go amiss in their elegant world!
We reached the Theatre. Oh, it was so elegant! Grand pillars, beautiful red-carpeted staircases. The theatre was humming with the anticipation of a grand performance! Men in smart uniforms, ladies in their finery with beautiful feather boas, and just that magical air of excitement before a show… simply divine!
The Bolshoi, in the 1870s, was buzzing with a creative energy you could almost touch!
I peeked at the programme for tonight – a double bill! The first piece was by a talented young Russian dancer, Sergei Legnani. Now, this talented young man was something special! His style was fiery, passionate, full of breathtaking leaps and dramatic gestures. My rucksack, already bulging with goodies, acquired a copy of a newspaper article about this incredibly talented dancer – he must have been so popular! It was exciting to see the roots of Russian ballet in full swing, all the fire and brilliance of these early innovators!
Following the young Legnani's dazzling performance was "Le Lac des Cygnes", known as "Swan Lake" to us modern-day ballet fans. Now, this masterpiece, choreographed by none other than Marius Petipa! You simply can't get much grander, can you?
The music swirled around the theatre, the dancers floated like graceful birds – an enchantment! I was lost in the story of Odette, the swan princess, transformed by a cruel spell! My heart thrummed along with the romantic theme, and I swear I caught a glimpse of Prince Siegfried’s heart skip a beat as he danced with the lovely ballerina, Odette!
I was mesmerised! The artistry, the precision, the sheer drama of it all. You know I’m never quite sure how to handle the emotional tug of a well-executed ballet! Tears welled up, and a happy little sigh escaped my lips.
I know many of you may think I’m bonkers to travel through time, all for the love of ballet! And you may think, Emma, why pink tutus?
Oh, my sweet readers, the joy and beauty that ballet evokes is a gift. It's a story whispered in movement, a symphony of emotions danced out on the stage. Ballet inspires dreams, opens hearts, and tells stories we all know deep within. A world without a sprinkle of pink tutus? It simply wouldn't do, darling!
And as the lights dimmed after a magnificent performance and the applause thundered through the Bolshoi Theatre, I was filled with such delight! Ballet is a magic you can touch and feel! And every moment of this journey, from the journey on Magic Meg's back, to the bustle of the Bolshoi, to those incredible dancers and that magnificent music… it's truly all just beautiful.
My dearest readers, thank you for joining me on this journey back in time! Until next month, may your dreams be filled with the grace of ballet and the sparkle of pink!
Your devoted Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
