Darling readers! How lovely to have you joining me for another trip through time in the time machine that is Magic Meg! My pink shire horse is practically brimming with excitement for this journey, just as much as I am. It’s the 1st of January, 1888 and the first trip of the new year – and wouldn’t you know it, we’re taking a trip to the lovely, vibrant, and altogether gorgeous world of the London stage!
It’s a grand day to begin our time travelling adventures, don’t you think? New year, new stories, new experiences – what better way to welcome the year than to find out what's happening in the ballet world! And wouldn’t you know it, London's just bursting at the seams with exciting things.
We'll be landing at the Royal Opera House, because of course we are – what other stage could be grander or more historically important? You can just picture it, darling! It's a veritable fairy tale land in here – beautiful chandeliers hanging down, velvet curtains waiting to reveal enchanting tales of movement and grace, the soft hushed chatter of the audience. Pure magic.
A London Theatre Trip
Today, dear readers, it’s The Esmeralda, the magnificent ballet that's setting London alight. I’ve seen snippets, read the reviews, and frankly, darling, it’s an absolute riot! Imagine – an absolutely charming story with the delightful melodies of Leo Delibes. And we have beautiful sets, intricate costuming (do we have a ballet theme in pink yet? My search for a good excuse to wear pink to this show continues – but never fear! I will be sure to post my thoughts on it to pink-tutu.com) and dazzling performances from the legendary, lovely, absolutely stunning, Virginia Zucchi. I simply must have one of her outfits – her tutus are so chic.
But my darlings, the Esmeralda isn't the only treat waiting for us tonight! For all those who love a more modern spin on classic stories, the Empire Theatre is offering up a vibrant rendition of Giselle starring that darling Marie Taglioni. Oh, how I do love a bit of Marie – her work is simply perfection. The Empire promises a bit more pizzazz and modernity – it's the first year they're actually having a season for ballets, rather than their usual focus on opera.
What do I love about both these places? Not just the ballerinas – I always loved those little girls who twirled on their toes. I mean, how adorable are they? (Perhaps some of my darlings will send their own little dancers into a bit of pink tutus?) I love that The Esmeralda and Giselle represent so much in the world of ballet. They are both classical masterpieces, but each show carries with it its own flavour – they tell us so much about where ballet came from and how the stories of dance change with time.
My leather rucksack is already overflowing with sketches, programmes, and notes about everything we see in London's bustling ballet world. I’ll be sharing everything in detail later this month! You wouldn't want to miss all the juicy backstage tidbits from both the Royal Opera House and the Empire, my dear readers.
Time Travel in a Pink Tutu
Do you know, darling, I've got an interesting observation about time travel: pink seems to really help people embrace the past and future together! The locals at the Royal Opera House are more open to conversation and questions about the history of ballet with me. I wonder, it could be that the pink brings a feeling of joy and fun! There is something about my pink tutus, they help bring the people I meet together for the love of a good dance!
Now, dear readers, I’ve already said far too much about our time travels – I’d hate to spoil all the exciting surprises awaiting us! Magic Meg and I are preparing to set off into the world – who knows what exciting new ballet discoveries we'll find! The only thing that’s certain is a delicious spread of cake from Fortnum & Mason as a grand ending to our time in London. They simply make the most perfect afternoon tea for a travelling ballerina!
See you all next month when I spill the beans on more fun from the past, darling readers! And remember, keep your ballet shoes dusted!
With all my love, Emma xoxo
www.pink-tutu.com
