Hello darling dancers! It's your favourite time-travelling ballerina, Emma, back with another fabulous trip through the annals of ballet history. This month, we're swirling back to the 11th of November, 1890, a date filled with so much elegant movement that it's practically begging for a pirouette!
This time, Magic Meg, my magnificent pink, sparkling Shire horse with the golden hooves and flowing white mane and tail, took me all the way to Vienna. Vienna, oh Vienna, the city of music and, believe it or not, some pretty spectacular ballet! I mean, let's face it, anything involving waltz music makes me want to twirl.
Imagine the excitement! A shimmering pink tutu twirling through the streets of Vienna, attracting stares and smiles. Everyone seemed to be getting ready for the opera.
My leather rucksack is packed, and I’m already adding the stories of today’s adventures. The streets are alive with people. Vienna really is such a charming city! I have to get a few shots with the cobblestone streets before I leave to share on my www.pink-tutu.com blog.
Now, on this glorious day in ballet history, 1890 saw an absolutely spectacular production by the Vienna State Opera. "La Camargo," a ballet in three acts and eight tableaux, is being premiered tonight, and you bet I got myself a prime seat. The beautiful story is centred around the life of famous 18th century ballerina Marie Camargo. What a glamorous and inspiring lady she must have been!
Let's chat a little bit about what made the performance so unique. The ballet was choreographed by one of the most acclaimed ballet masters of the time, Joseph Bayer. The music was by Johann Strauss Jr. Imagine! Ballet infused with the beautiful, enchanting waltzes of Strauss - it must have been utterly captivating!
And darling, the costumes...divine! We're talking lavish, intricate designs. The tutus are something else, flowing silk and gossamer gauze in shades of peach, rose and lavender - perfect inspiration for a ballerina’s next design!
The energy of the evening is palpable, every movement a whispered promise of a grand, romantic spectacle. The ballerinas move with such effortless grace and fluidity. Their bodies seem to sing, telling a story without needing a word to be spoken. It reminds me that every ballet is a form of silent poetry - pure emotion in every pirouette and every pas de bourrée.
After the performance, I, naturally, had to indulge in a spot of retail therapy. A lovely Parisian milliner named Suzanne's Millinery has the most exquisite feather boas and hats. My handbag has been updated to reflect Vienna chic! Imagine, pink tutus and Vienna - it really does blend.
I’m planning to pop over to London, to see a show at The Royal Opera House tomorrow - London’s theatre and ballet life is always a highlight of my time travelling. They have the best ballets, and London shops, well they are divine for sourcing a ballet skirt or two.
Until next month, remember darling, let’s keep the spirit of ballet alive, spreading joy and beauty everywhere we go. After all, life's a stage, and we're all destined to dance.
Until next month, remember darling, every move is a step toward your own happy ending. Now go out there and pirouette your way into a fantastic month!
XOXO
Emma, The Pink Tutu Time Traveller
www.pink-tutu.com
