Hello lovelies,
Welcome back to www.pink-tutu.com, your monthly dose of ballet history and dazzling pink! Today's adventure takes us right back to 6th June 1907. Can you believe it’s already been a whole month since I last travelled through time?!
It always feels like such a whirlwind when you travel through the decades – time seems to disappear and suddenly you're there, amongst all the swirling skirts, and bustling crowds. But this month was particularly exciting - and let me tell you, I just can't wait to share it all with you!
Oh, but before we delve into my ballet time travels, let’s talk tutus! I’m absolutely besotted with the new pink tulle I bought this week, and you just wouldn't believe the gorgeous shades of rose pink, blush and lavender, which I am just dying to pair with a new ribbon and diamante trim! Honestly, it just adds so much vibrance and charm to any ballet outfit! Just think: vibrant pink for dancing and twirling, with a sprinkle of sparkle - who wouldn’t love a touch of pink in their lives, right?!
So, my beautiful ballet bunch, let me share what I discovered during my little adventure. It was 1907 and it seemed as though the world of ballet was buzzing! There were several events taking place that very day, and the air was alive with excitement!
I arrived in a flurry of pink, my shimmering pink shire horse, Magic Meg, landing us softly amidst the crowd outside London’s Royal Opera House. It was a sweltering June evening, but despite the heat, everyone was dressed to the nines! Fancy feathered hats and flowing gowns were the order of the day – and all of course perfectly suited for a delightful evening of dance and music!
You wouldn’t believe it, but I found out the opera was premiering that evening, Elektra by Richard Strauss! It's a powerful, moving piece, filled with passion and drama – and to my delight, the ballet sequences within the opera featured a stunning pas de deux which was simply breathtaking! I tucked my precious notebook into my rucksack as I took it all in - I just have to bring a touch of this majestic opera into a new ballet show. The costumes were truly magnificent – a combination of lavishness and movement, and just the sort of visual drama I love! I even got to chat with a very kind lady who had a passion for ballet fashion, and she shared some fantastic stories with me about her own collection.
After enjoying the magnificent production, I felt the urge to immerse myself further into the world of ballet, and so, I decided to journey to Paris for a rather different performance, “L'Amour d’un Dieu.” I rode through the city at a brisk pace on Magic Meg - the Parisian streets a jumble of busy horse drawn carriages and even a few bicycles too - so daring! This show was more avant-garde, a daring departure from the classical traditions of the time. It incorporated new movements, expressive gestures and the idea of 'the dancer as an artist' resonated with me. This new vision of ballet made me ponder – who knows, perhaps this is the inspiration for the exciting choreographers of tomorrow!
And talking of choreographers - can you believe this incredible choreographer, Sergei Diaghilev, is working with the Ballets Russes. He has a new ballet, “Cleopatra” which he hopes to produce later in the year! Now I just can't wait to see that!
After soaking in all the Parisian energy, I travelled onward. This time, to the most breathtakingly beautiful Vienna. The Burgtheater - a breathtaking stage, with gilded chandeliers and plush seating. My evening was rounded off by watching the dancers at Vienna State Opera rehearse a stunning production of La Bayadère. Can you imagine! I can practically see those graceful pirouettes and impressive leaps now – Vienna has a magic of its own.
On a purely personal note, the experience of watching these diverse ballet events helped to solidify the power of dance – even amidst an ocean of change, it’s this sense of timelessness, a celebration of life itself that never wanes!
The choreographers of 1907 have helped to shape ballet into the captivating artform that we all know and love today. I felt so inspired by the innovations, creativity, and dedication which permeate the world of ballet.
I also spotted some wonderfully ornate ballet shoes on my journey - I tucked them carefully into my rucksack as a reminder of the past, alongside the fascinating tales I heard from other time travellers, which gave me insight into the historical evolution of ballet as a whole. I have already put these gems in my ballet story book which I’m writing.
Just a few parting words: let's continue to celebrate ballet in all its grandeur! And please, dear reader, if you find yourself drawn to ballet’s timeless grace and elegant form, remember that a little bit of pink can never hurt.
Keep dancing, Emma
P.S. My love for pink knows no bounds, and I'm simply brimming with ideas to inspire a vibrant ballet fashion movement. And what could be more fun than embracing a little pink with your favourite tutu?! Let's spread a little cheer, and remember the simple joy that a twirling pink tutu can bring!
P.P.S Don't forget to check out my ballet collection, which will feature pieces inspired by these historical ballet experiences - all coming soon, along with some beautiful new pink tutu designs, only at www.pink-tutu.com.
And remember to stay tuned for more pink ballet time travels! You can even write to me with your suggestions of historical moments, events, and ballet stories you'd like to hear about.
See you next month, dear ballet enthusiasts!
