Hello my lovely Tutu Twirlers! It's Emma here, your pink tutu-loving time traveller, back from another whirlwind adventure in the glorious history of ballet! Today, I'm going to whisk you all back to 12th December 1908, a date that marks a pivotal moment for ballet history!
My dear, sparkling shire horse, Magic Meg, pawed impatiently at the stable door, eager to whisk me through time. Her golden hooves gleamed, and her white mane and tail flowed in the wind, echoing the flutter of my pink tulle skirt. This month, Meg had her hooves set on taking me to the glittering heart of the Russian Ballet – and let me tell you, it was simply sensational!
The streets of St. Petersburg buzzed with excitement. It was the season for grand opera, grand ballets, and grand costumes! The atmosphere crackled with anticipation, and even the cobblestones seemed to twirl underfoot. With a twinkle in her eye, Magic Meg led me straight to the majestic Mariinsky Theatre, where a dazzling performance of "The Sleeping Beauty" was due to begin.
I could practically smell the grandeur of the occasion – the aroma of jasmine from the bouquets held by ladies with elaborate coiffures and the intoxicating fragrance of fresh linen from the men's formal attire. Even my leather rucksack – filled with precious ballet finds and tales from this time period – seemed to echo the splendour.
The performance itself was breathtaking! I found a seat in the orchestra stalls and gasped in awe at the choreography – the grace, the elegance, the sheer precision! The stage itself, alive with colours, lit the theatre with magic. It wasn't just a ballet; it was an epic spectacle, a dance that transported the entire audience to another realm, leaving me enthralled and mesmerized. Every move, every pirouette, every delicate pose brought a new gasp from the audience, and a contented nod of approval from my elegant self!
Afterwards, as the stars twinkled above St. Petersburg, I took in the post-show chatter. There was so much talk of "The Sleeping Beauty" - the dancers, the costumes, the music - and everyone was bursting with enthusiasm for ballet's extraordinary future. It felt so very clear that this was a pivotal moment in ballet history. A time where the artistry of Russian ballet had found a dedicated audience – and had truly come into its own.
Before I travelled back to my own time, I felt a sudden urge for a quick shopping spree, so we headed straight to one of the grandest emporiums in St. Petersburg, a haven for ladies seeking exquisite clothing, delicate silks, and of course, breathtaking shoes! I was just a little tempted by the delicate ballerina slippers, but instead, I bought myself a splendid pair of silk gloves and a pearl necklace that I imagine will go beautifully with my favourite pink tutu!
I’m always looking for ways to encourage more of us to embrace our inner ballerina, so I took a small stack of lovely pink tulle fabric for my Tutu-tastic Sewing Sessions back home. It's my way of inspiring people to feel confident, gorgeous and just a little bit more extraordinary - all in the comfort of their own pink tutus!
Remember my lovely tutu lovers, whether it's 1908 in St. Petersburg or 2023 in Derby, the world of ballet holds boundless inspiration, a vibrant passion, and an undeniable sense of beauty and wonder. The only thing more exciting than discovering the past is the thrill of seeing where ballet will take us all next!
Until next month, I hope you all are feeling extra-tutu-rific!
Yours with a twirl,
Emma
xx
