Hello, darling tutu enthusiasts! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels, where every month we hop on Magic Meg, my fabulous pink sparkling shire horse with those glorious golden hooves and magnificent white mane and tail, and whisk ourselves back to a dazzling era of ballet history!
Today's adventure takes us back to the 11th November, 1911, a day bursting with theatrical delights. Imagine it, lovelies - the scent of theatre perfume hanging in the air, the excited whispers of anticipation before the curtain rises, and the grandeur of a bygone era.
But first, darling dears, I have to tell you all about my fabulous new pink tutu. I found it nestled amongst the costumes of a travelling ballet company in, oh my! - the 1920s. Can you imagine my excitement? It's just the most gorgeous shade of bubblegum pink with swathes of exquisite tulle. Honestly, it’s going to be the absolute star of my next show at the Derbyshire Dance Studio. Speaking of which, it's been a flurry of rehearsals and fittings as I gear up for my biggest performance yet! But don't you worry, my lovelies, you'll be the first to hear all about it. After all, it's only fair to you for supporting Pink Tutu Travels, without whom I'd be lost in a whirlwind of time and sequins! And what is ballet without an audience? I'm truly humbled by the amount of love and support you give me and, honestly, my dazzling performances wouldn’t be half as delightful without your cheers.
Back to our trip! We arrived in 1911, and oh my! The air was alive with excitement, what with the unveiling of the famous Shakespeare Memorial Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon. You can bet your last bobby pin that we hopped in the carriage, took in the grand architecture and indulged in a proper afternoon tea, complete with the finest cucumber sandwiches and lashings of clotted cream, just like they would have in the time period. Speaking of which, wouldn't it be divine to have afternoon tea every day, darlings? Oh, what a dream!
But before the sugar rush overtook us, we were whisked back to the heart of London's bustling theatre scene. It was simply exhilarating to see a matinee performance of "The Last Waltzes," a beautiful romantic ballet. They were just so passionate! Even I, the Pink Tutu Queen herself, had goosebumps throughout. The story of forbidden love was enchanting, and the graceful steps had me practically waltzing in my seat. It reminded me of those beautiful ballets from the early 20th century – with those exquisite costumes, long flowing gowns, and dramatic, sweeping movements. They just don't make them like they used to, do they?
Did you know, darlings, that a new school, the Royal Academy of Dancing was established in 1911! That’s truly inspiring and reminds us just how influential ballet is across the globe, making such a profound mark on art and culture for years and years. Honestly, it was delightful to be surrounded by such vibrant creativity and see ballet flourishing. And what a delight to be witness to a time when ballerinas and danseur's were all the rage, so perfectly elegant with their classical ballet moves.
We even stumbled upon a fashion shop bursting with delightful frills and elegant garments – you know, the kind you see on ballerinas in old movies. Can you imagine the thrill, darlings? I simply had to grab a few things to bring back to my own wardrobe. Just think, I'll be wearing a little piece of ballet history at my next recital!
And for those of you looking to elevate your own tutu game, I've got some insider fashion tips! Imagine yourself in the grand halls of the 1911 ballet, draped in velvet gowns with exquisite embroidery, your pink tutu flowing beautifully behind you. Now that's a truly delightful thought.
We were a little sad to say goodbye to this glamorous era but we promise, my darling ballet-loving readers, we’ll be back again next month to another delightful dance through time. But before I sign off, do remember to hop onto the website www.pink-tutu.com to read about more exciting ballet happenings. And if you haven’t joined us for a ballet class at the Derbyshire Dance Studio, you’re really missing out. Let me know you're there and we can spin around in the pink-tutu world!
Until next time, keep shining, keep dancing and of course... stay pink!
With a twirl and a flourish,
Emma
xxx
