Dearest fellow tutu enthusiasts,
How's everyone doing? Me? I'm absolutely buzzing after another spectacular time travel adventure! It's been ages since I've visited 1937, and let me tell you, this time it was just as wonderful as I remembered!
But first, a quick update for those who might be new to my little blog, "Pink Tutu". This space is dedicated to the pure magic of ballet – its history, its fashion, its performance – and of course, my own adventures through time, made possible thanks to my faithful steed, the dazzling, pink-sparkling Shire, Magic Meg! (I think you’ll agree, her hooves have that shimmer and shine only found in fairy tales!)
As you know, I've always been obsessed with pink – especially pink tutus. What's more magical than swirling around the stage in a beautifully layered, flowing, pink creation? And my mission? To get the world wearing pink tutus! That’s my life’s work, and I wouldn’t have it any other way! I even fund my adventures with ballet performances. It’s a delicate balance between travelling, teaching and showcasing my own choreography. It’s hard work, but it’s so fulfilling.
But back to 12th December, 1937! Oh, my darlings, the moment Magic Meg and I arrived, the streets were alive with the festive spirit of Christmas! It was like stepping into a classic, romantic, old-fashioned film! The streets were lit up, shop windows twinkling with dazzling decorations, and carol singers filled the air with beautiful music. You could practically smell the festive spirit everywhere!
Of course, being a time-travelling ballerina, I headed straight to the theatre to find out what was on. 1937 was a whirlwind for ballet, especially in London, which is where I usually start my explorations.
I saw the Royal Ballet at the Covent Garden Opera House showcasing "Giselle." It was a beautiful production, and the dancers moved with such incredible grace. Oh, to have been a part of that cast! However, "Giselle" isn’t my favourite ballet, I must admit. It's quite a dark and dramatic piece, though the music and choreography are brilliant.
Another incredible performance in London was "The Sleeping Beauty." Now, that's more like it! There’s so much beautiful work in this story! So much of it was the brainchild of the brilliant Russian ballerina and choreographer Marius Petipa, a master of classic ballet. There is, of course, also Tchaikovsky's absolutely stunning score. He always understood how music and movement could blend so beautifully. I'd love to have had a conversation with him and learnt all his secrets.
There were also a plethora of other beautiful, delicate and moving pieces I took in during that time. And if there is one thing you can be sure of, a good ballet performance is a must when time-travelling.
Speaking of magic, after all this ballet excitement, I popped into Harrods, which was a department store with some wonderful displays. It seemed every department had a dazzling show put on to get people into the Christmas mood. You couldn't walk down the street in London, without being immersed in Christmas joy! The Christmas lights! The delicious scents from bakeries – just everything was incredible. Oh, the world was so well-dressed! I do wish those beautiful 1937 fashions hadn’t gone out of style.
I even spotted the first use of what would later be called ‘The Harrods Reindeer’ on the back of a Harrods lorry! That's right, ladies and gentlemen, this magnificent Christmas tradition has roots right here! A giant reindeer in all its glory. This image is burned forever in my mind. They look a bit cheesy nowadays, but this was special, almost a vision!
But of course, no trip is complete without filling up my rucksack with incredible memories and historical goodies to add to my ever-growing ballet collection. You won't believe what I discovered – an exquisite book on the history of ballet fashion! The details on those dresses, the craftsmanship… a true piece of art, it was.
And who do you think is featuring on the cover?
None other than Anna Pavlova. A dancer of extraordinary talent, graceful as a butterfly and as powerful as a storm. The absolute queen of classical ballet in my opinion!
Oh, and did I tell you about the wonderful tea party I attended with a group of charming ladies wearing fabulous ballgowns, sipping tea and discussing the newest ballet releases? The joy of their infectious laughter, their passionate talks about ballet – I feel blessed to be a part of this worldwide ballet community. It makes those moments of loneliness on the road a bit easier.
I must stop there. There's so much more I could share! The excitement! The thrill! But you’ll just have to wait for my next post where I'll tell you all about my adventures.
Stay stylish, beautiful, and never be afraid to embrace your inner pink tutu!
With much love and pink sparkle,
Emma xx
P.S. Be sure to check out the beautiful world of pink ballet on my website, www.pink-tutu.com. And do remember, a little pink goes a long way!
