Hello my darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing time traveller, bringing you another installment from my fabulous adventures through ballet history! This month, I've journeyed to the magical world of November 11th, 1947, and let me tell you, it's been a whirlwind! 🌪️
Remember my trusty steed, Magic Meg? She’s a pink, shimmering shire with golden hooves and a mane and tail like spun sugar - she's perfect for navigating the temporal currents! And let's just say, Meg had her work cut out for her this trip! I was positively giddy as I rode towards the iconic Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow! I mean, everyone knows about the Bolshoi, right? It’s like the grand dame of ballet, steeped in history and legendary dancers. And on this particular date in 1947, the Bolshoi was set to perform “Giselle.” Now, darling, that’s not just any ballet, it’s a masterpiece! The tale of a young peasant girl, Giselle, deceived and driven mad by a nobleman disguised as a peasant. And the dancing? Breathtaking!
Before I set off to see the performance, I spent a little time getting my outfit right. I’ve got to admit, the Soviet Union wasn’t exactly known for its love of pink. But I made do! I managed to find a glorious scarlet satin bolero at a lovely little vintage boutique in the city - I imagine it had been in a theatre costume shop at one point. And when paired with my favourite pale pink tutu and a pair of sparkly ballet flats, I looked absolutely darling! I even found some gorgeous crimson gloves with a silver bow - absolutely divine! 💖
The Bolshoi theatre is just… magnificent. Imagine, my lovelies, opulent chandeliers twinkling, a deep, red plush curtain framing the stage, and the energy of anticipation rippling through the crowd. This place oozed history.
The ballet was breathtaking. I’d never witnessed the Bolshoi in all its glory before! Every movement was a testament to years of rigorous training, the leaps, the turns, the expressive faces – the dancers truly told the story through their movements.
And let's talk about the costumes, darling! The ethereal wispy fabric for Giselle’s ethereal character and the masculine elegance of the male dancers' attire were perfect. I could see how inspired Russian ballet designs were, with their flair for the dramatic and a touch of melancholic grandeur. I managed to nab a beautiful vintage Russian silk scarf from a street vendor – a lovely piece of 1940s style, wouldn't you say? It'll look positively divine with my winter coat this year!
It's amazing, isn't it? Even through time, the power of dance is universal. People might speak different languages and have different backgrounds, but the passion and artistry of ballet transcend all boundaries.
I've been collecting bits and bobs for my little collection from my travels, you know, little snippets of the stories and fashions of ballet. You should see the beautiful program from the performance I got at the Bolshoi. It's covered in beautiful calligraphy. I think it would be stunning framed on my ballet-themed wall at home! I'm definitely adding that to my leather backpack to bring home as a memento of my trip! It'll be the perfect talking point at my next ballet soirée.
Now, before I go, a little bit of ballet gossip, my darlings. Remember the famous ballerinas of the time? Galina Ulanova? Marina Semyonova? Those women were legends, darlings! And let me tell you, I wouldn't have missed their performance for the world. But I can’t give too much away… my lips are sealed! 😉 You'll just have to wait for my next blog to find out what exciting tidbits of ballet history I uncovered! And remember, darlings, life’s a performance! So wear your pink tutus with pride, and dance your way through every adventure! Until next time,
Bisous, Emma 💖
