Darling dears!
Welcome back to my little corner of the internet! Today, I’m whisk you back in time – back to March the 3rd, 1948 – just imagine it! All those swirling skirts and starched petticoats! We're on our way to a fabulous performance, you see. A very special event that brought ballet to the forefront of the social scene – a ballet by the darling of the British dance world, Frederick Ashton, no less!
I’ve been saving this journey for quite a while – it’s like a glittering jewel in the crown of my ballet history travels, you know. Now, to get you in the mood, we need a most dashing outfit, right? Pink, of course, but this time we'll be bringing out my new taffeta tutu, a glorious shade of blush, and paired with a pearl-encrusted camisole – divine! For a touch of Victorian chic, I’ve added a delicate lace shawl, a wide-brimmed straw hat, and my signature sparkling ballet flats – a symphony in pink!
Oh, don't forget my lovely Magic Meg – she's pulling out all the stops for this adventure. She’s feeling quite elegant in a matching pink braided mane, complete with a ribbon bow. Isn’t she simply magnificent? Meg’s always on point – she knows my heart yearns for dance. So, now, onwards!
We’re trotting through a picturesque Derbyshire countryside - just like our lovely Peak District – but in a bygone era, naturally. The sun is shining on quaint villages, dotted with rosy brick houses and manicured lawns. There’s a distinct smell of coal smoke and fresh bread – oh, it's delightful!
Oh, darlings! Can you imagine? I’m on my way to the Royal Opera House in London! It was a magnificent affair, you know. A ballet premiere of The Birthday of the Infanta, based on Oscar Wilde's fairy tale, featuring a breathtaking performance by Moira Shearer and the esteemed Margot Fonteyn herself – an absolute legend in the world of ballet!
Frederick Ashton was the leading choreographer and director – a truly groundbreaking figure, whose work became renowned for its lightness and expressive elegance, quite charming, isn’t it? You can just feel the air crackle with anticipation – this was the event everyone was talking about!
Once we reached London, oh darling, what a delightful sight! The bustling streets – cobblestones echoing with the rhythmic click-clack of hooves – the hustle and bustle of shops with their window displays showcasing the latest fashions – all leading up to the grand majesty of the Royal Opera House! I mean, how divine is that?
Upon entering the Royal Opera House, my eyes practically popped out! The stage glittered like a thousand stars – there were crimson curtains, sparkling chandeliers – it was just breath-taking! And then there was the audience – fashionable ladies in their glamorous gowns and fine gentlemen in tuxedos – all captivated by the spectacle of ballet! It felt like a fairytale!
This was my moment – it’s no surprise that, after a little discreet unpacking of my travel backpack, I was quite a sight. I found my spot in the elegant balconies, perfectly nestled among a group of ballet enthusiasts dressed in the height of fashion, ladies of finest social standing, you see. My bright pink tutu caused quite the stir – and oh my, it felt just delightful! A bit of a spectacle but a very grand entrance, don't you think?
My heart skipped a beat! I was enthralled by the story unfolded in front of my very eyes, a breathtaking spectacle of color and emotion – it had me captivated and swept away! Moira Shearer danced with such grace and passion, as did Fonteyn, as though she were truly the Infanta, a graceful, captivating character trapped in a world where she couldn't bloom. The dance, the costumes, the music - it was simply beautiful!
Imagine! Watching Moira Shearer take the stage as the beautiful, innocent Infanta – such graceful, flowing movement! She practically shimmered under the stage lights and she brought a tenderness, a vulnerability that pulled at the heartstrings – an incredible display of emotional range and storytelling! Her portrayal truly evoked a sense of innocence and melancholy, trapped in a life that doesn’t belong to her. Simply heart-wrenching!
Darling, the costumes – what a triumph! Oh, such a dream of white lace and tulle – every stitch a masterpiece, so delicately crafted, evoking the exquisite delicacy and elegance of a bygone era! Each move of the ballerinas on stage was framed with intricate embellishment. And the way those pink shoes glistened – so beautifully done, I just felt like I needed a dozen of my own!
Afterwards, after a quick dance amongst the ballet enthusiasts and an array of scrumptious treats (pink champagne is just the thing after an incredible ballet experience!) I did a little bit of very elegant ballet shopping. I bought the most beautiful porcelain ballerina figure – a vision in pink with a shimmering skirt. And imagine! An authentic poster for "The Birthday of the Infanta" – so utterly stunning – the very essence of this delightful journey! Oh darling, I just had to share it all with you, of course!
But then, it was time for me to bid adieu. My adventure wasn't over – it was just starting, with many more time-hopping travels ahead of me! So, darling, off I trotted back to my dear Derbyshire, but it wasn't just any journey – I felt like a piece of ballet history nestled safely in my backpack – like the Infanta had somehow left her magic and grace on me!
And let's face it – the day was a perfect blend of history, art and pink fashion! Now, if only I could convince the Queen to take a few lessons from Ashton!
So until next month, dearest friends! Until we meet again, keep those tutus twirling and remember, the world is a stage, a magnificent, beautiful stage, filled with possibilities. Don't be afraid to explore and share the pink ballet magic!
See you all next month!
Your ever so fashionable ballet blogger, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
