Hello my darling tutu-twirling darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travels! This month, we're heading back to February 2nd, 1954, a time when the world was buzzing with excitement about the Bolshoi Ballet's Giselle performance. I just had to see it! I'm a complete sucker for a classic, especially when it's a performance of that caliber.
Remember last month, when I mentioned I was feeling a bit lost with the contemporary world of ballet, how everything felt too rushed, too...intense? Well, hopping back to 1954 definitely put my mind at ease! You know, the beauty of time travel isn't just about experiencing history, it's also about gaining perspective on your own time.
So, here we are in Moscow, standing right outside the Bolshoi Theatre. Let me tell you, there's a kind of magic that emanates from this place. And I, with my trusty, pink sparkling steed Magic Meg by my side, couldn't wait to get inside. Her pink satin saddle felt especially comfy on this crisp, clear evening, and the moonlight just seemed to shimmer on her golden hooves!
Now, 1954 is definitely not the year to leave your fancy hat at home! Fashion back then was about elegance, about showcasing a bit of your personality with flair. I had my trusty pink leather rucksack filled with a few new treasures. For this occasion, I went with a feather-trimmed cloche hat with my signature pink feather boa.
The theatre was buzzing, all eyes turned to me and Meg - well, let's be honest, everyone was watching the sparkly horse more than the human, but I'm used to it. She's quite the showstopper. The interior was grand, opulent even, and the atmosphere crackled with anticipation. My heart was pounding in my chest - a mix of excitement and the fear of the unknown. I mean, I'd only ever read about these ballets!
The show itself was breathtaking. The Bolshoi company performed with such grace and emotion, their every move seemed to tell a story, making even the smallest detail feel incredibly powerful. They took their time, too, not one of those flash-bang shows of today that are over before they’ve even begun! The sets, the costumes - simply dazzling! And the choreography, so fluid, so expressive - my goodness, you just can't find this kind of storytelling in contemporary ballet anymore.
My leather rucksack is a bit heavier after the performance, filled with photos, playbills, even a snippet of the Bolshoi's "Giselle" soundtrack, which, I am assured, has just arrived on a new "vinyl record" device. How cool is that? And there’s a real silk scarf that's a beautiful pink and will be looking divine as part of my "Ballet Scarf" collection back in my Derbyshire flat. It was practically a riot getting on board with Meg to leave because she attracted quite the audience, people were asking where she’d gone to! I told them, with a sly wink, “Oh, that's Magic Meg, a magical steed with a love for the ballet!” The crowd giggled! You see, it’s the excitement that keeps me going!
As I write this from the cozy comfort of my London hotel room (don’t tell my parents about that… they think I’m just going to watch ballet performances - the money from them goes towards keeping my pink tutu beautiful and Meg's feed!) I'm reminded why I travel through time: the magic of it all! It's those moments where I find myself swept up in the enchantment of the past. Seeing the passion, the raw beauty, of a 1954 Giselle show is what keeps me going, my little tutuing heart all aflutter!
So, fellow dancers, I'll leave you with this thought: if you get the chance, see a classic ballet performance. Let yourself get lost in the story, feel the emotion, and discover a beauty you thought had been lost to time. And who knows, maybe it’ll inspire you to take up a pink tutu, too! Remember: my motto is - pink is ALWAYS the right choice, and it can change your life for the better!
Until next month, my dears,
Emma
(p.s. don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com for a chance to win my hand-painted "Giselle" ballerina pin. But you'll have to wait till tomorrow because it’s still too late to post this blog!)
