Hello darling dears! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing time traveller, and welcome to another captivating journey through ballet's dazzling past!
It's the 11th of November, 1959. Today, I'm posting from the heart of London, where the air buzzes with the excitement of a new ballet season. My rucksack is already brimming with stories from my latest trip. This time, I’m riding on a wave of elegance, with the ethereal shimmer of tutus and the poignant beauty of the most captivating ballets in the world.
Before we delve into the whirlwind of ballet that’s taking over the London stage, let me tell you a little about my arrival. You see, the beauty of time travel, especially when you’re using the enchanting Magic Meg (my gorgeous pink, sparkling shire horse, with those golden hooves and flowing mane, a real head-turner!), is that I can go practically anywhere, anytime. Today, I decided on the iconic Royal Opera House, bathed in golden sunlight. Stepping off Meg's shimmering back, my pink tutu swirling around my ankles, I could practically smell the history emanating from those grand doors.
Right now, it's the beginning of the Royal Ballet's 1959-1960 season and the London theatre world is buzzing with anticipation. From the first pirouette of "Giselle" to the dazzling finalé of "The Nutcracker", I've had the pleasure of watching every show! I can still feel the electrifying energy that courses through the theatre whenever a ballerina leaps gracefully across the stage or a powerful dancer spins with dizzying brilliance.
Let's jump straight into what’s got the city of London talking about ballet – and there’s a lot going on! The most recent premiere is a performance of Frederick Ashton's “Cinderella”, a truly enchanting interpretation of the beloved fairy tale. You see, Frederick Ashton is, to my mind, a genius choreographer, creating innovative dances with both captivating movement and powerful storytelling. "Cinderella", like Ashton’s other works, combines technical mastery and heart-wrenching emotional depth, the result is simply breathtaking. You can really feel his passion in each step, each delicate lift, and each soaring arabesque.
And speaking of ballerinas… you have to hear about Margot Fonteyn! A truly magnificent dancer with a breathtakingly beautiful technique, she’s truly a sight to behold! You know how much I love ballet, and watching Fonteyn on stage is, quite frankly, a gift from the heavens! Her moves are ethereal, her expression hauntingly poignant, and her skill absolutely incredible. It is no surprise that her artistry is hailed as one of the most brilliant displays of classical dance of the 20th century.
The Royal Ballet isn't the only ballet company attracting attention in London. Just a stone's throw from the Royal Opera House, at Sadler's Wells Theatre, The London Ballet is in full swing, presenting an inspiring revival of “The Sleeping Beauty”, a true testament to the brilliance of Marius Petipa. If you want a visual treat, a performance of “The Sleeping Beauty” is definitely a must-see. The costumes are lavish, the staging incredibly intricate, and the choreography simply enchanting. I couldn’t help but catch a couple of shows myself – each one more captivating than the last!
I haven't even mentioned the thrilling "Swan Lake" or the captivating "Don Quixote"! Oh my! Each one offers a distinct narrative and unique aesthetic, a symphony of storytelling through the language of movement. It’s hard to pick a favourite because each ballet holds a piece of my heart. From the romanticism of “Giselle” to the vibrant energy of "Don Quixote", ballet continues to mesmerise and transport me to another world.
Of course, London is buzzing with excitement. My dear friend Daphne and I managed to nab tickets to "Swan Lake", an absolute classic that never fails to capture hearts. With each performance, you witness the pinnacle of artistry – beautiful dancing, dazzling costumes, and captivating stories brought to life by exceptional ballerinas. I found myself captivated by the expressive artistry of ballerinas and the pure brilliance of the entire cast. The passion for ballet is palpable in every dancer on the stage. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so much joy and skill in one show!
Now, it’s time for a little retail therapy. Covent Garden Market is teeming with delightful boutiques showcasing the latest fashions in dresses, scarves, hats and gloves. There’s even a wonderful millinery store bursting with feathers and velvet, just calling out to be transformed into the most divine hats. While there's no shortage of fabulous pink options, I must confess, today I was drawn to a shimmering silver hat adorned with sparkling sequins - it simply screamed "I’m the most fabulous ballerina you've ever seen".
I have a feeling that I'm going to be spending much of my time exploring this fabulous city of London, but for now, it's time to bid you adieu. I hope this little peek into the world of ballet in 1959 has delighted your inner dancer, my darling dears.
Don't forget, the website www.pink-tutu.com is updated monthly with new blog posts just like this one. Until next time, happy dancing, and never forget, life is too short not to wear a pink tutu!
