Hello my lovely tutu-twirling friends! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travels! It's Emma here, your Derbyshire-born ballerina with a penchant for pink and a passion for all things ballet. July is here, and the air is buzzing with the anticipation of summer holidays and long, sunny evenings - perfect for a trip to the theatre!
This month, I've travelled back to the 7th of July 1977, and guess what? We're in Moscow, at the glorious Bolshoi Theatre! As you know, this is one of my absolute favourite places in the world for a ballet performance - the history, the grandeur, the talent… everything is just phenomenal.
Magic Meg, my sparkling shire horse with her golden hooves and snowy mane, took me through time in style - her pink sparkle matching my shimmering tulle tutu perfectly, of course! I'm a firm believer that a touch of pink elevates every journey.
And as always, my trusty leather rucksack is packed and ready for all the fabulous ballet-related stories and trinkets I find on my adventures. I can't wait to show you my new additions!
But first, let's talk about the magnificent performance I just witnessed. The Bolshoi, for this evening, was hosting none other than "Swan Lake." You all know this iconic ballet - the heartbreaking story, the exquisite music, and of course, the unforgettable role of Odette, the swan queen, and her dual persona, Odile, the seductive black swan. The sheer athleticism and emotional depth of the performance was breathtaking! It really reminded me why this is one of the most famous ballets in the world.
And I just have to talk about the costumes! Such stunning artistry and craftsmanship went into the creations for this ballet, the contrast between the soft whites and grays of the swans and the dramatic black of Odile. I couldn't resist snagging a little memento - a beautiful feather boa from the corps de ballet costumes. You just wait till I show you this in my next ballet-inspired fashion post!
Oh, but I nearly forgot! Before the performance, I took a wander through Moscow to experience a bit of everyday life in 1977. What a colourful spectacle it was! From the charming old trams to the stylish street fashion, it was a delightful journey back in time. Even the streets of Moscow in the '70s seemed to exude an aura of elegance!
So what else is going on in the world of ballet on this date? Well, a young ballet star named Mikhail Baryshnikov is about to embark on a thrilling new chapter in his life, joining the American Ballet Theatre - a move that will have a major impact on both American and Russian dance. I am incredibly excited to see his future accomplishments!
And then, there’s news from closer to home – my beloved Derbyshire! The local Derby Theatre is holding a community ballet class, a fantastic opportunity for aspiring dancers to learn the joys of this wonderful art form. You can imagine my heart overflowing with joy to see this happening!
But let's get back to Moscow and that incredible "Swan Lake" performance! I just had to sketch the breathtaking grand jeté, the heart-wrenching solo of Odette, and the mesmerising technical brilliance of the whole company. And you just wait, I'm thinking of using this for a new ballet-themed tote bag design!
I also discovered some charming shops in Moscow with delightful displays of old-fashioned ballet shoes and costumes. One particular pair of pointe shoes, crafted with soft, luxurious satin, will definitely make an appearance in my next fashion post. I absolutely love finding these beautiful treasures from the past.
One of the most charming discoveries of the evening, however, was a tiny, cozy café tucked away near the Bolshoi Theatre. They served the most delightful raspberry tea and poppy seed cake! This café was bursting with local chatter, giving me a glimpse into everyday life in 1977 Moscow. And don't you know it, they even had beautiful pink ballerina-themed napkins. You better believe I've added one to my collection for my website!
Remember, darling tutus, it's never too late to start learning ballet, whether you're six or sixty, or even if you're a time-traveling ballerina! If you're reading this from the future, let me know in the comments what ballet treasures you’ve found on your own journeys!
And until next month, keep twirling! Don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com for the latest fashion, ballet history, and time-traveling news! I promise to continue bringing you exciting adventures from the ballet world throughout history.
And most importantly, remember to wear your pink tutus proudly!
Yours truly,
Emma (The Pink Tutu Ballerina)
