Hello my darling ballet bunnies! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, and welcome to another edition of my monthly Pink Tutu Time Travels. Today, my dears, we're whisking ourselves away to the 11th of November, 1985 - a date bursting with ballet brilliance! I'm wearing my new bubblegum pink tulle tutu with silver star accents and a sparkly tiara to match. And wouldn't you know it, Magic Meg is looking simply fabulous today in her matching pink silk halter! We are a truly spectacular team.
As you all know, I've been on a mission lately, touring ballet's greatest eras - collecting stories, dazzling in costumes, and spreading the love of ballet, all the while hoping to inspire the world to don a pink tutu. So hop aboard Magic Meg, my dears, we're about to embark on a journey that will take us from the opulent Parisian stages to the heart of American dance.
First stop - Paris! Today's ballet scene is buzzing with excitement as the Parisian Opera Ballet, under the direction of the legendary Rudolf Nureyev, presents their production of "La Bayadère". Oh, darling, you can just imagine the spectacle! Those glorious costumes, the captivating choreography - it's pure magic. Nureyev is captivating audiences with his athleticism and emotional power, and his "Golden Idol" scene is absolutely mesmerising. And you know me, I've already tucked a precious memory of this dazzling performance safely in my rucksack.
While we're in Paris, I just had to stop at the world-renowned La Boutique du Danseur on Rue de Rivoli. The window display was just stunning, a cascade of tulle and lace with sparkling diamonds. I must confess, I succumbed to the allure and bought a little something for myself - a pair of ruby-red satin ballet slippers with a silver bow. Pure Parisian elegance!
Our next stop - a bit of a hop across the Atlantic - we're headed to New York City, darling! Here, at the Metropolitan Opera, we find Mikhail Baryshnikov and his American Ballet Theatre. Can you imagine? These two icons in one theatre! Mikhail is a breathtaking dancer - a master of elegance and athleticism. Today's program features a masterpiece by Twyla Tharp, her bold and vibrant "In the Upper Room". Tharp, a trailblazer in American contemporary dance, really throws a new light on ballet, and I’m so eager to feel the energy and emotion of her choreography. I have the most exquisite program booklet in my rucksack, my darlings.
In the Big Apple, there's so much to explore - I simply have to visit Capezio. Oh my goodness, the variety! I'm looking for a chic little handbag, just the right size for a tutu and tiara - after all, a ballerina can never be caught off guard! And speaking of stylish touches, we're in for a treat - it's Fashion Week in New York City! Now, that means bold fashion statements and innovative trends - perfect inspiration for a little tutu revamp!
Now, while New York's buzzing with excitement, a short ride on Meg's magic will take us back to the calm English countryside, where the dance world has something special planned too! This November 11th, my home of Derbyshire, England, welcomes the Royal Ballet Touring Company at the Derby Assembly Rooms! Oh, the magic! It's such a delight to experience world-class dance right on your doorstep. Today they’re presenting a wonderful program including some traditional classics like "Coppelia". This story about a delightful doll who is mistaken for a real woman and a love-stricken young man is just charming. I already have a picture of myself in my own little Coppelia costume with a tiny ballerina doll - I simply have to create a Coppelia look for next month’s blog!
So you see, darling ballet bunnies, it’s a whirlwind of ballet brilliance! Whether you’re in Paris, New York or the beautiful English countryside, this November 11th, 1985, promises to be an extraordinary day for dance lovers!
Until next month, remember to keep dancing, keep shining, and most importantly, wear that pink tutu with pride! It’s a celebration of all things beautiful and captivating, and I, for one, can't wait to see where my pink tutu takes me next month!
With love and pirouettes,
Emma xx
