Hello my lovelies,
It's your favourite time travelling tutu-wearing blogger, Emma, back with another thrilling adventure from the depths of ballet history. This month, I'm taking you back to a date that holds a special place in my heart: 11th November, 1990.
Buckle up, darling, as we ride Magic Meg, my shimmering pink Shire horse with hooves like gold, and hooves like gold, and white mane and tail like clouds. Meg is the epitome of elegance and strength, perfect for our journeys across time and space. We’re heading towards Vienna, Austria, the heart of ballet history, and the day I’m most looking forward to… The day I see The Sleeping Beauty at the Vienna State Opera!
The sun was shining on a crisp autumn day as we arrived in the cobblestone streets of Vienna. This magical city truly transports you back in time with its grand buildings and elegant squares. You can almost hear the waltzes of the Strauss family echoing through the streets!
But today, it’s ballet that’s calling us, and we’re eager to take in all the fabulous fashion and exquisite artistry of the Vienna State Opera House. This iconic venue has a history rich with ballet's greatest moments. My trusty leather rucksack, strapped firmly to my back, is ready to soak in every piece of history. I already feel the air crackle with anticipation!
The Opera House itself was dazzling. I was swept away by its grandeur, it’s so classic. Just looking at the plush red seats in the theatre makes my heart flutter. Oh, to be here on opening night!
However, the true star of the show was about to take the stage, none other than the illustrious Rudolf Nureyev! Now, for those of you new to the wonderful world of ballet, Rudolf was, and still is, a legendary dancer, considered one of the greatest in history. His performances were nothing short of spellbinding, a perfect blend of technical skill and sheer artistry. My grandmother used to call him the 'king of the swans'!
As I took my seat and the curtain rose on The Sleeping Beauty, the ballet unfolded in a breathtaking tapestry of beauty and emotion. I was lost in the fairytale world of Aurora, the Sleeping Beauty, the Evil Fairy, Carabosse, and of course, her true love, Prince Désiré. Each intricate movement and expressive gesture sent a thrill through me. The graceful waltzes, the poignant drama, and the explosive grand pas de deux, truly encapsulated the artistry of ballet at its very finest.
Nureyev, a vision of grace and strength as Prince Désiré, danced with an elegance and intensity that was truly mesmerising. Each pirouette, each leap, and each delicate gesture spoke volumes without a single spoken word. As the music soared and the stage lit up with vibrant colours, the magical world of Tchaikovsky’s ballet wrapped me in its enchanting spell. It was a ballet performance like no other! I swear I saw tears in the eyes of some of the audience - I nearly cried myself, such a beautiful moment in ballet history.
My heart felt as full as my trusty rucksack! Today I’d filled it with treasures of ballet history - A programme from the Vienna State Opera House with the signature of Rudolf Nureyev himself! I couldn't wait to take it back to the present and share it with my ballet students, they will be so jealous!
Oh, but what else was happening on the 11th of November, 1990, in the world of ballet?
In America, The New York City Ballet, always the heart of classic and modern, was performing "Concerto Barocco," choreographed by George Balanchine, a ballet known for its powerful, innovative movement. This company was the brainchild of George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein and truly shaped modern ballet as we know it today. What a gem.
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, the Royal Ballet, here in the UK, was enchanting audiences with their enchanting "Romeo and Juliet" choreographed by Kenneth MacMillan. This timeless masterpiece truly captures the passion, the drama, and the eternal tragedy of Shakespeare's classic. Such heart-wrenching, poetic, and intense performance. I hope to travel back to a time when I can watch this masterpiece live. You could see why it remains a favorite all these years later.
And not to be forgotten, The Royal Danish Ballet was captivating audiences in Copenhagen with their production of "The Nutcracker", bringing this seasonal ballet to life with a breathtaking performance that had audiences feeling festive! I must try to visit the Royal Danish Ballet - I heard it’s one of the oldest ballet companies in the world!
But my time in the past is nearly over, so I'll be off back to the present! I can’t wait to tell my friends and family about all of these exciting ballet happenings. It's truly a privilege to get to share these moments of ballet history with you, my lovely readers! And remember, we are all princesses of our own fairytale stories, so grab your pink tutus, embrace the magic, and keep your hearts filled with the joy of ballet.
Until next month,
Your favourite time travelling ballerina blogger,
Emma
Don't forget to check out my other ballet adventures on www.pink-tutu.com.
Have you ever been to the Vienna State Opera House? What is your favourite ballet?
Tell me all about it in the comments below!
P.S: I’m giving away a signed programme from Rudolf Nureyev’s performance to one lucky follower who shares their favourite ballerina memory! How wonderful would it be to own a signed programme by the most amazing dancer of his generation? All you need to do is like, share, and leave a comment on this post.
