Hello my darlings, and welcome to another delightful jaunt through time with your favourite pink tutu-clad adventurer! This month, my beloved Magic Meg whisked me away to March 1991, a time bursting with balletic brilliance and the promise of Spring. My heart, already fluttering with anticipation, beat even faster as Meg, her golden hooves sparkling under the shimmering light of a time-bending sunrise, carried us towards a year ripe with dance delights.
And what delights they were! March 1991, oh my! I can barely contain myself just thinking about it! Picture it – the air still crisp with a hint of Winter, but the promise of sunshine and blossoming daffodils already in the air. The perfect setting for a flurry of balletic beauty, wouldn't you agree?
I made a bee-line for my favourite spot in London, the hallowed halls of the Royal Opera House. Imagine my delight when I found a ballet that had just opened – "Cinderella," choreographed by Frederick Ashton and set to the beloved score by Sergei Prokofiev. It was an absolute dream, with beautiful costumes that made my heart sing! Think swathes of soft tulle and glittering gowns fit for a princess. A touch of classic elegance, perfectly balanced with a touch of fairytale magic! The dancers, all light on their toes, embodied the innocence and grace of the fairy tale. I can practically feel the rush of excitement that filled the theater, every heart soaring with Cinderella's story.
And oh, the fashion! My pack overflowing with shimmering ballet trinkets, I simply had to pop into Liberty's to browse the latest fashions. I fell in love with a flowing emerald green dress, the colour of spring meadows, that would be perfect for a fancy night out with a dashing gentleman – one can dream, can't one?
As I strolled down Piccadilly, a symphony of elegant sounds and joyous music swirling around me, I couldn’t help but admire the stunning ballet shoes I spied in the windows of one particularly grand shop. A kaleidoscope of colour – blush pinks, shimmering golds, and velvety reds - they were enough to make any ballerina swoon! Perhaps I could find a place for one or two beauties in my collection, you know, for a touch of 1991 flair?
But the fun didn’t stop in London, dear friends! Magic Meg carried me away to Derbyshire, a county close to my heart. I wanted to see if there were any hidden ballet gems tucked away in the quiet villages. And wouldn't you know it? I discovered a delightful ballet school, full of happy children twirling and leaping with joy. They reminded me so much of myself when I was young, my heart brimming with a love for all things ballet. I sat amongst them, mesmerized, and caught the infectious excitement of learning the art of dance. It filled me with a feeling of pure joy, seeing these youngsters so captivated by the beauty of movement and artistry. I’m certain that, hidden among these youngsters, are future dance legends in the making.
And for those of you who know me well, you’ll be delighted to hear I found a wonderful vintage ballet costume in a quaint antique shop in the heart of Derbyshire. It's a shimmering pale pink creation, a real eye-catcher! Just imagine it on me, twirling gracefully in a vintage spotlight… I might even have to design my own tribute collection inspired by my latest discovery. It’s a perfect addition to my own growing collection of treasures, all tucked safely in my travel pack – reminders of balletic history, whispering tales of ballerinas past and future.
Of course, I couldn’t have a time travel adventure without experiencing some amazing theatre! The grand old dame of Nottingham Playhouse was calling me with its fascinating history and the chance to discover more about its balletic past. From the stunning set designs to the energy of the performers, the experience was truly captivating. I imagine this grand old dame was graced by so many other ballerinas before me – a humbling thought indeed. I couldn’t help but whisper to Meg that it’s a real shame she cannot talk. Just imagine what stories these walls could tell!
March 1991 - an absolute whirlwind of ballet-related joy, a beautiful reminder of the eternal dance of time. This month, dear friends, we danced through a landscape of history, of captivating performances and charming shops, but mostly, we journeyed through the heart of balletic artistry. We shared in the passion and the grace of a time full of dazzling performances, all waiting to be uncovered. And let's be honest, you wouldn't want to miss that for the world, would you?
Stay tuned for my next adventure, where Meg will be galloping through another month filled with wondrous balletic moments. Until then, do let me know what your favourite ballerina story is! Don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com to see more of my adventures. Remember, always keep twirling, darlings! And don't forget: there’s always a reason to put on a pink tutu.
Lots of love,
Emma x
