Hello my dearest tutu-loving lovelies! It's Emma here, back with another thrilling time travel adventure, just for you! 💫 This month, we're waltzing our way back to the year 1995, a year bursting with ballet brilliance, where the pink tutu really was the centre of the dance universe.
As always, I'm whisked through time on the back of Magic Meg, my dazzling pink-sparkling shire horse, with her golden hooves and white mane that flows like a tulle curtain in the wind. She's absolutely the most elegant steed a time-travelling ballerina could ask for.
Now, let's jump into the vibrant ballet scene of March 1995. It was a time when the world was buzzing with groundbreaking choreographies and mesmerising performances, so grab a cup of tea (or a pink mocktail!), and get ready to twirl through time!
A Trip to New York...And a Ballet Dream Come True!My first stop was New York City, the dazzling capital of the dance world. On this date, a new production was opening at the American Ballet Theatre. It was "The Sleeping Beauty", a classic ballet retold with breathtaking artistry, featuring a stunning new production designed by the talented David Hofs and a specially commissioned score by Peter Moulder. It was an absolute dream come true to watch, and a brilliant example of how ballet can be continually reimagined while remaining faithful to its roots. I even snuck into the back of the theatre to get a little closer to the action - and I snagged some beautiful costume sketches that now adorn my rucksack.
I always feel a pang of excitement and wonder when I see how passionately people still believe in the magic of ballet, and in 1995 New York was just buzzing with it!
From Broadway to London: Following the Footprints of a Legendary DancerAfter my New York escapade, Magic Meg galloped me across the ocean to London, the birthplace of my favourite tutus, where I followed the career path of a truly legendary figure in ballet history.
"Sylvie Guillem". What a name! This remarkable ballerina was truly captivating, so expressive and elegant. She graced the world stage in many ballets but this time I was lucky enough to catch her in a breathtaking performance of "Le Spectre de la Rose", showcasing her grace and athleticism to their full potential.
After the show, I snuck backstage, mesmerized by the energy and excitement backstage (the rush of a grand performance never fades) and snagged a souvenir programme! I adore all those little handwritten dedications that give us a peek into the ballet world!
A Touch of Romance in Paris and the Beauty of "Cinderella"Our final stop in 1995 took us to Paris, the city of romance. Imagine twirling along the streets, feeling the city's history, and finally, the moment I'd been waiting for: the grand opening of "Cinderella"! It was a pure, elegant production of the classic story, complete with sparkling costumes, exquisite set designs, and a beautiful rendition of the beloved Prokofiev score. It was just magical, a classic fairy tale with a contemporary twist.
The Paris Ballet is such a dynamic group, always innovating and finding new ways to captivate the audience! It is just what inspired my love of tutus and I always adore a chance to soak up Parisian ballet energy.
A Final Twirl... and Back to DerbyshireI admit, my lovelies, I am so full of balletic inspiration from this trip, but the call of Derbyshire calls me home. Magic Meg and I are soaring through the air, my leather rucksack full of ballet treasures, ready to share more with you all in the next post!
But before we go, a little thought-provoking question for you all: What's your favourite balletic time period? Let me know in the comments, and don't forget to keep those pink tutus twirling!
Keep dancing, Emma 💖 🩰
