#BalletHistory during 1995 12

Hello my darling dears! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where pink tutus reign supreme and time travel is just another Tuesday. Today we're skipping back to December 1995, a time of glittery Christmas lights, steaming mugs of hot chocolate, and, of course, ballet!

As you all know, my mission in life is to spread the joy of ballet, the exquisite elegance of the pink tutu, and, most importantly, the captivating magic of time travel. And what better way to do all that than to whisk you off on a whirlwind adventure to the ballet world of 1995?

Let's saddle up, darlings, Magic Meg is pawing the ground, eager to set off. My loyal, shimmering pink Shire horse, with her golden hooves and cascading mane of purest white, has already picked up the scent of history and is snorting impatiently.

First stop: London, darling! The Royal Opera House was alight with excitement, for the world premiere of a new work, "The Dream" by Alexei Ratmansky, set to Mendelssohn's incidental music. Imagine! Ballet, music, and dreamy enchantment all rolled into one. Now, this is my kind of night!

And what were people wearing, you ask? Just picture this: sparkling, knee-length dresses, tailored suits with an air of understated chic, and yes, the occasional sprinkle of tutus, just for a touch of whimsical flair.

My rucksack, bursting with delights, was overflowing with programme notes from that magical premiere. I can practically smell the fresh ink, hear the murmur of excitement as the audience settled in, and feel the energy of the performance thrumming through the building. This is the magic of time travel, my lovelies – the chance to be there, right in the moment, experiencing the world of ballet in a way few others can.

But the world of ballet in 1995 was a vast and wondrous place, full of delights.

Across the pond, the New York City Ballet was busy with a triple bill: "Mozartiana," "Afternoon of a Faun" (with a cheeky, saucy Balanchine interpretation, of course!), and a brand new creation from the celebrated Jerome Robbins, a little number called "Other Dances." Imagine! Three legendary choreographers, all gracing the same stage. It makes my tutu twirl with anticipation!

And over in Russia, the Kirov Ballet, with its storied tradition, were preparing for their Christmas production of "The Nutcracker." Imagine the magic of this classic ballet set in snowy St. Petersburg, with the intricate costumes, the delightful score, and, of course, the glorious Tchaikovsky waltzes. Just the thought of it makes me want to whip up a little festive pirouette.

Oh, but my darling dears, don't think I just go to the grand opera houses and major performances. Time travel, especially with Magic Meg, is about exploring every nook and cranny, finding hidden gems. We galloped across Paris, where the enchanting Marie-Claude Pietragalla, a force of nature on stage, was bringing her artistry to audiences at the Opéra Garnier. And what a thrill to watch her artistry – that fiery spirit, the intoxicating elegance. Simply breathtaking!

In December 1995, the world of ballet pulsed with a thrilling energy. There were tours, workshops, competitions, and dance festivals all over the globe, each one contributing to the tapestry of ballet history. From Tokyo to Sydney, from Moscow to New York, the dance world was humming, as only it knows how.

Of course, my lovelies, no journey to the ballet would be complete without a foray into the realm of fashion. Oh, the divine couture of the late 90s! Think flowing silk dresses, dramatic velvet gowns, and a smattering of sequins just to catch the light. The colours! Dusty rose, jewel tones, a touch of lavender – absolutely divine.

Now, imagine walking into the Royal Opera House, feeling the weight of the grand architecture on your shoulders, and spotting the latest designs by Karl Lagerfeld and John Galliano. There was such an exquisite attention to detail, a certain refined elegance, that wouldn't look out of place on a grand stage. And while I adore a classic tutu, it's no secret I also have a weakness for those sleek, shimmering slip dresses. A dash of Parisian glamour mixed with a sprinkle of ballerina magic – can you say fabulous, darlings?

And what did we find in our rucksack this month? A delightful vintage magazine with a picture of the luminous Sylvie Guillem in a shimmering silver tutu. Imagine, darlings, the sheer brilliance of her jumps, the grace of her pirouettes! That photograph, the sparkle of the silver fabric, the way she seemed to float above the stage… it took my breath away. A little memento to remind me of the timeless artistry that transcends time.

We've travelled through time, witnessed history unfold, and soaked up the magic of ballet in December 1995. We've discovered new gems, reminisced about classics, and, most importantly, shared a love for all things tutu. And now, I leave you with this: my sweet dears, spread the pink tutu love wherever you go. Wear it with confidence, twirl with joy, and dance with your heart!

And remember, Magic Meg and I will be back next month with another exciting adventure. Until then, happy twirling and keep spreading that pink tutu magic!

Stay twirling,

Emma x

www.pink-tutu.com