#BalletHistory during 1996 02

Hello, lovelies! Emma here, back with another journey through time, this time landing smack-dab in the heart of February 1996! Fancy that, it’s already been nearly 30 years… well, nearly anyway!

I simply cannot believe it's been a whole month since my last blog post! February is always a blur with Valentine's Day, that weird feeling in the air when winter is starting to fade away and spring feels so, so very far off.

But I digress, darling. I mustn’t let a mere chill take me away from the exciting adventures awaiting us! And this month, my lovelies, my travels take us back to a time of unforgettable ballet brilliance… to a February where tutus twirled and ballerinas stole hearts across the globe!

And, as ever, Magic Meg, my trusty steed of shimmering pink, was patiently waiting to whisk me through time! I'd adorned myself, of course, in my newest pink tutu - a beautiful silk number with a cloud of feathers cascading down the skirt. A delightful touch of lilac lace added a touch of whimsical charm, and oh, those glittering embellishments - truly the stuff of ballet dreams!

What a time it was! Ballet was practically buzzing, wasn’t it? Across the world, there were such stunning performances going on, a whirlwind of breathtaking technique and mesmerizing stories.

You know what's so wonderful about the 1990s? It was the age of ballet superstars, of truly charismatic performers. My heart, as always, belongs to Mikhail Baryshnikov - oh, the stories of his grace, his energy, the sheer joy of watching him on stage! This month, my darlings, the great man was putting on his final performances. I tell you, I almost cried at his swan song…

And the incredible Sylvie Guillem! A woman of boundless energy, her daring artistry was truly awe-inspiring. It was an absolute delight to see her on stage as Juliet, the heartbreaking tragic figure, and I truly relished her bold interpretation of “Giselle” . Oh, it's almost unbearable not to be right there in the audience, absorbing the magical energy of their performances!

And did I tell you about Diana Vishneva, the darling of the Russian ballet scene? Such extraordinary control! My bag is overflowing with signed programmes from that very date – and believe me, that was some impressive control from her, navigating her way through “La Bayadere" on stage in Russia. Oh, darling, how I adore the romanticism of the Russian ballet!

Now, where was I? Oh yes! Remember I told you I had an array of ballet treasures in my backpack?

You simply must imagine my joy upon reaching my first stop this month! It was the breathtaking Grand Palais in Paris, my absolute dream location! This time, however, I was here for the “Paris Opera Ballet” where, amidst the sparkling chandelier, my heart was captured by Sylvie Guillem herself. Oh, to see her command the stage with that powerful strength, all the while exhibiting the grace of a swan, is just… pure enchantment!

Oh! I have such treasures within this very backpack! A sketch of Guillem’s arabesque in the second act of “Giselle” from the talented illustrator at the Paris Opera… and look here! A pamphlet advertising a lecture about Nijinsky's famous “Afternoon of a Faun!” I am practically hopping!

Just imagine: 1996 in Paris – a time capsule for ballet lovers. Can you smell the warm croissants and the delicate aroma of perfume mingling with the music from the Palais de Chaillot…Oh, I feel like I am right back there.

My adventures this month don’t stop there, my lovelies! My loyal horse, Magic Meg, has been working tirelessly (don't worry, she gets all the delicious oats in the world for being so splendidly magnificent) to take me all around the globe. I went straight to America to visit New York City, to see the iconic New York City Ballet. It is the world’s oldest, the first ballet company ever founded in New York. The story is so fascinating!

This city’s ballet scene truly feels alive with vibrancy. There is so much creative expression in New York! What’s more, the “Martha Graham Dance Company,” also founded in 1926 … and how I loved the iconic “Merce Cunningham Dance Company” too! I know they’re not strictly ballet companies but darling, if you get the chance to experience any of their work, just do it! It’s breathtaking!

Back on to that gorgeous city – NYC, the melting pot of cultures - and oh! This time it was "Swan Lake” at the Metropolitan Opera! You see, every month I find the most stunning shows for you! This month it was this breathtaking Tchaikovsky masterpiece in its most magnificent rendition, featuring my most favourite ballerinas in New York, darlings! I can't wait to show you the photos…oh, they are such beauty.

But even a magical journey through time doesn’t last forever, my lovelies! As always, it’s back to the here and now.

Oh! I almost forgot to tell you! It is just absolutely blooming bonkers, my darling! The Bolshoi, that most magnificent theater, it’s all ablaze with beautiful people wearing their most extravagant costumes, dancing the night away in a performance of “Sleeping Beauty.” The Bolshoi Theater is such a stunning architectural treasure too!

That reminds me - it’s nearly time to hop onto Meg! It’s the last stop of my ballet journey! There are so many wonderful performances going on all over the globe this February. However, for my last stop, my dears, I simply had to go see “Romeo and Juliet.” I can’t go too long without seeing that heartbreaking story in motion! So I found myself heading straight for "Royal Ballet” at the Royal Opera House in London.

Just imagine - that beautiful neoclassical building, that exquisite backdrop! I love the history of London's Covent Garden; all those amazing ballet companies performing on that hallowed stage over so many years, just a short walk from me here!

Oh, my darling friends! It was such a busy but exciting February! All these ballet stories from this fantastic time capsule, a vibrant month full of amazing performances - a treasure to remember. And just look! I have an entire box of programs, all neatly tucked away! Just so many stories to unpack for my readers, my darlings. Just imagine a ballerina with her nose firmly nestled in an illustrated program, dreaming of dance!

So, there you have it! I hope I’ve been a little treat for you this February. Until next month my darlings, keep your pink tutus polished, practice your graceful pirouettes, and above all else, dream big, dance freely, and keep believing in the magic of ballet.

As for me, well, I shall be busy with my upcoming performance at the “Derbyshire Arts Festival” here in my local village, where, for you, my darlings, I shall be dancing the "Sugar Plum Fairy" from “The Nutcracker” for the very last time. I must admit it is quite tear-jerking - it truly is the very last performance of “Sugar Plum.” However, don't you worry! It is by no means the last time you will be seeing Emma on stage. Oh, my sweet lovelies, I can't let my ballerina boots go dusty, I am a girl that is passionate about sharing my love of dance. It really does have such a profound impact on my soul.

My love, the heart of my time travels are my dear friends, who love to wear their pink tutus as much as I do! We've formed such a wonderful community, and I'd love for you to join us! Hop over to www.pink-tutu.com, where I can tell you all about my performances and show you my latest adventures, so that you, my loves, are not just wearing pink tutus, but are actually dancing with us! I am dying to know, which era would you choose to travel to first? I am bursting with so many exciting plans, all thanks to your support. Thank you for being here my darlings! Until next time, keep twirling!

With all my heart,

Emma

p.s. You know what, my sweet darlings, I'm dying to hear what YOUR favourite moments from this fantastic ballet time capsule were. What are YOUR ballet dreams? Pop them in the comments! Oh, I do love a good chit-chat. Keep smiling, you all are absolute diamonds!