Hello my lovelies,
Itās your favourite pink tutu-clad time-traveller Emma here, back with another magical journey into the world of ballet. October, the month of crisp air and falling leaves, has always held a special place in my heart. After all, who doesn't love a good autumnal ballet, wrapped in a cosy scarf, sipping on a steaming hot chocolate, while watching elegant dancers pirouette across the stage? And this month, I was particularly excited to be whisked back to 1998, to witness the sheer magic of The Royal Ballet at the Covent Garden Opera House!
As always, I hitched a ride on Magic Meg, my trusty steed, a pink-sparkling shire horse with golden hooves and a mane and tail as white as the snowdrifts in Derbyshire. Meg was in her element as we galloped through time, the wind whistling through her white mane. Just before the clock struck midnight on October 19th, 1998, we landed with a gentle thud in the cobbled courtyard of the Royal Opera House. I'd brought a beautiful rose-gold sequined tote bag this time, perfect for gathering ballet memorabilia. Itās just the right size to stash away all sorts of intriguing artefacts. I can't wait to show you what Iāve unearthed.
Stepping into the bustling grandeur of Covent Garden was breathtaking. It was almost as if time had stopped here, preserving this beautiful architectural marvel for generations to come. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation; the elegant audience flowed through the doors in their formal attire. Even though we were almost 25 years in the past, the air was thick with the same kind of thrilling anticipation that always precedes a great ballet show.
That evening, I settled into my velvet seat, clutching my silver-toned binoculars for a closer view of the performance. The programme boasted a double bill; āThe Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitudeā, by Christopher Bruce, followed by āMayerlingā, a timeless classic by Sir Kenneth MacMillan.
"The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude" was a modern ballet, exploring the world of ballet technique with playful precision. The dancersā bodies were so finely honed, every gesture and movement an eloquent exploration of movement and space. It was beautifully staged, with an emphasis on sleek lines and sharp contrasts ā very in vogue for the time.
But it was "Mayerling" that really stole the show. The piece follows the dramatic story of Crown Prince Rudolph of Austria, his troubled relationship with his lover, Mary Vetsera, and his eventual tragic demise. The powerful story was brought to life with unparalleled grace and emotional depth. As a dancer myself, I was simply mesmerized by the seamless transitions from passionate love scenes to tense scenes of betrayal. Every intricate move held significance, revealing a powerful, poignant narrative about fate, ambition, and the yearning for freedom. The dramatic use of lighting created incredible contrasts, showcasing both the intimacy and tragedy of this epic romance.
After the curtain call, my tote bag felt remarkably full. I managed to sneak in a backstage pass with the help of my magic dust sprinkled on the security guard's coat. There, in the wings, I chatted with dancers, soaking up their enthusiasm and energy. It was the kind of vibrant energy that radiates through every corner of this world, a powerful force that makes my heart sing with joy.
And now, for some special pieces from my bag:
- A tiny gold ballerina pendant, left backstage by one of the ballerinas. She mentioned it was given to her by a doting grandma, a treasured memento that reminded her of the magical connection to dance.
- A vintage copy of the evening's programme. The design itself was a small piece of art. I imagine these would have been such a coveted possession at the time, treasured relics of a night at the ballet.
- A hand-stitched, pastel-pink silk ballet bag. It is so delicate, like a little cloud you could almost carry.
I could feel Magic Meg waiting patiently outside, her white mane catching the light from the lampposts. As I left, a feeling of nostalgia mingled with the fresh October air. Time travel is like a delicious cup of tea; it allows you to relax, savor the moment, and appreciate the exquisite details in the world around us.
It reminds us that thereās so much to celebrate, even the seemingly ordinary moments, if you just know where to look!
Next month, I'm thinking of heading off to a 1978 American Ballet Theatre performance for a night of classical brilliance. Maybe some beautiful, flowing romantic tutus await us there. Who knows what treasures and tales my new bag might hold?!
In the meantime, keep dancing, keep dreaming, and donāt forget to pop over to www.pink-tutu.com for all the latest updates and posts from my travels! Iām waiting for you!
Sending all my love and a sparkly pink tutu kiss,
Emma
