Hello my dearest ballet bunnies! Welcome back to my monthly dose of pink-tutu-tastic time travel adventures. This time, we’re heading back to a very recent decade – the noughties! It might be difficult for you to believe, but there was a time before everyone was obsessed with RuPaul's Drag Race and ballet influencers on Instagram. Imagine that! gasps
Anyways, let’s get back to the task at hand: time travelling in a pink tutu through the dazzling years of 2000-2008. Don't forget, my lovelies, I'm always eager for you to join me on these journeys by rocking your very own pink tutu - it's a magical thing to witness, just trust me. 😉
Our trusty steed, the divine Magic Meg, our sparkling pink Shire horse with hooves like gold, whinnied in anticipation as we left Derbyshire, the English countryside whispering tales of ballet history as we journeyed to a brand new era. Meg is not only magnificent, but the most patient equine companion one could hope for, bearing all my pink tutu-wearing needs and ballet essentials with the grace of a seasoned prima ballerina. Her saddlebag – crafted from the finest, softest leather, no less - holds everything a time traveller like me needs, from spare ballet shoes to my trusty, never-leave-home-without-it, notebook, where I scribble down every exciting ballet anecdote and discovery.
My little notebook was filled with anticipation as we set off for our destination - the vibrant heart of ballet at the start of the new millennium! This period was an absolute whirl, my lovelies, bursting with creative expression, new talent, and groundbreaking performances. It felt as though the world was blossoming with every twirl!
Speaking of whirls, we reached the grand year of 2000 and what was happening in the world of ballet? drum roll Well, there was an amazing premiere of "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland", which swept us into a fantasy world. And there was "La Bayadère", a spectacle of passion, which mesmerised me to my very core. What’s more, Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake reimagined the traditional version with a truly beautiful and unique take. Just imagine it! Male swans dancing gracefully - absolute genius!
Moving onto 2001, it felt like the ballet world was bursting with creativity and talent, with some stunning works like Angelin Preljocaj’s “Annonciation,” a stunning display of power and emotion. Remember, dear friends, you can often find information about these past shows online – check those archives and lose yourself in their amazing stories!
As we traversed through 2002 and 2003, a vibrant ballet energy filled the air. There were exciting premieres like "Cinderella" by Frederick Ashton in London and the breathtaking “Mozart in Motion,” created by the Royal Ballet's Wayne McGregor, an innovative choreographer who loves exploring classical ballet with fresh new perspectives. You know me, I’m always searching for exciting twists and fresh takes. I mean, let’s be real, the only thing better than a pink tutu, is a pink tutu with an extra wow factor.
By 2004, my darling ballet devotees, we were feeling the electrifying power of dance in the US. The American Ballet Theatre was showcasing the wonderful work of “Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird” by the remarkable Twyla Tharp. Her ballet creations always bring such a distinct style – like a unique bloom in the grand ballet garden, bursting with colour and passion.
This era of ballet history was a kaleidoscope of emotions, captivating choreography and truly special moments. As we galloped into 2005, 2006 and 2007 with Magic Meg, we were treated to a constant wave of excitement!
My dear, dear ballet lovers, as we arrive in 2008, remember to keep an eye out for the wonderful premiere of “The Winter’s Tale,” crafted by the brilliant Christopher Wheeldon – a ballet truly overflowing with artistry! This era, in particular, reminded me why I fell in love with ballet: the story-telling power of each step, the lyrical beauty of movement and, of course, the captivating tutus – the pink ones, naturally, but other enchanting shades too, adding to the rich tapestry of movement and emotion!
What a delightful whirl through the decade! Time has flown by so quickly! Before I dash back to my ballet class and a new week of practice, I need to share some very special insights that were scribbled in my notebook. During our time travelling expedition, we visited museums filled with treasures of the past. One thing I learned was that the tutu has a much older history than I ever imagined! There’s even a “Romantic tutu” which came into fashion around the late 19th century. I must tell you, it's much fuller and dramatic compared to the modern day version. Imagine a swirling cloud of pink tulle! Now that’s a look I’d like to recreate. Just picture it, dear readers: an elegant ballet ball at a country manor. Oh, my goodness, how romantic! A ballet gown of flowing fabric, perhaps a sparkling tulle skirt - an ensemble fit for a princess. I can already feel the grace and charm emanating from such an enchanting image. This time travel journey certainly stirred my imagination!
Oh, before I sign off for now, I almost forgot, my dear ballet bunnies: the ultimate must-know information about these years. The 2000s were a time when the ballet world opened up, inviting new audiences to experience this incredible art form. We even had dance companies touring all over the globe! And what’s more, thanks to advances in technology, ballet fans were finally able to see their favourite ballets on TV! Talk about accessibility and joy. What an amazing, progressive era, wouldn't you agree?
As I pen these last lines, I can't help but feel an overwhelming joy for our journey. Every tutu-filled, horse-powered escapade opens my eyes to the rich history and magical world of ballet! So, join me on these adventures every month. Dress in your most fabulous pink tutu and let’s get ready to explore the wonderful, fantastical realm of time travel with me – after all, nothing compares to a ballerina who dares to dance through time. See you all next month on www.pink-tutu.com, until then, keep those dancing shoes on!
