Hello, my darling ballet-loving lovelies! It’s your favourite time travelling ballerina, Emma, back with another fabulously flamboyant adventure from the wonderful world of ballet history!
September 2000. Can you believe it's been over 20 years since this whirlwind month? I can’t either! For me, it feels like yesterday that I was bounding through the dusty time portal with Magic Meg, my shimmering pink shire horse with golden hooves, eager to see what adventures awaited us.
As you know, September holds a special place in my heart – the leaves are starting to change, the air feels crisper, and the smell of autumn fills the air! Oh, and let’s not forget about all the glorious ballet performances kicking off after a blissful summer break. Honestly, I think it’s one of the best months for a ballerina like myself, so grab a cup of tea, get comfy in your pinkest tulle (obviously), and join me on a time-travelling extravaganza!
Let's head back to 2000 and see what's sizzling in the world of ballet:
First stop, London! The Royal Opera House is always a ballet haven, and this month it was bursting with spectacular performances. The Royal Ballet was delighting audiences with the breathtaking Romeo and Juliet, a classic that always stirs my heartstrings. Honestly, those costumes, especially Juliet's dress - it was like spun moonlight, ethereal and simply dreamy!
Meanwhile, the English National Ballet was taking London by storm with the beautiful La Sylphide. Can you imagine dancing on pointe with that sheer gossamer costume? So chic! This beautiful, timeless ballet was the perfect way to kick off September.
And who could forget the dazzling, electrifying The Nutcracker? Every Christmas, The Royal Ballet’s version is pure magic. Imagine, sugar plum fairies, the dazzling Christmas tree growing, the snowflakes twirling. Ah, those incredible costumes! The Nutcracker is a true delight that takes us to a wonderland of pure wonder and joy, every time.
But my trip to September 2000 wasn't just about seeing London's best ballerinas - we were on a mission! I had my eye on a stunning, antique ballet slipper tucked away in a London antique shop. Just imagine – a beautifully worn pink satin slipper, adorned with delicate embroidery. A genuine heirloom from the era of Diaghilev's Ballets Russes! It was so incredibly elegant and filled me with a touch of historical magic. It's a new jewel for my ballet rucksack - each piece tells a story of history, of talent and artistry. I treasure them all!
We weren't done with England yet! I popped over to Derbyshire – where I grew up - to catch a captivating ballet performance at Buxton Opera House. You see, dear reader, my love affair with ballet started right here in my home county, a love story that continues to grow stronger with each passing year. They had an incredible modern ballet piece by the amazing Matthew Bourne, it was absolutely mind blowing - I love his modern interpretations. So imaginative and bold, perfect for bringing this incredible artform to a whole new generation of dance fans!
However, our time travelling adventures didn't end with the UK. Oh, no! Magic Meg had her hooves itching for a little international adventure, and so, we headed off to a truly inspiring destination – New York!
New York is such a vibrant city, buzzing with the energy of a million dreams and aspirations. It felt right, therefore, to experience the dazzling The Taming of the Shrew at the American Ballet Theatre. Oh, I tell you - it was fantastic! I'm so taken with modern ballet pieces; it just pushes the boundaries of dance to the limits and shows off such extraordinary creativity. The story itself - pure entertainment and wit, wrapped up in some truly exceptional performances. It was truly memorable.
To finish my month off in style, we hopped over to the glorious city of Paris. A ballet trip to Paris is not complete without seeing a show at the illustrious Palais Garnier, home to the Paris Opera Ballet. This month they were presenting "Le Lac des Cygnes" (Swan Lake), an absolutely timeless classic and a highlight of every ballet season. Seeing all those graceful swans gliding on pointe, so majestic, always brings a tear to my eye. They simply danced like angels!
And the final jewel in our Parisian adventure? A fabulous ballet shoe store that just screamed chic and elegant! It was on my must-visit list for months and I wasn't disappointed! There, I stumbled across the most adorable ballerina tutu in the most beautiful shade of pink imaginable. It just whispered to me to take it home, which I did, of course.
So, you see, my darlings, September 2000 was filled with thrilling moments, delightful discoveries, and endless inspiration. Each journey back in time through ballet history fills my soul with magic, wonder and excitement! It fuels my passion for this incredible art form.
And remember my darling dears, as always, never be afraid to don your pink tutu and dance to your own beat, whatever time period you find yourself in! Remember - anything is possible!
Until next time, darling ballet enthusiasts! Keep dancing, keep shining, keep dreaming.
Emma xoxo www.pink-tutu.com
