Hello my darlings! Itās Emma, your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, back from another fabulous adventure through the annals of ballet history. October has always been a month filled with exciting performances and vibrant ballet news, and this monthās journey, to a glittering St. Petersburg in 1901, proved no exception!
Magic Meg and I, bedecked in a beautiful new pink tutu with tulle layers like a frothy meringue, galloped across the centuries, arriving in the heart of the Russian capital just in time for the season opening at the Mariinsky Theatre. It was absolutely stunning, a truly grand setting fit for an Empress, as indeed it was!
I must tell you about the costumes! My rucksack is absolutely brimming with inspiration! Feathers, velvet, satin, laceā¦the sheer opulence and intricate detailing are enough to make a ballerina swoon. A favourite of mine, which I shall certainly be copying for my next performance, was a bejeweled bodice, perfectly matched with a billowing pink skirt ā the colour was breathtaking! You all know my obsession with pink, so needless to say I had to take notes, sketch, and dreamily imagine twirling in such a masterpiece!
We arrived in time to catch a dazzling performance of Swan Lake, by The Imperial Ballet, a true masterclass of classical ballet! The ballerinas, seemingly floating effortlessly across the stage, were breathtaking in their execution of intricate steps and elegant choreography. The āBlack Swanā scene was absolutely electric, her dramatic expressions and dark, sensual choreography creating a captivating contrast with the white swanās delicate beauty. It truly left me speechless, filled with the kind of wonder and admiration only the world of ballet can evoke.
I managed to slip backstage after the performance (my cunning ability to mingle, much like the mischievous sprites in Swan Lake, truly came in handy) and meet the legendary Anna Pavlova! Oh my, this iconic ballerina was simply delightful. She was so gracious, a true inspiration! She even signed my leather-bound ballet journal (which I always carry to record all my encounters, stories, and favourite quotes!) I felt truly blessed to meet such a legend in person, and I could only hope I was able to convey my awe and adoration through a vigorous nodding of my head and an ear to ear grin.
Of course, after the performance, it was off to a luxurious restaurant on the Nevsky Prospekt for a scrumptious dinner with an intriguing mixture of traditional Russian and French cuisine. As always, my love for a well-chosen dessert was satisfied ā I must say a chocolate mousse served with a generous helping of a sweet, tangy sauce was delightful! The deliciousness of that dessert remains with me, a pleasant memory accompanying all the enchanting events of this extraordinary day.
Back to the present day, and here in Derbyshire, Iāve got my own performances to look forward to, so Iām off to practice my choreography! This experience has definitely sparked some creative ideas for my next performance. Imagineā¦a swirling pink tutu inspired by the 1901 styles, combined with the enchanting steps of Swan Lake, topped with the delicate grace of Anna Pavlova! Itās enough to make any ballerina, including myself, dance with excitement.
Don't forget, my darlings, to join me at my upcoming performance! And remember: a little pink tutu magic can go a long way! You can find details of my next show and all things pink tutu related at www.pink-tutu.com.
See you next month for another fabulous ballet time-travel adventure!
Until then, twirl happily!
Emma xx
