Hello darlings! Welcome back to my monthly blog post, straight from my little corner of Derbyshire, where the sheep are fluffy and the air is fresh (and the occasional bit of drizzle is just part of the charm!). I’m Emma, and I have a bit of a secret: I’m a time travelling ballerina, and I adore pink tutus! 💖
This month, my trusty steed, Magic Meg (she's a magnificent pink Shire horse with sparkly hooves and a white mane, naturally) galloped us right into September of 2003.
I must say, I was delighted to see the ballet world alive and buzzing! So many amazing events happening, and the buzz about ballet seemed even stronger in the year 2003 than in some previous visits.
Let’s delve into all the delightful happenings of the ballet world in this glorious September:
Stepping Back in Time:
Remember those lovely old ballet shoes, the ones that look like slippers with ribbons? The Royal Opera House had a brilliant exhibition celebrating these “pointe shoes,” which traced the fascinating evolution of the shoe throughout the years. Such incredible attention to detail – you could see how ballet evolved through the subtle changes in the shoe design! They even had exhibits of famous dancers' pointe shoes! I actually had to nab a few signed photos of the ballerinas back then, as well as a vintage pointe shoe! I’m sure my collection will have some amazing finds once I return back to my little home!
New Choreography to Swoon Over:
As September always brings a touch of artistic brilliance, we stumbled upon a lovely, intimate ballet program at the London’s Sadler’s Wells theatre featuring new creations by Christopher Wheeldon. He's a very talented choreographer, creating beautiful pieces that really moved me – one piece called “Polyphonia” used beautiful minimalist costumes, which I absolutely adore! I do think I'm going to start collecting a few pieces inspired by that, maybe for a future performance, as it reminded me of my favourite period (the mid-century – it's so elegant!).
Remembering The Legend:
September 2003 saw an incredible ballet gala dedicated to the extraordinary Rudolf Nureyev! He was, and still is, such a captivating figure in ballet. So much talent, so much grace! He helped break down barriers for male ballet dancers, bringing incredible physicality and dramatic presence to the stage. The gala showcased some of the incredible dancers who were influenced by him - the kind of performances that truly make me yearn for those pointe shoes again!
Stepping out with the Londoners:
September in London was an explosion of dance! A wonderful performance of The Sleeping Beauty by English National Ballet, so enchanting, full of life and captivating. I especially loved the scene of Aurora’s birthday celebration with all the adorable fairies - they’ve already inspired a couple of designs for new tutus I’ve been working on. You’ve just got to love that elegant choreography! I also loved their wonderful production of Romeo and Juliet which made for an emotional night at the Coliseum – a story that truly stays with you. The Londoners were dancing their hearts out - it's hard to resist a good dose of love and tragedy in a ballet performance, and it was certainly no different this time around!
Travelling to New York:
I had to make a quick hop to New York for a peek at what was happening over in the States. I popped into the Lincoln Center, where they were hosting “The Vertiginous Thrill of Exhilaration,” a programme dedicated to works of contemporary choreographer, William Forsythe. Now, Forsythe, he's a daring innovator, pushing the boundaries of ballet with experimental work, and oh, it was full of exhilarating moves. His style is incredibly dramatic, full of complex and energetic steps. I particularly loved the incredible leaps and the mesmerizing partnering that took my breath away. There were so many original and thrilling steps, really showing what can be done in contemporary ballet. I grabbed a programme with me – I'm sure my vintage collection back home will be most pleased.
More to Adore:
September was just jam-packed with exciting events. In Copenhagen, I was mesmerised by the Royal Danish Ballet’s production of ‘La Sylphide’ with its exquisite costumes and captivating story! Oh, how I wish my tutu collection could have a piece with that kind of graceful design! Then, the Paris Opera Ballet performed the grand Giselle - the tragic romance of a beautiful peasant girl, it’s truly heart-wrenching, so emotional, it's perfect for a rainy afternoon.
Shopping for Inspiration:
Of course, no trip into the world of ballet can be complete without a bit of shopping! As soon as I arrive back in my little village, my favourite vintage boutique (in Nottingham) will be receiving a visit! It’s always got treasures that speak to my soul, and this year I've got a few ideas already swirling about for a special pink tulle piece inspired by all the delightful ballerina outfits!
Bringing Ballet into Everyday Life:
Did you know ballet has such a huge impact on our everyday lives? The artistry of the dancers, their graceful movements, the flow of their bodies… It truly is a wondrous form of expression! And it's not just confined to the stage. I recently watched a beautiful ballet-inspired performance on the streets of Barcelona - dancers expressing themselves against the backdrop of such a vibrant and captivating city. Ballet everywhere!
My Mission to You:
As always, I urge you to join me in celebrating this amazing art form. And let’s not forget the real secret I'm spreading throughout the time periods: PINK TUTUS FOR EVERYONE!! 🎀💖 Don’t be afraid to embrace the pink, to wear it loud and proud, to twirl and spin with joyful abandon. After all, every day can be a dance! Let me know in the comments, dear readers, what your favorite ballet experiences have been, whether they've been on stage or in everyday life! Until next time!
*Emma 💖 *
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