Post number: 4179
Hello my darling dance devotees! Emma here, your very own pink-tutu-clad time traveller, back with another fabulous journey into the world of ballet. Today, we're swirling back to March 2009, a month bursting with excitement and artistic brilliance, a true bonanza for all ballet-lovers!
Now, you all know how much I adore pink tutus, but even I couldn't resist wearing something extra special for this particular jaunt. My favourite shade of blush pink, delicately adorned with hand-sewn crystals that twinkled in the midday sun, felt just perfect for such a glamorous era. As always, Magic Meg, my magnificent pink shire horse with a tail of spun moonlight and hooves shimmering like gold, was gleaming as if ready to prance through a royal ball.
March 2009 was abuzz with exciting ballet happenings. It was a time of premieres, international collaborations, and innovative choreography. So, let's delve into the ballet calendar of this magical month:
London Calling! 🇬🇧
Firstly, I simply had to whisk Meg off to London, my home town of Derby wouldn't have known what hit it if I went missing for the entire month! In London's majestic Royal Opera House, the Royal Ballet Company was holding its breath for a brand-new premiere. "Clear" by Christopher Wheeldon was making its debut, a modern masterpiece set to an original score. The press buzzed with excitement and anticipation – everyone wanted to see what Wheeldon's signature elegance and flair would bring to the stage. Imagine my delight when the reviews were sensational, praising its lyrical choreography and the sublime performance of the talented dancers. It was a breathtaking spectacle!
Then, there was the "Romeo & Juliet" by Kenneth MacMillan at The Royal Opera House. This masterpiece has stood the test of time for its breathtaking portrayal of passion, heartbreak, and human complexity. Macmillan's choreography is so powerful, capturing the very essence of the tragic tale with every dramatic pause, every leap, and every graceful gesture. Seeing the ballet with my very own eyes in such a grand theatre, felt as if I'd stumbled into a Shakespearean play brought to life with ballet's own unique language. It was a captivating experience, a true testament to the enduring power of this ballet.
Across the Pond to America: 🇺🇸
However, my adventures didn't stop in England! I took Meg on a grand tour across the Atlantic to the United States. America was bursting with ballet energy! In New York City, the New York City Ballet unveiled "Slaughter on Tenth Avenue" by Jerome Robbins, a ballet about gangsters, showbiz dreams and tragic fate, it's pure high-octane theatre, the dramatic storyline paired with Robbins' iconic choreography and jazz-inspired movements! What's more, in San Francisco, the San Francisco Ballet was showing the vibrant "Anya" by Yuri Possokhov, a ballet which drew inspiration from Tchaikovsky's famous symphony, set to a haunting and expressive score. The beautiful and lyrical movement of the choreography perfectly conveyed the drama and depth of this exquisite musical masterpiece.
Europe is in Motion
Of course, no time travel blog would be complete without a little bit of Europe, and oh darling, how I loved the cultural vibrancy! In Paris, the Ballet de l’Opéra national de Paris performed "Sylvia" by Frederick Ashton, the iconic work telling the captivating story of a young woman tempted by a mischievous Cupid. It was pure French romance and delicate charm. I just loved the lush romantic music, intricate footwork, and a stunning display of passion, grace, and wit, perfect for the Paris theatre setting. Across the Rhine, in Germany, Hamburg Ballet staged a mesmerising performance of "The Sleeping Beauty" by Marius Petipa, this timeless tale is so enchanting! This ballet showcases exquisite pointe work, dramatic flourishes and the elegance of traditional classical ballet. It truly is a gem, timeless and exquisite.
Keeping it Pink in the World of Ballet Fashion
Oh, the joy of the balletic world's fashion! From tutus that danced with shimmering rhinestones to elegant silk pointe shoes and shimmering leotards. My own wardrobe was full to bursting with ballet-inspired looks. I simply couldn't resist finding some fabulously chic pieces from 2009 – a fluffy, blush-pink tutu and a silk dancewear set adorned with tiny pearls - all to match the spirit of the times. It seems every year, the dance world comes up with more stunning pieces. Ballet truly inspires beautiful clothing, doesn't it? Of course, for me, pink reigns supreme! It makes the dancers look radiant under the spotlight, a reminder of how ballet is all about beauty and expression.
The Heart of the Dance
I always bring a little bit of the past back home to Derby in my leather rucksack. A faded photograph of a renowned dancer from 19th-century Russia, a snippet of sheet music for an 18th century court ballet, even a pair of hand-stitched pointe shoes, once danced in by a renowned ballerine from 1930. Each piece tells a unique story of a life dedicated to the beauty of dance and the magical world of ballet. They bring the history to life and help keep the spark of dance alive for me.
As I said, it was truly a magnificent journey! This month, the world of ballet was filled with innovative talent, timeless classics, and truly breath-taking shows. The beauty and joy of dance is timeless. This trip reinforced why I dedicate my time travel to sharing it with all of you.
*So darling dancers, take a page from the March 2009 ballet book: Embrace your passion for dance, express yourselves through beautiful movements, and above all, wear a little pink in your life. 🩰 💖 *
Until next time!
Emma.
