Hello lovelies! Emma here, your resident pink-tutu clad time traveller! It's been a glorious month for ballet, and as usual, I've been jet-setting through history on my trusty Magic Meg, collecting precious stories and sparkling ballet gems along the way. I even managed to squeeze in a fabulous performance myself – I’m trying to reach that elusive "everyone in pink tutus" dream, after all!
May 2009: The Whirl of it All
Now, if you thought the 21st century was a whirlwind of exciting ballets, you wouldn't believe what was happening in the world of dance in May 2009! This month is practically bursting at the seams with ballets that are absolutely begging for a peek through time.
First up, let's travel to Germany, where the Berlin State Ballet was absolutely captivating audiences with their performance of "Le Sacre du Printemps" (The Rite of Spring). This iconic ballet by Igor Stravinsky and Vaslav Nijinsky has been turning heads since its fiery debut in 1913, and it's as electrifying as ever in 2009! Just picture it, darling: primitive rituals, explosive movement, a story as old as time… simply mesmerizing!
While we're in Europe, let's pop over to Italy, where the Teatro alla Scala was graced with a revival of "La Bayadère". Now, I'm a sucker for a classical ballet, and this one's a real gem. It tells the tragic tale of a temple dancer, Nikiya, whose love for a warrior prince is thwarted by deceit and jealousy. But oh, the romance! And the music! Absolutely breathtaking!
Across the Pond: The American Ballet Scene
You can’t talk about May 2009 without mentioning the American Ballet Theatre's triumphant return to New York City. This company is a powerhouse, known for its rigorous training and star-studded roster. This month, they were dazzling the crowds with "Romeo and Juliet". Ah, the age-old love story – I simply adore its classic beauty! This production features a truly incredible performance of Tchaikovsky's iconic score, and the passion on stage is practically tangible. If you haven't seen it, I'd add it to your ballet bucket list!
But the excitement doesn’t stop there! Over in Los Angeles, The Joffrey Ballet was putting on an incredibly inventive and imaginative production of "Cinderella." With a dash of humor and a touch of contemporary flare, they were re-imagining this classic fairytale with an exhilarating energy!
My Ballet Adventures: A London Rendezvous
My own ballet journey this month took me to the heart of London – that city with its rich ballet history and exciting energy. You could feel the excitement in the air at the Royal Opera House. I was there for the revival of "Swan Lake", the absolute jewel in the crown of classical ballet. You can't visit London without seeing this ballet! The soaring music, the captivating story of Odette the swan, and those stunning white tutus! Simply divine!
Of course, I couldn’t resist spending an afternoon wandering through Covent Garden – what's a ballet lover without a good dose of theatre? It's the best place in the world for ballet supplies. I snagged a magnificent vintage program for "Swan Lake" from 1946 – a true treasure! My leather rucksack is filling up fast, but I don't mind! It's worth all the extra effort for these extraordinary pieces of ballet history.
A Fashionable Flutter:
Talking about extraordinary pieces, have you seen the fabulous new spring collections? Oh, the color! The fabric! The style! This season is all about pastel hues, graceful lines, and of course, the quintessential tutu, darling! I'm particularly smitten with a blush-pink, hand-sewn tulle number I found in a little boutique off Covent Garden. I must confess, it practically begged me to wear it, and I certainly couldn’t resist! I might be showing off my new purchase in my next post. wink wink
But it’s not all about new, dear readers. I’m always on the lookout for vintage finds, and this month's treasure is a beautiful black satin pair of dance shoes. Imagine, a dancer, dancing the night away, just like I am right now… how poetic!
Looking Ahead:
As for what’s happening in the world of ballet next month… well, you’ll just have to wait and see! Magic Meg is ready for our next grand adventure, and I can’t wait to see what magical ballets are in store for us. Until next month, dear readers, keep on dancing!
P.S. If you haven't already, visit www.pink-tutu.com to join the pink-tutu revolution! And tell me all about your ballet adventures this month! I'm eagerly awaiting your stories, my loves!
Remember: We’re all in this together, one pink tutu at a time!
