Hello my darlings, and welcome back to the Pink Tutu Time Travels! Iâm Emma, your pink-tutu-loving time traveler, ready to take you on a whimsical journey through history - all while looking fabulous, of course. September has always been a special month for a ballerina. The air gets a little crisper, the theatres begin to bustle with activity, and the new seasonâs ballet fashion starts to appear!
Today we're zipping back to September 2010. Oh, what a wonderful, vibrant time it was for ballet! A flurry of premieres, new creations, and a resurgence of the classics kept ballet lovers across the world enthralled. And I was right there in the thick of it, thanks to my trusty time-traveling steed, Magic Meg! (Have you seen her? She's a stunning shire horse with a coat as pink as a rose, gleaming gold hooves, and a snowy mane and tail â truly a horse for a ballet queen!)
First stop, Paris! Itâs the perfect place to start a ballet tour, especially in September. My backpack is brimming with new tulle from the Paris markets and a couple of Parisian pointe shoes (I had to snag a pair, you know, just for the history!)
My trip couldn't be more fashionable! The iconic Palais Garnier was abuzz with a world premiere by one of my favourite choreographers - Christopher Wheeldon! Imagine my excitement to see âThe Winter's Tale" at the OpĂ©ra National de Paris, an adaptation of Shakespeareâs enchanting play. Wheeldon's work is always breathtaking - intricate, imaginative, and simply beautiful. I do hope to snag a few bits of his choreography for my repertoire! (You just never know when the magic of a ballet routine might pop up in your life, my dears).
From Paris, I jumped aboard Magic Meg (sheâs as good a flyer as a runner â you wouldn't believe it until you saw it! We always take our pink helmet and safety gear, naturally!) to make a flying visit to Covent Garden in London, for the reopening of the Royal Opera House after a two-year break. My heart practically skipped a beat seeing the "New York City Ballet" in performance at the legendary venue, with works from George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins. It was a truly joyous and exhilarating return to a cherished ballet stage. I collected some fascinating memorabilia, especially the iconic images of Balanchine's ballerinas (just picture it, darling! White tulle with a dash of black - a true classic!).
My time in London ended on a truly magnificent note. The Royal Ballet treated us to a delightful new production of âThe Nutcrackerâ, a classic fairytale that always steals my heart. It was magical, from the shimmering Christmas decorations to the enchanting story. There is nothing more heartwarming than watching a ballet with my loved ones (the perfect way to end the weekend).
Our travels continued eastward towards Germany, where a grand production of "Swan Lake" was captivating audiences in Berlin. I have always been enthralled by "Swan Lake" and couldn't resist getting my own copy of the music to listen to later (because a ballet lover can never have too much Tchaikovsky, right?!) There was an indescribable joy in watching the delicate choreography unfold - a celebration of elegance and precision, truly a ballet masterpiece.
Next, we traversed to Moscow - the home of ballet, no less! I love Moscow's cultural heart â its history oozes ballet and charm! Here, I experienced a ballet masterpiece I can only describe as spellbinding! A brand new production of "Giselle", presented by the Bolshoi Theatre, brought to life the Romantic Era ballet to perfection. (It was during my Moscow time I started sketching the designs for my new ballet costumes⊠pink tulle with the prettiest lace!)
But wait, darling! This was just the tip of the iceberg! September 2010 was jam-packed with ballet happenings all over the globe. A breathtaking rendition of "Sleeping Beauty" at the San Francisco Ballet in California left me in a trance of wonder and beauty. I also travelled further East to Beijing, China where "The Red Detachment of Women" played at the National Centre for the Performing Arts - a bold and exhilarating performance that showcased the strength and beauty of ballet with an exciting modern touch.
As my journey in September 2010 neared its end, I returned home to my little cottage in Derbyshire, exhausted, invigorated and positively overflowing with new inspiration. The beauty and magic of ballet, woven into the fabric of each time travel adventure, reminds me that even in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, there is always space for beauty, elegance, and a dash of magic!
Remember, darlings, life's too short for dull routines and bland clothing! Step out in style and find the ballerina inside yourself. It doesnât matter if you twirl in your living room or dance on a grand stage â what matters is the joy and the artistry you bring to your own unique expression.
And please, don't forget to wear a pink tutu! A touch of pink adds that perfect touch of fun and femininity to your day.
Now, darling, I must get ready for my next time travel adventure! I promise to tell you all about it in the next edition of Pink Tutu Time Travels. Until then, remember, darling, twirl often and keep your heart filled with the magic of ballet.
Ciao for now!
xx Emma
(p.s., don't forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com for our latest ballet news and tips on making your own pink tutu - youâll find everything you need right here!).
