Hello darlings! Emma here, your resident pink-tutu wearing time-travelling ballerina! It's been a month, but I'm back, bursting with tales of a trip through 2011! This time, my magical pink steed, Meg - the most divine shire horse with a mane and tail like spun clouds, sparkling golden hooves, and a pink sheen to her coat ā whisked me through the swirling mists of time, back to July of 2011.
What a Year for Ballet!
As soon as I landed in the 21st Century, I knew I was in for a treat. The world of ballet was bursting with energy. Everywhere I looked, people were buzzing about the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, and I had to visit of course!
2011 marked a significant year for the Bolshoi. They were celebrating their 238th anniversary! Oh, how I would love to have been there! The Bolshoi was staging "Giselle" that July - can you imagine the magic! I imagine the grand theatre shimmering, the air thick with anticipation. Imagine the ballerinas floating through the air with those glorious jumps, those stunningly expressive arms. Just picture those exquisite, swirling costumesā¦ pure bliss!
Speaking of beautiful costumes, I snuck into the Bolshoiās costume department for a peek. The costumes are an absolute work of art ā and Iām not even talking about the pink ones, which were just divine! Imagine, they were hand-made! Such attention to detail and precision, all done by incredibly skilled artists! And, my dear friends, they're now on display in museums for everyone to see ā talk about a bit of history!
Speaking of history, 2011 also saw the debut of "The Sleeping Beauty" at the English National Ballet in London. They had been planning it for years, and to be honest, Iād been waiting in anticipation for almost a year! So many dazzling new sets and costumes ā all beautifully inspired by the story's enchanting world!
A Pink-Tutu Fashion Explosion
My quest this time? To find the pink-est tutus ever! Luckily, the world of dance was bursting with them. Everywhere I looked, from the vibrant costumes at Londonās Sadler's Wells to the gorgeous pieces designed by famous ballet designers like Christian Lacroix and Roland Petit, pink reigned supreme! I found tutus, dance dresses, even whole ballet outfits that would be perfect for a pink-tutu party back home! It was just bursting with all kinds of delicious delights for the senses.
And speaking of partiesā¦ thatās what the whole of ballet seemed to be about back then. In my quest, I stumbled upon a spectacular fundraising gala called *āDancing for Life." * Hosted by the illustrious American Ballet Theatre in New York, it was the talk of the town! With an absolutely fantastic star-studded lineup featuring legendary ballerinas like Natalia Osipova and Sylvie Guillem, itās no wonder that the whole event was dedicated to the very important cause of AIDS research.
Oh, and can we talk about the outfits? There were feathers and beads galore, glamorous dresses, and of courseā¦ some incredible pink tutus! My rucksack is now overflowing with images from the gala and articles about these wonderful ballet superstars ā talk about inspiring!
My Pink-Tutu Collection Growing by the Minute
So, of course, my journey through time had to include a little shopping spree, and where better to do it than on New Yorkās iconic Fifth Avenue?
One stop had to be at the world famous Ballet Slipper store, where I managed to snap up a magnificent pink velvet slipper designed by one of my favourite designers ā drum roll please - Christian Louboutin! * Imagine a pointe shoe covered in sparkly pink feathers! Absolutely divine! This would go perfectly with the new *āDitaā dress I spotted in the Bergdorf Goodman department store. Oh my word, you should have seen it - made of shimmering pink tulle and just perfect for swirling on stage.
And oh, did you see my new ballet bag? The design is absolutely beautiful - it was inspired by the āSleeping Beautyā and covered with hand-stitched pink silk! It was a steal in the *āBallet Bag Shopā *on 57th Street ā they have everything your ballet-loving heart could desire.
The Importance of Staying True to Yourself!
My journey in 2011 showed me, as always, that itās important to celebrate diversity. I saw people of all ages and backgrounds embrace ballet, their enthusiasm contagious! The world was welcoming ballet with open arms, with every style and performance captivating a new audience. Itās heartwarming to see people express their individuality through ballet, whether itās at a theatre in Derbyshire, London, or in a world-renowned company like the Bolshoi.
I left 2011 brimming with a sense of wonder and a suitcase overflowing with pink-tutu memories!
Now, off I go to prep for my next trip! Let me know what year youād like to see me visit.
Until next time, remember: Every day is a ballet, a celebration of life and beauty. Put on your most magnificent pink tutu, embrace the wonder of life, and dance with the joy of your own personal journey!
Love,
Emma
