Post 4218
Hello my lovelies, and welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, where ballet history meets fabulous fashion! This month, Magic Meg and I are stepping back in time, to June 2012. I'm wearing my most whimsical pink tutu, it has feathers on the bottom that go all the way round, you know, like an explosion of pinkness, just perfect for twirling through history, wouldn't you say?
We're galloping towards a flurry of ballet performances around the globe, as the ballet world twirls with exciting news:
The Royal Ballet in London! Ah, London, my favourite place to be! There was a production of Swan Lake on the bill at the Royal Opera House this month, but it was sold out! Such a shame! I wanted to see it! The original, with all its elegant choreography. Did you know, in June 2012, this classic masterpiece was about to be presented as part of the 'Celebrating Tchaikovsky' season? What a wonderful tribute to the brilliant composer!
And wouldn't you know, London also hosted the Royal Academy of Dance Annual Awards, just a hop, skip and a twirl from my favourite shops on Oxford Street. Imagine the beautiful ballet gowns and tutus, not to mention those elegant awards!
Across the Atlantic in New York, New York, darling! The City that Never Sleeps! The American Ballet Theatre had just finished a run of Giselle. That's always a beautiful spectacle - so full of graceful passion! I can imagine myself pirouetting in Central Park, with the Empire State Building shimmering behind me, like a sparkling diamond.
Over in sunny Spain, the prestigious Festival Internacional de Ballet de Barcelona, just held a gala performance with Stars from the Bolshoi in a performance of "Giselle". That's my kind of party! And, they even held a gala performance in support of "Danza solidaria", an organisation dedicated to spreading ballet into disadvantaged areas. Well done, Spain!
Now, if all that wasn't enough for your ballerina-loving heart, let's rewind a little, shall we? It's June 2012, and you know what that means, right?
The London Olympics were upon us! That’s right! The world came together in celebration, a feast for the eyes, for sure! The world’s best athletes took to the stage and you bet your ballerina shoes, they were a sight to behold! Imagine a giant stage filled with some of the world's most gifted people, from dancers to footballers, swimmers and boxers. All celebrating this unique spirit of the Olympics, an inspiring moment for sure!
Oh, darling, the ballet memories are swirling like a ballerina's pirouette!
This time, though, my journey was focused on some new dance discoveries in Derby (that’s where I’m from!). Now, Derby’s a lovely city, with plenty of history, and of course, the annual Derby Festival in June 2012 was an extravaganza! It had Street Performers, Bands and everything else imaginable, it’s such an energetic time of the year and what do you think the streets of Derby were filled with this June? You guessed it! The dancers, dressed in their costumes and tutus, they were dazzling the crowds with their moves! What a sight for my pink-tutu loving eyes! I was in heaven, let me tell you!
I even spied some ballet dancers, rehearsing their moves at Derby's fabulous Derby Theatre, and just off the high street there was this charming little boutique full of beautiful ballet dresses, tutus and accessories! And to top it off, there was even a delightful ballet class being held at the Derbyshire Dance Centre.
It’s easy to see that my little heart has a bit of an obsession with ballet, and June 2012 just made my little heart beat a little bit faster, it really did! But there's much more to share from this month! Remember how I collect special ballet items, those stories of a bygone age? Well, I’m thrilled to announce, in my little pink leather backpack this month, I discovered these fabulous pieces!
Firstly, an exquisitely handcrafted "Swan Lake" porcelain ballerina figurine, in a classic, timeless pose, of course she is dressed in a beautifully painted white tutu. Just imagining this piece, poised delicately in a shop window, full of light and drama!
Secondly, my dear, I have found a book of poetry about ballerinas, called "Dancing on Air." It’s about these powerful, elegant women, defying gravity and expressing their beauty, all through dance. There’s something about seeing the world of ballet reflected in words that just adds to the enchantment of it all.
And for my finale, the star of this month’s treasure haul, darling, you’ll be thrilled! I managed to find a genuine vintage dance program from a production of "The Sleeping Beauty". Just picture it! A glossy program, complete with a full-page image of a graceful ballerina, in a breathtaking, majestic pink tutu! I know how much you love the colour pink, my darlings! It really is like I’ve opened up a little time capsule, full of ballet magic!
I've had so much fun writing about these adventures from June 2012! This month has been a ballet whirlwind through history! But it’s time for us to gallop into the next adventure.
Remember, dear readers, the world of ballet is always bursting with stories to tell! Keep your pink tutus on and your ballet shoes ready. Who knows what fabulous adventure awaits us next month?! Until then, keep twirling, darling!
Emma, your ballet time-traveling pal!
