Hello, my darlings! Welcome back to my Pink Tutu Time Travels, your monthly dose of ballet history and all things pink! As February unfolds its frosty embrace, I thought we'd take a trip back to 2013, a year brimming with balletic brilliance! Now, grab your favourite pink ballet shoes, pop on your tutu, and climb aboard my magical steed, Meg! Weâre off to a sparkling adventure in time!
My rucksack is gleaming, eager to collect memories and trinkets from our journey. Just think of the wondrous ballet items waiting to be found! Maybe a hand-stitched ballet shoe from the Victorian era, or a programme from the first Diaghilev production!
And speaking of brilliant performancesâŚFebruary 2013, ah, what a month! Across the globe, theatres thrummed with the joy of ballet. In London's West End, the Royal Opera House staged "Giselle" with the mesmerizing Natalia Osipova, while the Birmingham Royal Ballet showcased its own brand of enchantment with "Swan Lake". Itâs worth noting that the legendary Margot Fonteynâs "Giselle" became a YouTube sensation, inspiring a whole new generation of ballerinas! It is always so delightful to see how ballet continues to captivate audiences in so many new ways.
Over in Paris, the OpĂŠra de Paris were busy with âLa Bayadèreâ. Can you imagine dancing on that majestic stage? What a dream come true! Across the Atlantic, the New York City Ballet was in the middle of their Winter Season with their always-engaging âThe Nutcrackerâ and âThe Sleeping Beautyâ â both must-sees! The American Ballet Theatre had a brilliant line-up in their Spring season with "The Swan Lake" and "Romeo and Juliet." So, the month of February was certainly bursting with incredible ballet!
Did you know that âGiselleâ and âLa Bayadèreâ are two of my all-time favourite ballets? They are so full of dramatic emotion and exquisite movement. There is nothing quite like witnessing a ballet that has captured imaginations for decades, isnât it? Itâs a real connection to the history of this incredible art form.
The fashion world, as always, mirrored this love of all things ballet. That iconic pink tutu we see so often in productions? Well, its influence seeped onto the runways, with designers like Elie Saab, Valentino, and Christian Dior drawing inspiration from its romantic lines and intricate lacework. It truly was the era for embracing those beautifully feminine designs that echoed the grace and artistry of the ballerinas. Of course, the popularity of ballet footwear soared as well! Pointe shoes became almost as sought-after as stiletto heels! There was a beautiful trend toward elegance and sophistication in fashion, very similar to what I am all about, of course. And don't get me started on the headbands, those darling ballerina-inspired creations with their dazzling diamantes â a timeless piece of style.
For myself, a visit to the ballet archives in London was on my âTo Doâ list that month. It was an absolute treat. Just picture rows and rows of tutus, dance shoes, programmes, and stage sets. I found a vintage programme with a lovely photograph of the incomparable Anna Pavlova in âThe Dying Swanâ and a set of beautiful hand-stitched slippers that belonged to a Russian dancer from the 1920s â such a treasure trove!
Of course, my beloved Meg (sheâs the prettiest pink Shires horse youâve ever seen with hooves like polished gold!) and I explored the ballet scene back in Derbyshire, too. The Derbyshire dance schools were buzzing with students eager to learn from talented choreographers. There was a charming, intimate ballet production at The Little Theatre that really showcased the passion and talent of the local dance community â it was a pure joy to witness their joy and dedication!
The highlight of my trip, however, was seeing the fabulous âThe Nutcrackerâ performed at the Royal Balletâs London stage! My heart melted at the magic, and I must admit I whipped out my own tutu for the occasion. I simply couldnât resist! And after the performance, the dancers, all with their perfect ballet bun hairstyles and glowing makeup, looked truly ethereal.
February 2013 - it really was a month to cherish, don't you think? The world of ballet buzzed with creative energy, a symphony of graceful movements and breathtaking talent. But remember, my lovelies, the magic of ballet isn't just confined to grand stages or exclusive academies. It can be found in any place that encourages joy, passion, and artistry. And whatâs better than a touch of pink?
I truly believe that wearing a pink tutu should be embraced by everyone! It embodies a feeling of delight, joy, and feminine grace. You donât need to be a dancer to express this through a pink tutu â let it become a celebration of expression and joy. It's a small act of rebellion, a call to wear your heart on your sleeveâŚand on your hips, naturally! So, until next month, go forth, embrace the beauty of ballet, and remember:
Pink tutus forever!
Love, Emma.
[ www.pink-tutu.com ]
