Hello darlings! It's Emma, your resident pink-tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina, and I'm absolutely buzzing to share my September adventures with you! I've always been a little bit obsessed with history, and thanks to Magic Meg, my magnificent pink-sparkling Shire horse with golden hooves (he really is a dreamboat, you should see his tail!), I get to experience it all first-hand. This month, we're travelling toā¦ well, actually, it's more a whirlwind tour!
I have a super busy schedule, my darlings! September 2013 was packed with all sorts of exciting events and performances, both past and present, and, of course, I had to catch as many as I could, all in my trusty pink tutu, of course! I was thrilled to even have some performances to help fund my time travels! I know, I'm quite the lucky ballerina, wouldn't you agree? š
Letās start in London, shall we? Oh, the capital never disappoints!
A Blast from the Past at the Royal Opera House: My very first stop was at the Royal Opera House. Imagine, dear reader, seeing a beautiful, historic performance of The Sleeping Beauty by The Royal Ballet! The theatre itself was a vision, glittering chandeliers, plush velvet seats, and a palpable energy that sent shivers down my spine. I imagined all the wonderful ballerinas who graced this very stage, their elegant steps echoing through time. The Royal Ballet always delivers an exquisite performance, and their costumes were positively stunning!
Time Travel Tip: When you travel to the past, be sure to bring a proper handkerchief, darling. The air quality in those times wasn't the best, and you wouldn't want a rogue puff of smoke to ruin your carefully coiffed hair. š
After my whirlwind visit to 19th-century London, Magic Meg and I were off to New York for a triple-bill extravaganza! The New York City Ballet, ever the dazzling display of talent and energy, was showcasing three phenomenal pieces ā George Balanchineās 'Symphony in C', Peter Martinsā 'Fearful Symmetries', and Jerome Robbins's 'The Goldberg Variations'. What a breathtaking mix of classical and contemporary!
Shopping in New York is always a pleasure: It was no time for tea and crumpets though. We dashed off to explore the vibrant world of dancewear. New York is an absolute heaven for all things ballet! So many incredible shops! From glamorous shops showcasing the latest designer tutus, to charming, quirky stores selling vintage dance shoes, I couldn't resist picking up a few things.
The Magic of a Ballerina's Life: Did you know, my darlings, the history of dance has fascinating connection to our modern world? For instance, while shopping in a chic Manhattan store, I spotted a delightful pair of pointe shoes that had a surprising story. It was discovered that ballet as we know it evolved from Italian Renaissance court dances! The shoes reflected that history - intricately crafted and detailed - but with a touch of modern flair. I simply couldn't resist adding them to my ever-growing collection!
Now, time for some much-needed continental ballet! We zipped off to Paris for a spell. Paris in September was simply divine! My heart skipped a beat at the OpƩra Garnier, that magnificent palace of ballet. There, I saw the enchanting "Giselle", a romantic and heart-wrenching masterpiece. The costumes were divine, delicate and ethereal, just like a ballerina's dreams. The Paris Opera Ballet is so graceful, a captivating story brought to life, like poetry set to music. I was utterly enchanted.
An Enchanted Stroll in Paris: Before saying 'bonjour' to Paris, we strolled down the charming cobblestone streets of Montmartre. Every nook and cranny whispered with the spirit of artists, dancers, and creative souls. Imagine, my dear reader, having coffee at a cute cafe overlooking the bustling streets of the City of Lights! Ooh la la, as they say.
From the grandeur of Paris to the serene beauty of the Dutch countryside, our travels continued! This month was truly filled with some stunningly different performances. The Het Nationale Ballet in the Netherlands, captivated me with a sublime performance of "Swan Lake" in the heart of Amsterdam!
Dancing Through the Netherlands: This was a particularly memorable trip for me, dear reader, because this beautiful show was in celebration of the ballet's enduring popularity throughout history! And oh my! I was even invited to try some delicious stroopwafels (I hear it's a local delicacy!). And who knew the Dutch had such amazing dance talent? The beauty and passion radiating from the stage just took my breath away. I always try to take inspiration from every dancer I meet, learning from each step and movement!
Next, our pink-hued journey brought us to Italy, where I experienced something absolutely extraordinary! I stepped into a dazzling world of classical ballet, right at the Teatro alla Scala in Milan, and watched a passionate rendition of "La BayadĆØre". This Italian theatre holds some of the most fascinating history, my dear. A ballet in that majestic hall felt almost sacred.
Shopping in Milan, oh, my!: Iād be remiss, wouldnāt I, if I didn't mention the shopping spree I had to have in Milan? My leather rucksack was getting quite full with beautiful vintage finds from Milan! This city is full of treasures, my dears! From designer shops selling haute couture dresses that would be absolutely divine on stage, to antique stores holding vintage accessories with elegant charm - it was a ballet enthusiast's dream.
Time travel really takes its toll. Itās a little tiring.
However, by far my most exciting stop in September, darling, was the grand opening of the Ballet and Dance Exhibition in Edinburgh. This was an exciting and vibrant display showcasing the evolution of ballet. The exhibits were beautiful and educational ā you could explore the historical significance of costumes, props, and dance steps, truly immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of ballet through the ages.
Time Travel is More Than Just Fancy Clothes, my dear reader:
This is one of the biggest reasons why I time-travel, you see? I love exploring and discovering all the fascinating aspects of dance and ballet history! There are so many remarkable individuals who dedicated their lives to making dance what it is today, from legendary choreographers like Michel Fokine and Sergei Diaghilev, to countless dedicated dancers who trained, persevered, and brought dance to the worldās attention. The exhibit truly paid homage to them all, making me appreciate the rich tapestry of the art form we love even more.
Now, as we round out September and enter a new month of exciting adventures, I'm reminded of the magic that ballet holds. Thereās something so heartwarming and wonderful about a room full of people watching the grace and power of movement come to life on the stage. And wouldnāt you know, after this amazing whirlwind month, Iām already bursting with new ideas. Maybe a trip to see āThe Nutcrackerā somewhere, Iām sure thatās bound to be festive. What a way to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.
But I want to hear from you too! What are your favourite performances or ballet moments, my dears? Share your stories in the comments! And of course, donāt forget to check back next month for more exciting pink tutu-tastic time travel adventures!
Remember to spread the joy of ballet with a little sparkle. Weāll all be looking glamorous, my dears.
Until then, embrace the magic of dance, Emma.
* www.pink-tutu.com*
