Hello my lovelies! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travel! It's your favourite ballerina blogger, Emma, here, ready to take you on another exciting adventure through the history of our beloved ballet. April 2014, that's our target date this month, and oh, the stories it holds!
This time, I've got a brand new pink tutu – just picture the most delicate shade of blush pink, with the softest tulle layers, like spun sugar clouds – and a whole rucksack full of fascinating ballet tidbits, gathered from my trip.
Oh, and did I mention I'm riding my fabulous pink shire horse, Magic Meg? Her mane and tail are like spun silk, and her hooves shimmer gold – like fairy dust, darling! This girl's got style. And speaking of style...
April 2014 in the World of Ballet
Firstly, a quick look at what's happening in the world of ballet back in 2014. Well, the ballet world was practically exploding with amazing shows! The Royal Ballet was touring with "Romeo and Juliet," a production everyone's raving about. Did you know that the iconic dance scene between Romeo and Juliet set to the music of Prokofiev is something people still talk about to this day? It's that iconic, my dears. And that reminds me, I've got to get myself a Prokofiev record for my collection – his music is absolutely sublime.
On the other side of the pond, the New York City Ballet was doing "The Sleeping Beauty", a real fairytale classic, and the* Boston Ballet* had a production of "The Nutcracker," because nothing screams Christmas cheer quite like Tchaikovsky. Even here in dear old Derbyshire, the local dance academy had a wonderful Swan Lake performance. Just imagine those fluffy white tutus... divine.
Dancing Back to the 19th Century
Now, time for a little time travel! Back to the 19th century we go – specifically, 1865. Oh my dears, what a glorious era for ballet fashion. Imagine: voluminous skirts, tulle galore, romanticism at its finest! And this year saw the debut of a real classic -The Dream of Spring! This beautiful, captivating piece by the legendary French composer Jules Massenet, tells the story of love, dreams and awakening. It was truly groundbreaking for its time, exploring a lighter, more nuanced emotional range. You've got to get yourself a recording, darlings, if you haven't already!
In the spirit of exploration and discovery, I headed to the Paris Opera (dressed, naturally, in my blush pink tutu, it wouldn't be a ballet adventure without it!), and saw “La Fille mal gardée” performed by the renowned Paris Opera Ballet – oh, what beautiful costumes! A veritable feast for the eyes. This light-hearted ballet had everyone giggling in the audience, and afterwards, I bumped into a delightful young gentleman named Jules, who invited me to tea at a nearby café. Such charming men back in the 19th century! And to top it off, I snagged a first-edition pamphlet about “La Fille mal gardée,” now sitting proudly in my collection, and an adorable antique hair comb, just like the ones worn by the dancers in that era.
A Victorian Dream
The 19th century was a real blossoming for ballet! And it was quite wonderful to see these gorgeous performances. While it wouldn't be exactly the "street style" we see today, it certainly brought a beautiful touch to the time. Ballet's artistry was seen as both entertaining and inspiring – oh, how the world has changed!
London’s Magical Theatre
After my Parisian escapade, I jumped onto Magic Meg, and, whizz! We landed right in London, 1914, smack bang in the middle of a bustling Royal Opera House performance. Oh, the opulence of it all! Everything was plush red velvet, golden chandeliers dripping with crystal, and elegant ladies and gentlemen in their finest attire, buzzing with anticipation. They say it's still like that today, though the ballet itself may have changed.
The ballet being performed was “Le Pavillon d’Armide,” a true classic. The choreography was, well, simply spectacular! A real showcase of grace and technical artistry. What truly stole the show was Tamara Karsavina, a famous ballerina known for her brilliant dancing and effortless grace, and who later had her own incredible career teaching others.
Afterwards, I caught a bit of conversation overheard between two young ballet hopefuls: one had her eyes on The Diaghilev Ballets Russes, and the other dreamed of becoming a prima ballerina. It truly gave me that "pinch-myself" moment, seeing history come to life. And what did I find? A little charm bracelet with tiny ballerinas dangling from it, looking as though it was just pulled out of a dusty old treasure box. Perfect for my collection!
And Remember...
This journey isn't just about the performances, darlings! It's about the feeling – the romance, the passion, the grace, the sheer artistry that surrounds ballet. It's a history rich in stories, laughter, and captivating artistry that has truly inspired generations. So, my dear friends, remember to spread that magic around you.
Wear your pink tutus with confidence. Never stop dreaming and believe in the beauty that lives within. And, as always, don’t forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com to follow my latest adventures.
See you all soon, and stay fabulous!
Emma
P.S. Did I mention that my magical pink shire horse is also a great listener? Tell me about your favourite ballet memories, I'd love to hear!
