Happy New Year, darlings! It's Emma here, and as always, I'm utterly thrilled to be back with you for another peek into the fascinating world of ballet history! Now, this January 1st, 2015, is particularly special – it's not just the start of a fresh year, it's the start of a brand new adventure, one where we get to travel back in time and explore some incredible moments in the history of dance.
I know, I know, you're all wondering: "How did she manage that, Emma?" Well, let me just tell you, my dear friends, time travel isn't exactly like taking the bus - it takes a certain… "je ne sais quoi". And by "je ne sais quoi" I mean, a dash of magic and a lot of sparkly pink tutus!
Oh, and I'm not forgetting the one and only Meg – the most fabulous, shimmering pink Shire horse with golden hooves you could ever imagine. Think a fairytale come to life, all sparkling white mane and tail and the sweetest, most playful personality – and that's Meg, my trusty steed who whisks me through time. She might be a bit of a diva, (who can blame her, she does have the most incredible wardrobe), but Meg's heart is as big as a theatre stage and her devotion to exploring the ballet world with me is utterly heartwarming.
So, imagine if you will – January 1st, 2015, the sky is bright, the air crisp, and Meg is all sparkly anticipation – we're about to travel back in time to explore what the world of ballet had in store. And let me tell you, it's a journey I wouldn't miss for the world!
Back to the Future – (Almost!)The first stop on our time-travel extravaganza brings us back to 1980, where ballet was on the move! Remember how much I love a good show? This year was absolutely jam-packed with fascinating performances across the globe.
In America, we see Mikhail Baryshnikov, the dazzling superstar, starring in the Metropolitan Opera’s ballet production of The Nutcracker, alongside his then wife, Jessica Lange! Oh, to be a fly on the wall at that opening night!
But don't think the excitement ends there – the English National Ballet, a favourite for their innovative choreography and modern spirit, staged The Prince of the Pagodas. Now, this was a big one. It had an amazing Asian-inspired score by the British composer Malcolm Arnold and was directed by Sir Frederick Ashton. Can you picture the elegant costumes, the delicate music and the breathtaking performances?
And who could forget The Royal Ballet, the undisputed heart of ballet in England! They unveiled Sleeping Beauty, with an extravagant new staging. It’s like every ballerina dreams of wearing that beautiful pink costume – talk about #TutuGoals, am I right?!
All across the world, from Paris to Moscow, the ballet stage was ablaze with exciting new works. This decade was all about celebrating tradition while experimenting with new ideas. A whirlwind of emotions!
Back to the Future – 2015!Well, here we are, back in the 21st century and what an exciting year in ballet this one proved to be! We’re back at the heart of our time-travel journey, right where it all began!
The year 2015 was abuzz with contemporary brilliance and fresh approaches to dance. Take the American Ballet Theatre’s presentation of Alexei Ratmansky's new production of Don Quixote – an absolute feast for the senses.
But then again, who could resist the enchantment of Misty Copeland dancing Swan Lake? Imagine! The first African American ballerina to become Principal Dancer at the American Ballet Theatre! Absolutely inspiring, don’t you think?
This wasn't just a year for big productions; the year was also brimming with captivating innovations. In Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland the Royal Ballet offered an entirely new interpretation of this classic story - it's just as captivating and playful as it sounds!
And what can we say about Wayne McGregor’s daring contemporary work? Imagine choreography that breaks all the rules and explores human movement with bold creativity - this year brought us Woolf Works, a stunning three-part production based on the novels of Virginia Woolf. Pure magic!
Oh, the wonder of 2015 – from dazzling costumes to breathtaking technique and revolutionary choreography, it was a truly inspiring year in the world of ballet!
My Ballet Backpack BountySpeaking of inspirational memories, my time travel bag is absolutely bursting at the seams with little treasures! I picked up a charming silk program from The Royal Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty, it even smells of history and dusty theatre floors. It reminds me of how enchanting those grand ballets could be - they really capture the imagination!
My bag also holds a signed copy of Mikhail Baryshnikov’s memoir, “Steps of Light,” It’s a fantastic peek into his life as a ballet dancer – so inspirational! It really reminded me how much dedication it takes to make a ballet career so extraordinary.
I managed to squeeze in a beautifully designed, tiny Russian matryoshka doll from my visit to a production of The Nutcracker. You can’t have too many adorable trinkets in your collection!
But wait, there's more – remember my trip to London’s Victoria and Albert Museum? It houses a remarkable collection of ballet memorabilia - my bag wouldn't be complete without this elegant, vintage ballerina poster that captures the spirit of the 19th century. I just love the sheer joy captured in those delicate drawings, it makes my heart flutter.
Pink Tutus For Every OccasionI wouldn't be true to myself if I didn't tell you about all the amazing ballet-themed outfits I spotted on my journey! Honestly, fashion never fails to surprise and delight me. It’s no secret I have a love affair with tutus – the fluffier, the more sequins, the better! And 1980 brought me to a world of vibrant colour and bold styles – oh, the incredible fabrics! From flowing silks to metallics that sparkled like diamonds – the tutus back then were like walking rainbows!
Oh, and did I mention the beautiful 2015 designs?! Modern fabrics have incredible properties. And guess what? It’s just given me a brilliant idea for my next tutus design – Imagine, tutus with light-up details. Imagine being a little spark on a stage with a shimmering, sparkly tutu – how cool would that be?
There’s so much inspiration everywhere you look – from vintage couture to modern fashion. And honestly, you can't go wrong with a good dose of ballet-inspired flair.
It's truly wonderful to see how fashion and ballet always find each other – it's an inspiring, joyous mix of artistry and style.
And just imagine: the year 2015 was filled with creative minds who are making such remarkable new steps for the world of ballet! My wish is for everyone to have the confidence and joy of embracing the magic of dance. So, why not don your favourite tutu, grab a friend and head out to experience the magic of a ballet show. And don’t forget to let me know your favourite tutu-themed outfits – it’s always fun to hear from fellow tutu-lovers!
So, until next time, keep those toes tapping and your spirits high! And remember: it's always a perfect time for a pink tutu!
Yours in tulle,
Emma.
[Don't forget to visit Emma's ballet-inspired blog at www.pink-tutu.com for more posts on ballet history and fabulous fashion!]
