#BalletHistory during 2016 08

Hello darlings! Emma here, and I’m back with another exciting instalment from my time travel blog. This month, we’re going to step back in time – or shall I say twirl back – to August 2016.

Oh, it’s a dream! Imagine a balmy summer day in Derbyshire, England. I’ve just returned from a whirlwind performance at the Buxton Opera House (their new stage lighting is exquisite, wouldn’t you agree? It really brought out the sparkle in my custom-made pink tutu). Feeling invigorated, I’m brushing down Magic Meg, my beautiful pink-sparkling shire horse with golden hooves and a white mane and tail (aren’t they just divine?). She’s chomping on a carrot, and I’m feeling rather peckish too – must be all those pirouettes!

So, what did the world of ballet hold in August 2016? Let's just say, the scene was positively abuzz, and there were some fabulous shows going on around the globe, all begging for a little Pink Tutu magic!

Firstly, the legendary American Ballet Theatre (ABT) was in full swing, gracing the stage at New York City Center with an incredible lineup! They were performing Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake, one of my all-time favourites! Can you imagine? Watching those graceful swan costumes flow, hearing the iconic music, and feeling the raw emotion of that timeless tale – truly magical!

The Royal Ballet, the jewel in the crown of London’s ballet scene, were dazzling audiences with a spectacular production of Manon, a ballet masterpiece featuring a breathtaking score by Jules Massenet. Imagine, darlings, swirling silks and shimmering stage designs - it sounds simply divine! I so wish I had been there to soak in the atmosphere and maybe snag a little peek behind the curtain!

My Parisian friends were all agog with the Paris Opera Ballet, who were presenting their exquisite adaptation of Giselle. Now, we all know this is a true romantic ballet classic. The combination of powerful choreography and a deeply emotional story - who wouldn't be enraptured? I hear the costumes were absolutely divine, the tutu-heaven of every ballerina’s dreams. I’m sure it would have made my heart sing!

August 2016 also brought ballet wonders to stages far and wide. Did you know the Bolshoi Ballet were touring Don Quixote? It sounds like such a vibrant spectacle of flamenco passion and dramatic choreography – I simply must find out more! And in Australia, the Australian Ballet wowed audiences with their enchanting version of The Nutcracker. The beautiful costumes and magical storytelling must have been a treat. It really fills my heart with joy to know ballet is flourishing in so many parts of the world.

Speaking of flourishing, there's a brand new addition to my collection - a pair of shimmering silver ballet shoes from my last performance! You know, they always say a ballerina’s shoes tell a story. I love to gather shoes from my time travels to add them to my ever-growing collection (though they rarely fit Magic Meg – too small!). I imagine those beautiful silver shoes had been worn on the most glamorous stages, just waiting to whisper their secrets to me!

Now, back to my beloved tutus! I couldn't let this month pass without mentioning the beautiful pastel pink tutus that graced the ABT's Swan Lake and the Parisian Opera's Giselle. I can already picture them shimmering under the stage lights – it just takes me to another world! Honestly, every time I see a ballerina in a pink tutu, my heart skips a beat. Isn’t it truly enchanting how ballet brings the colour pink to life with so much grace?

You know, my darlings, one of my greatest ambitions is to get everyone wearing a pink tutu. Not only because pink is such a beautiful and joyful colour, but because it's a symbol of freedom, confidence, and all that’s lovely and beautiful in this world. Maybe, just maybe, my time-travelling adventures and all these delightful tutus I’ve encountered will inspire even more people to step into their own dance of self-expression!

And remember, darlings, until next time, don’t forget to dance your heart out! Keep your dreams as light and free as a ballerina’s leap! I’ll be right here, documenting ballet’s past, present, and future, all for you, and of course, for all my pink tutu loving friends!

Catch you soon, Emma xx