Hello darling ballet lovers! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travel, your monthly dose of all things ballet and time travel! It's your girl, Emma, and this month we're twirling back to January 2017! As always, I've got my trusty pink tutu on, my leather rucksack ready for collecting vintage ballet treasures, and Magic Meg, my pink-sparkling Shire with golden hooves and a snowy mane and tail, is champing at the bit to take us on a magical ballet adventure!
This month, we're skipping across continents, indulging in the intoxicating scent of old theatres, and immersing ourselves in the glorious world of ballet. Grab a glass of lemonade (with extra pink sugar, of course!) and settle in for another enchanting journey through time...
January 2017 - The Ballet Buzz!Oh, the buzz in the ballet world was quite something in January 2017! Let me tell you, darlings, the world of dance was positively brimming with talent. Across the globe, magnificent performances were enchanting audiences from New York to Tokyo, with exciting choreographies and breathtakingly talented dancers gracing the stage. I just had to see for myself, of course, so Magic Meg whisked me around the world at the speed of light, ensuring I didn't miss a single step!
Here are some highlights:
New York City Ballet: The company was celebrating the return of Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker", which was still going strong even in 2017. Their "George Balanchine's 'The Nutcracker'" production was absolutely adored!
Royal Ballet: This time period was bursting with innovation and originality. Over in London, the Royal Ballet debuted the world premiere of Wayne McGregor's "Woolf Works", inspired by the renowned writer Virginia Woolf. It was truly revolutionary! The reviews were overwhelmingly positive, and it truly felt like something new and extraordinary was happening in the world of dance.
The Bolshoi Theatre: There's always something captivating happening at the Bolshoi. January 2017 saw the revival of "Romeo and Juliet", featuring those glorious tutus in a romantic and heart-wrenching masterpiece. A ballet classic at its finest!
Fashion Frenzy - A Tutu-tiful TimeI simply cannot travel through time without exploring the latest fashion trends, darling! My fashion compass never misses a beat, and 2017's ballet fashion had some real winners!
Firstly, the "Romantic Ballet" era had made a glorious comeback, with light, floaty, and ethereal tulle making a triumphant return. Those delicate, dreamy designs made the dancers appear as if they were floating on air! We saw plenty of exquisite pas de deux, the ballerina's dress swishing and twirling alongside the elegant movements of their male counterpart, like two feathered doves taking flight.
Secondly, bold colours and unique textures were on full display. You can never go wrong with a touch of colour, and in 2017, designers were really showcasing their artistry with beautiful combinations and rich textures. I absolutely adored a new pair of bright magenta ballet shoes with golden laces I snagged in Paris - a stunning match for my signature pink tutu, wouldn't you say?
Thirdly, a hint of boho-chic added a cool edge to many contemporary pieces. Fringe accents and lightweight materials brought a sense of natural beauty to the dance, as though the dancers were embracing their free spirit!
I must say, the designers in 2017 had an impressive talent for incorporating elements of contemporary fashion into the ballet world, making each performance even more beautiful and modern. I, of course, added my personal touch, adding some chic and sassy embellishments to my pink tutu to fit in!
Tutu Talk: Sharing the LoveDid you know, darling? One of my greatest joys in time travelling is bringing back stories of ballet history. My leather rucksack has been stuffed full with programme notes, handwritten letters, and vintage photos. It's like a little ballet time capsule!
Here's something really special I unearthed this time:
The Diary of a 19th Century Ballerina.
It was an incredibly moving journal, revealing a heartfelt glimpse into the daily lives of a ballerina. From meticulous rehearsal notes and backstage gossip, to emotional confessions of doubt and joy, the diary provided an intimate look into the heart of ballet back then. I’m thrilled to have captured this treasure to share with all of you!
Of course, I always do my part in inspiring the love of dance. My favourite thing? Seeing how many young ballet enthusiasts embrace the tutu, and I absolutely love the bright smiles and starry eyes of those watching performances, even when it's the first time they've experienced the magic of ballet.
But what better way to inspire this love than to give away one of the beautiful vintage tutu-related items I brought back from 2017?
I'm gifting a gorgeous 2017 era, embroidered ballet shoe bag to one lucky reader! It's soft, velvety, and will add a touch of old-world charm to your ballet essentials. All you have to do is share your most memorable ballet experience on my blog, www.pink-tutu.com.
Remember, darling, everyone deserves a chance to embrace their inner ballerina and twirl through life with confidence and joy. Let's inspire a love of ballet in every corner of the world!
Stay fabulous, and keep on twirling!
Love,
Emma
Post Number: 4273
www.pink-tutu.com
