Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, and welcome back to another month of pirouette-ing through the pages of history on Pink Tutu Travels! This month's post is number 4291, so you can imagine how many exciting journeys I've taken already! 💖
July, oh July - the sun is shining, the flowers are blooming, and there's a wonderful air of joyous possibility! It's the perfect time for some spectacular ballet history, don't you think? My magical Meg (oh, isn't she just divine in her pink sparkly coat and golden hooves?) is chomping at the bit, raring to take us on a twirling tour of this wonderful month in ballet history.
Let's take a peek at what's been happening on this particular July 2018:
- Moscow's Bolshoi Theatre: The world's eyes are on Russia this July as the Bolshoi Theatre hosts an unforgettable gala celebrating the work of the renowned choreographer, Yuri Grigorovich. A truly epic event! This was truly something to behold!
- Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House, London: My own beloved London is abuzz with the beautiful ballet season, too! The Royal Ballet is performing the much-loved 'Swan Lake', the epitome of graceful elegance! Of course, I had to take Meg for a quick jaunt to the Covent Garden to catch a few pirouettes – just had to grab some new ballet-themed goodies for my backpack too, don't you know.
- American Ballet Theatre's Annual Summer Season in New York: Across the pond, the American Ballet Theatre is celebrating its summer season with breathtaking performances. Their schedule is packed with amazing dance dramas and inspiring stories - and it goes without saying, I'm just itching to visit soon.
Oh my, but where were we? We were off, weren't we? Magic Meg has galloped through the time portal!
The Victorian era:
Imagine this - it's a scorching summer's day in Victorian England, and we're at the prestigious London Theatre Royal, Covent Garden. The elegant ladies in their sweeping ball gowns are mesmerized by the elegant and dramatic performance of "La Sylphide", the ultimate ballet of enchantment. I just couldn't resist adding a delicate silk shawl to my collection from a quaint antique shop. What a stunning addition to my pink tutu ensemble!
But let's step out for a moment and take in the bustle of London. The streets are alive with the clatter of horses and carriages, and a curious air of adventure fills the air. And oh, wouldn't you know it? A travelling dance troupe from Italy has just arrived with the most sensational dancing. They're using traditional instruments for a whole new dimension to the performance! I simply have to snag a little souvenir – a silk scarf adorned with exotic, floral patterns, to adorn my collection back home.
Now, my dears, let's take a trip back in time.
18th Century Vienna:
Vienna's glittering palaces are truly magnificent, wouldn't you agree? And Vienna in the 18th century - well, it's an absolute delight. The grand salons are buzzing with aristocrats adorned in sparkling jewels, and the sounds of enchanting melodies echo throughout the streets. A perfect setting for some captivating ballet, wouldn't you agree?
This is where ballet was starting to truly find its own feet, becoming an elegant spectacle like no other. Ballet was used for courtly dances – they even used to perform right on the stairs! A dance, a performance, a story. I've acquired some exquisite sheet music from a vintage store tucked away in a quaint backstreet. I must try those elegant dance steps. Maybe Magic Meg will enjoy dancing a little bit too, with me!
Of course, no visit to Vienna would be complete without sampling their exquisite desserts and pastries – something I had to do for this post – and so we had an exquisite Viennese Waltz.
Oh, but let's move along…
Paris, France
I must admit, I have an absolutely delightful weakness for Paris, with its grand architecture, chic boudoirs and delectable cuisine – so you can imagine how I feel about exploring its Parisian ballet history! Imagine dancing with the elegance and grace of a Parisienne on a warm summer’s day. The French Revolution may have been raging at this time, but Parisians, always, were dedicated to beauty! It would be a crime not to visit a café on a beautiful street with a glass of delicious pink lemonade to celebrate our fabulous time travel.
Across the world:
Oh darling, did you know there are people doing ballet all around the world? Just imagine, in the 18th century there were ballet dancers in Beijing performing spectacular dances, each dance telling a whole story! In the 19th century, Russian dancers were starting to move through a golden age of ballet with graceful ballet steps – the development of these graceful ballets makes me feel as if I am gliding along myself! And don’t get me started about India. I simply have to visit this mystical land - Indian Kathak dancers weave together captivating tales of mythology and faith in a kaleidoscope of movements and intricate footwork.
My darlings, wouldn’t it be amazing to see them all dance together in a performance? It’s truly incredible that ballet traditions from all across the globe are now entwined and beautifully presented in dance shows today.
Oh, I’m so glad that you’ve come along for this journey through time!
Back at home, in my favourite Derbyshire cottage, I’m looking forward to creating some wonderful tutu ensembles for my next ballet adventure. And, as ever, I will be sharing all of my fabulous new finds with you, on the next time I'm off on a ballet escapade!
Here are a few lovely ballet-inspired goodies for you to enjoy until our next ballet adventure together:
“Pink Tutu Time Travels” Blog: Come along with me on our dance journey - sign up for my email list today and keep up-to-date on the adventures! I always try to give my time travel adventures a wonderful happy ending, just like any ballet story should.
Emma's Tutu Emporium: My little corner of online paradise filled with the most dazzling, glamorous and affordable pink tutus on the market – there is a tutu for everyone and I aim to have every lady rocking their own unique look, with the pink tutu of their dreams.
“The Pink Tutu Club: Join the amazing world of ballet history with us – the Pink Tutu Club welcomes ladies of all shapes and sizes! We get together for ballet and dance themed workshops, special dance parties, picnics and trips out – we try to find amazing and glamorous new places to explore for our pink-tutu fun. It's always a fabulous, fashionable adventure, darlings!
And don’t forget my beautiful collection of hand-drawn ballet-inspired cards which you can find at the “Pink Tutu Shop”!
So darling, keep an eye on the world of ballet because you know that Pink Tutu Time Travels is never going to stop until everyone has the wonderful tutu experience they dream of!
Oh! One last thing: don’t forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com for more updates, amazing tutu shopping and loads more ballet-themed goodies. I've got more wonderful surprises in store.
Until next time, may your steps be graceful and your tutus flawlessly pink.
Love,
Emma x 💖🩰
