Hello lovelies, and welcome to another thrilling episode of my pink-tutu-filled time-travel adventures! It's April 2019, and I'm absolutely buzzing with excitement – not only is Spring in full bloom (just like my favourite colour!) but I’ve been back in my favourite tutu from 19th Century Italy! Honestly, darling, this was a trip to remember, so get your tea and biscuits ready and settle in for a right proper yarn.
Firstly, can we just talk about how glorious fashion is in Italy? I mean, their love of embellishment, lace, and that pink! Swoons. You wouldn’t believe the amazing ballgowns I found - ruched, puffed sleeves, and every possible shade of pink, from blush to rose pink. Let’s just say my leather rucksack is brimming with amazing silk scarves and brooches!
But it wasn't just the fashion that got me flustered (and in a good way!). I was in Milan, which at the time was considered the centre of the ballet universe. Imagine – I got to experience ballet heaven!
On my visit, I caught a stunning performance of La Fille Mal Gardée at the Teatro alla Scala (now the Scala Theatre – oh the history!). I simply must share that it was utterly divine. Such beautiful costumes, and the music was simply divine. They called it ballet-comique, and let me tell you, I howled with laughter (the story was about a young woman trying to escape her controlling mother!) And the dancing! Simply breath-taking, even though *le ballet * back then wasn’t quite as we know it now, all graceful leaps and pointed toes. They were still finding their style!
And oh my word, did they find their style with the introduction of the tutu back then! 1830 onwards was a revolutionary time in ballet. Marie Taglioni (our queen of the tutus, darling!), an absolutely captivating dancer with long limbs and amazing expressive abilities, brought her signature floaty white tutus to life – they were revolutionary and iconic. These new shorter tutus, in contrasting colors with fitted bodices, allowed en pointe dancing to flourish – and just look how amazing *le ballet * has become since then!
It got me thinking – it’s like the pink tutu, isn’t it? The ballet, our clothes, everything we love… it's all about the evolution of style over time! From those first graceful steps towards en pointe, to la danse itself, it’s an unfolding of movement and beauty. And all the while, the pink tutu keeps on keeping on. That little frilly bit of loveliness – always finding its perfect match, no matter the style of ballet or the era!
What a thought, isn't it?
I truly believe that the world is a better place with a pink tutu – that’s why I travel through time, discovering incredible stories and beautiful pieces of fashion – I want to share that magic with the whole world, one pink tutu at a time!
Speaking of, darling, if you’re thinking of dipping your toes into the world of ballet fashion, have I got a treat for you! This month, I’m going to the Royal Ballet’s production of La Bayadère. Oh, how exciting! This amazing work tells the tale of Nikiya, a Bayadère (a temple dancer) who falls in love with a warrior prince. I can't wait to see all the fabulous tutus on stage - a truly iconic masterpiece. Don’t forget to look for my blog next month!
Keep those tutus spinning, darlings. And remember - every day is a chance to feel the magic of ballet and dance like nobody's watching!
Ballet Events in April 2019 - What to Look Out for this Month!While La Bayadère at the Royal Ballet is must-see, you can find amazing ballet events all around the world in April. Let’s dive into some divine happenings…
England:
- Birmingham Royal Ballet: In Birmingham, they’ll be showcasing The Sleeping Beauty. Just lovely for a classic fairytale ballet, complete with an amazing cast of characters, beautiful music and enchanting dancing.
English National Ballet: In London, they’re presenting a Romeo and Juliet. Imagine, a Shakespeare masterpiece on stage! What better way to get you swooning over the art of dance.
Scotland:
Scottish Ballet: Edinburgh has The Three Musketeers on offer – an incredible and exciting performance with high-energy dancing! If you're looking for some super cool ballet with amazing costumes, then you should book now.
International Adventures:
- The Bolshoi Ballet : Head to Moscow, darling, and witness their gorgeous rendition of Swan Lake, complete with Tchaikovsky's famous score.
- The New York City Ballet: The ballet's got George Balanchine’s *Diamonds playing, set to Stravinsky – it’s said to be one of the classical masterpieces – perfect for a true dance enthusiast!
- Paris Opera Ballet: If you’re in Paris, head straight to the Palais Garnier, darling, and get yourself to their Sleeping Beauty. Parisian elegance at its finest, complete with Tchaikovsky’s score!
April 2019 - this is the month for dance! I’ve been collecting all these gems and gorgeous tutu stories from my trip to Italy, and there’s just so much excitement in the world of ballet this month! Whatever you’re doing, wherever you are – go out, find a dance class, or get your tickets booked! Ballet is all about joy, laughter and of course – pink!
Until next time!
xx Emma
