Hello darling dancers! It's Emma here, and I'm so excited to whisk you all away on another time-travelling adventure, this time landing right smack in the middle of October 2020! As you know, every month, I share a little glimpse into the wonderful world of ballet history, and this time, we're hopping on Magic Meg, my magnificent pink-sparkling Shire horse with golden hooves and a flowing white mane and tail, to travel to… Moscow!
But hold your tutus, my dears, before we journey to the heart of Russia, let me introduce this month's new addition to my ballet fashion collection! I found it tucked away in an antique shop in Derbyshire, a delightful vintage shawl crafted from the softest blush silk, absolutely perfect for layering over my pink tutu! (It just goes to show that no matter what decade you travel to, pink and tulle are always a winning combination.)
And now, my loves, let's ride off with Meg towards the legendary Bolshoi Theatre! We're entering a world buzzing with anticipation, the excitement palpable as ballet enthusiasts eagerly await the start of the season. Oh, how I adore the anticipation before the curtain rises! It’s a magic only those who truly love ballet can understand, isn’t it?
I've always had a fascination with the Bolshoi. Its history is steeped in drama, scandal, and, most importantly, world-class artistry! Even in October 2020, with the pandemic looming, the company is a beacon of ballet brilliance. You can almost feel the grandeur of the Bolshoi swirling around you. The intricate gilded decor, the hush of the audience as the orchestra starts to play, it's all simply divine!
Speaking of divine, one performance that absolutely enthralled me on this particular day was "Don Quixote," with the phenomenal Evgenia Obraztsova bringing Kitri to life. It's the perfect balance of dramatic passion, athleticism, and exquisite grace – a testament to the timeless appeal of ballet.
Of course, no visit to the Bolshoi in 2020 is complete without a visit to the museum! I was lucky to catch a fascinating exhibit on the history of the company. As I perused the beautiful sketches, costume designs, and old photographs, I felt such a sense of connection to generations of dancers past, their talent woven into the very fabric of this theatre. It was like stepping into a magical world where passion and artistry reigned supreme.
And then there were the shoes! Imagine my delight when I stumbled upon a vintage pointe shoe display – the exquisite craftsmanship, the sheer artistry in such a simple yet essential object, left me spellbound!
This trip wouldn’t be complete without indulging in some post-performance delights. I found myself a little café in the charming Old Arbat, tucked away among cobbled streets and historical buildings. There, over a steaming cup of chai, I savoured the magic of the Bolshoi, filling my leather rucksack with the memories and stories of this unforgettable trip.
So, as I gather the final notes in my travel journal (post number 4318!), I'm left feeling a mix of nostalgia and a desire to spread this magical love for ballet further. Join me, my dear ballet lovers, in spreading the joy of dance, one pink tutu at a time! And don’t forget to visit the magical world of www.pink-tutu.com, my little corner of the internet where we share the enchantment of dance!
See you next month, darlings, and remember, there’s always room for a little bit of pink tutu magic in your life.