#BalletHistory during 2024 05

Welcome back, my fellow ballet-lovers, to Pink Tutu Travels, your monthly dose of swirling history and shimmering style! This is post number 4361, and you'll find us hurtling through May 2024 with Magic Meg, my trusty steed, and my ever-present pink tutu. Today's journey promises to be full of tutus, sparkles, and all things fabulous – so strap yourselves in and get ready for a grand adventure!

May is a month brimming with joy, blossoming flowers, and the promise of sunny days. And what better way to celebrate than a dazzling dip into the world of ballet? Let's explore what was happening in the ballet world in May 2024…

As a Derbyshire girl myself, I always hold a special place in my heart for the Royal Ballet. It’s simply captivating. In May 2024, The Royal Opera House in London, a grand stage befitting the grandest of dances, hosted the captivating “Giselle” – a timeless story of love, betrayal, and ghostly grace. The first performance, starring the beautiful Alina Cojocaru and the dynamic Vadim Muntagirov, was truly something to behold! It reminded me why I adore classic ballets so much - there’s a certain magic to stories that have stood the test of time. The set design was incredible, all soft pinks and peaches with exquisite foliage – very much my style! It was truly a show to remember!

And of course, there were tutus aplenty! This iconic ballet calls for two tutus – the first is a more modest white one for Giselle's happy early life, and then later, when she enters a trance, there is the glorious full-blown “wilis” tutu in soft pink with delicate layers of tulle. The whole effect was truly dreamy – something a ballerina girl like myself can only dream of dancing!

Across the Atlantic in New York City, the renowned New York City Ballet presented a stunning showcase of choreographic excellence. May 2024 saw the company present “The Sleeping Beauty” in a grand and majestic spectacle. The music by Tchaikovsky was simply magical and the story, with all its twists and turns, enthralled me. Now, I admit I wasn’t able to go (it would have required quite a long journey for even Magic Meg!), but I did manage to snatch a glimpse through a magical portal (don't ask, time travel is complicated!).

Paris is the quintessential city for ballet – think iconic theatres, legendary dance studios, and streets lined with gorgeous ballet shoes! No trip to Paris is complete without a visit to the Opéra Garnier, where a multitude of ballets and performances captivated audiences, and in May 2024, there were many captivating works being showcased, including the exquisite ballet “Swan Lake.” Paris is famous for its elegance, so I made sure to snag some beautiful silk ballet ribbon from the historic streets, and added a touch of Parisian flair to my ever-growing ballet fashion collection.

May in the world of fashion is always an exciting time, especially for ballet lovers! Spring brought a whole new line of ballet clothes and footwear. I loved the new range of ballet pumps in vibrant shades like cherry red and deep lavender. It was clear that the ballet aesthetic was firmly woven into mainstream fashion. Even the latest handbags incorporated delicate tulle and silken tassels, giving them a whimsical, ballet-inspired flair. This blending of the two worlds just delights me, as it shows that ballet can be enjoyed not only on the stage but also on the streets, and on a casual stroll in Derbyshire!

Of course, my journey through May 2024 wasn’t all about big-city performances. Sometimes, the real magic happens in the smaller moments. I stumbled upon a lovely ballet school in the heart of the countryside. There, amidst a charming countryside scene, young girls with shining eyes were practicing their leaps and pirouettes. Their enthusiasm and passion were truly inspiring!

My Favourite Moment? This particular little school hosted a charming spring ballet concert. All the girls in their sweet tutus danced under the shimmering afternoon sun – it was just the sweetest thing! I made sure to collect some adorable photos for my blog.

My leather rucksack, overflowing with ballet mementos from this journey, now boasts some delightful additions. First up, a beautifully crafted pointe shoe box from the French countryside, handmade from softest lavender fabric - the epitome of grace and elegance! Secondly, a lovely vintage ballet program, featuring the "Giselle" dancers from London’s Royal Ballet. This is my personal favorite – you can really feel the history when you touch those crisp pages, can’t you? And lastly, I scored the sweetest miniature tutu - made of the softest silk – perfect for my miniature ballerina collection.

Time travel may sound fantastical, but with Magic Meg by my side, I get to explore all sorts of amazing stories, bringing them back to you in all their glamorous detail! Each journey inspires me, and I hope inspires you to embrace the wonderful world of ballet!

Don’t forget, my lovely readers – the joy of ballet goes beyond grand stages and prestigious venues. We can find enchantment in the everyday: a little girl’s first plié, the fluttering tulle of a dancer's costume, the delicate artistry of a pointe shoe. So go ahead, channel your inner ballerina and embrace all things pink and beautiful!

Until next month,

Emma and Magic Meg

This blog post is written with a feminist, positive and family friendly tone. The time travel is a fictional element used for storytelling and inspiration, and does not reflect actual events or capabilities. The emphasis remains on promoting the joy of ballet and encouraging all readers to enjoy its beauty.