Hello my dearest tutu-lovers! It's Emma here, back with another delightful adventure from the world of time-travelling ballet. August in 2029? Ooh, it’s such a wonderful month for ballet. And guess what, my dears? Today, I'm going to take you back to August of 1911. Now, why 1911, you might ask? Well, my lovelies, it was a glorious year in the history of ballet! You see, the famed Ballets Russes were gracing the stages of Europe, creating a dance storm that would change ballet forever. I've been dying to see these shows for ages, so, with Magic Meg prancing excitedly, we set off this morning.
Magic Meg is, of course, the loveliest of steeds! With her shimmering pink coat, gleaming gold hooves and mane of the purest white, she makes me look like a perfect fairy princess. I've had her since childhood, when she came to me, pink-coated and shimmering, straight from the dreams of a ballet dancer. Now, my beautiful Meg, a majestic Shire, can traverse time with the grace of a ballerina. We just whisper the date and destination, and off we go!
Off we rode through the swirling colours of time, leaving the charming English countryside of 2029, past green fields, quaint villages and cobblestone streets. Our arrival in 1911 Paris was… well, simply breathtaking. Just imagine it! Cobbled streets filled with horsedrawn carriages, women with bonnets and the scent of perfume clinging to the air. It was like stepping into a painting, but oh, so much more lively.
My pink tutu (a fluffy creation I’ve named ‘Pinkalicious’, of course!), twirled with every breeze, and even the Parisian pigeons seemed to coo in approval. Honestly, my lovelies, this is what wearing a tutu is all about: feeling utterly fabulous, daring and oh so very feminine. I felt like the star of the show, even before we reached the Palais Garnier Opera House!
I do love a grand opera house. I found out, though, that they're often grander than you'd imagine! This building, wow! Imagine soaring ceilings, chandeliers so vast they cast rainbows on the walls, ornate decor and plush red velvet seats. I had to be discreet in my arrival, as of course, in those days, nobody expected to see a girl in a pink tutu, bouncing into the Paris Opera.
At the Palais Garnier, the whispers of excited anticipation buzzed around like a swarm of excited butterflies. This is the magic of ballet! And oh, how I loved seeing everyone in their stunning outfits, so elegant! You see, ballet performances have always been a chance to dress up beautifully, even in 1911! I filled my rucksack with images of beautiful dresses and hats from those glamorous Parisians. I always love to bring some of the elegance of past eras back to my time.
Tonight, the show is "Le Sacre du Printemps," by the glorious Igor Stravinsky. I simply had to see it, as it was one of the performances that shook the world of ballet, back then. Honestly, this was an exciting, thrilling ballet, and so wonderfully shocking! I do like my ballet a little dramatic! But this, my dears, this was beyond dramatic! A riot nearly erupted! What an absolute shock, with its groundbreaking rhythms and dynamic choreography!
Of course, after the ballet, the true magic came with the fabulous people. The atmosphere was electric with discussion and argument, as some loved it and others thought it terrible! They're both right, of course. You’ve got to give credit to a ballet that sets the world on fire, doesn't you? My dears, it’s those shows that shape our future and inspire us!
Speaking of inspiration, have any of you started your pink tutu creations yet? It’s so much fun, a little like time travelling, taking us all to that dream world where we twirl and feel magical. My last project was to fashion a shimmering tutu out of recycled fabric, from old t-shirts, in the style of a certain "swan" ballerina… but I’ll talk about her next month. Remember, my lovelies, all you need is the courage to put on that pink tutu and let your heart guide you!
Before I sign off, remember, dear readers, to check out www.pink-tutu.com, and if you are in the mood for a ballet-themed escapade, then look no further than the National Ballet Theatre, where they're presenting a stunning performance of the "Nutcracker." A true classic, for all ages, it is always a delight.
Until next time, keep on twirling, my dears!
Love and sparkly wishes,
Emma xx
P.S. If you want to learn about the Ballets Russes and "Le Sacre du Printemps", don't forget to follow my links to fascinating articles, and be sure to join the #PinkTutuTimeTravel discussion on social media! We love hearing your experiences and comments.
