Oh, hello lovelies! It's Emma here, and what a time we've had this month, darling! September 2031 took me to some absolutely sensational places, so grab your pinkest tutus, a cuppa, and settle in.
First stop, it was 1920s London for a whirlwind tour of the most fashionable salons, catching a glimpse of Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes. Oh, those costumes were a dream! Feathers, sequins, sparkling silk, all dripping in decadent luxury, truly inspiring for the modern-day ballerina.
Let me tell you, there was such a buzz about these Russian ballet shows, especially among the ladies! Even the Royal Family were caught up in the excitement. Can you imagine? Ballet was all the rage, filling theatres to the brim! My rucksack is practically bursting with vintage programmes and the most exquisite sketches, captured from Sergei Diaghilev’s own collection, a dream come true.
Speaking of dreaming, what did I see in this glamorous London? The exquisite Parade by Satie and Picasso - such a feast for the eyes, I’ve never seen such innovative artistry. The costumes by Picasso were just… well, outrageous in the best possible way! So playful and daring! The way they used colour and shapes was just captivating, such beautiful boldness. I even saw Nijinsky, who moved with such intensity. You can imagine I spent a good few hours sketching away in my secret hidey-hole in the British Museum Library!
Back to the horses, a little peek at Magic Meg, who took me galloping across the cobblestone streets in 1920s London, dodging hansom cabs and all those gentlemen in bowler hats, quite the comical scene I must say, just the thing to set your heart aflutter and fill you with joyful giggles! She’s got quite a personality this one, but just wait til you see the shimmering gold and white feathers on her tail. A girl can’t have a true time travelling adventure without her horse, now can she?
And speaking of travelling, I then found myself, the next day, in Vienna. The heart of the Habsburg Empire and the birthplace of Viennese waltz! Just imagine the dancing in those beautiful ballroom halls, I just had to see this majestic city for myself. And I tell you what, lovelies, this waltz had a serious air of sophistication. Just seeing these ballerinas move with such precision and poise, it truly had an air of elegance I’d never experienced. Their costumes, too - so chic and romantic. All the layers of tulle, satin, and lace just drew my eye like a magnet!
While there, I took a private waltz lesson at the most stunning dancing academy – oh the grandiosity of it all, chandeliers sparkling and shimmering, you could feel the rich history radiating through the elegant hall. The instructor was so patient and taught me some of the most intricate and beautiful movements I’ve ever seen!
And how’s this for a story… My time travel magic took me all the way back to ancient Greece for a truly unique performance by the Pantomime Dancers. These gentlemen dancers - oh, what a vision! They entertained the crowds in beautiful costumes, telling ancient tales of heroes and myths. You could feel the emotion radiating from the actors and I tell you what, those dancers truly knew how to work a crowd.
I was in such a buzz afterwards I spent the whole night doodling dancing men in my sketch book, they are going to make quite the story when I write them all up into my travel log!
I know some of you might be thinking "But Emma, Greece? Isn't it meant to be hot?". You see lovelies, it's all about picking the right time. My little horse took me all the way back to a very ancient city where the sun wasn’t quite so powerful and a gentle breeze carried across the dusty fields. It was perfect weather for ballet in flowing gowns, tunic tops and long flowing headdresses.
Now, you must be thinking what has been on at the Pink Tutu headquarters back in Derbyshire, right? Well, let me tell you… I've got some exciting new releases for the Pink Tutu shop! We have a limited edition run of "Sparkling Ballerina" themed T-shirts and tutus in the most glorious shades of pinks and peaches, you must take a peek. We’re just about to get a few new ballet styles coming through, inspired by my journeys and a collaboration with a young designer who’s been doing incredible work with silks and sustainable fabrics - all made locally by Derbyshire ladies! There is even some amazing recycled tutus up for grabs!
Well, this time travelling girl is going to get back to work in her Derbyshire studio, but before I go I must share my inspiration this month: Every performance tells a story, embrace the magic and let your pink tutu wings take flight.
See you in a month with some brand new adventures for Pink Tutu Travels!
Love, Emma