Hello lovelies! Emma here, ready to whisk you off on another thrilling ballet-filled time-travel adventure! May's just begun, and I'm brimming with excitement for this month's trip - it's Paris! Ooh la la!
As you all know, Paris is a city of dreams. Every cobbled street, every twinkling café, every quaint boutique whispers tales of artistic brilliance, fashion, and of course, ballet! But for this adventure, we're taking a time machine shaped like a horse. That's right, Magic Meg, my gorgeous pink sparkling Shire, will whisk us back to the early 20th century to witness the blossoming of a true Parisian legend, the illustrious "Ballets Russes."
And oh darling, don't forget your pink tutu! The French absolutely adore a touch of rose-gold in their fashion - even if it's just a glimmer from a feather on a costume! For this particular escapade, I'm donning my newest tulle masterpiece. It's a soft cloud of pink tulle, adorned with the most exquisite hand-sewn sequined butterflies, shimmering under the gaslights of the Paris Opera House!
Before we take off on our journey through time, let's take a quick peek at the ballet scene today! Here in Derby, we have the beautiful Nottingham Ballet's "Swan Lake" production this weekend. It's a breathtaking, ethereal masterpiece and you simply can't miss it! It's so good that even those who aren't big on ballet, can’t help but be mesmerized by the beautiful storytelling and amazing dancing. Then we have the Derby Youth Ballet's annual show featuring their amazing young ballerinas. A joy for anyone and a sure reminder of how important these local theatres and companies are to fostering and growing future ballet talent.
As we step back in time, onto Magic Meg's soft pink saddle, I've packed my trusty leather rucksack, stuffed with treasures that I just HAVE to get my little hands on! Antique ballet shoes from a Parisian atelier? A first edition copy of Diaghilev's ballet programs? An embroidered ballet scarf, delicate and light as a ballerina's breath? It’s a ballet lover’s dream! The thought sends shivers of excitement up my spine, I’m already daydreaming of all the wonders I'm about to discover!
Time-Travel Tidbits
Our adventure begins in 1910. The world of ballet is abuzz with the arrival of Sergei Diaghilev's "Ballets Russes" in Paris. Diaghilev, an absolute visionary and a lover of all things glamorous, had a bold vision – to transform the world of ballet with extravagant costumes, dramatic staging, and breathtaking performances. The French embraced it wholeheartedly, turning these "Ballets Russes" into the pinnacle of style and artistry!
Imagine! Parisian society, the crème de la crème, flocked to the grand Parisian theatres to witness this spectacle. It was a whirlwind of vibrant colours, stunning designs, and athletic grace that left audiences spellbound! Think exquisite tutus in rich hues, inspired by the traditions and folktales of Russia – every dancer an enchanting spectacle!
One of the Ballets Russes’ most celebrated performers was Vaslav Nijinsky. Oh my goodness, what a dancer! His charisma, his athleticism, and his captivating performances electrified the audiences. Nijinsky’s revolutionary steps and groundbreaking choreography created a whole new vocabulary for ballet!
A Glimpse at the Past
The air hums with a delicious anticipation, like a butterfly before it takes flight, as I enter the Salle Pleyel, the prestigious Parisian theatre that hosts the Ballets Russes. It’s a symphony of light, glamour, and music. I catch my breath. The costumes – a masterpiece! Rich hues, intricate embroidery, and delicate layers of tulle! I’ve found a shop tucked away in a cobbled Parisian street, filled with silk scarves adorned with delicate ballet scenes - and, I can’t leave without it, a delicate, feather-light, pink tutu adorned with shimmering sequins, just for me!
This time period in Parisian ballet is a true whirlwind of innovation and expression. It’s inspiring! To see the passion and creativity of the artists – those groundbreaking designs, those daringly athletic moves, those beautifully composed scores - they were pioneers of their time!
Remember lovelies, ballet has been at the heart of art and expression for centuries, always evolving, always reaching for new heights of beauty and grace. Don't let this enchanting world of pirouettes, pliés, and perfect form remain hidden.
So grab a pink tutu, dear readers, let your imagination take flight and join me on my next ballet adventure! You’ll find me here, blogging each month at www.pink-tutu.com.
Until next time, remember, the world of ballet is waiting for you. Dance like no one’s watching – especially, I always say, if they’re not wearing pink!
Emma xx
