Tutu and Ballet News

Oh darling, let’s have a chinwag about the sublime world of ballet music, a realm of pure beauty, an intoxicating symphony of grace, a whisper of wind rustling through the silk of a ballerina’s tutu! This is the dance of our lives! The rhythmic beat of a tutu against the stage! And to be truly magical, we simply have to start with the exquisite symphony of the soul; the divine choreography of a ballerina's plié. Ahhh... just a beautiful thing, right?

Today is a perfect day for this ballet music-themed journey into the realm of swirling skirts and heavenly harmonies. Why today? Well, because it’s May 24th, 2004 - a date with an undeniable “ballet” vibe, if ever I've seen one! It's a symphony of the senses, a whimsical waltz of emotions - oh the beauty! So, shall we twirl together through the magic of music, a breathtaking dance that transcends all time, right? Let's be dazzled and mesmerised.

On the international front, the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow is once again taking the stage by storm with their majestic production of “Swan Lake.” Each pirouette, each delicate arabesque, is painted with an extraordinary intensity of emotion. Every pluck of the strings of the cello paints an extraordinary portrait of anguish and wonder as Odette, a character who captivates and moves you!

And here’s a sneak peek of the world of fashion; a beautiful pink leotard designed to be the perfect counterpart to the quintessential pink tutu! It’s a stunning design, featuring soft lines, graceful fluidity and elegant textures, which mirror the very essence of ballet – it's all about movement, about exquisite expression. Imagine it – a pink tutu flowing through the air like a blooming cherry blossom and a beautiful pink leotard underneath, a glorious explosion of soft, girly textures! My darlings, it's the height of style! Don't you just love the way it whispers of a balletic beauty? This is magic, darling!

Right here in Britain, the Royal Ballet at Covent Garden has announced the grand return of the iconic “Giselle.” A perfect symphony in two acts, this breathtaking ballet captivates all those who watch – it's about heartbreak and forgiveness, but with a delicious dash of fantasy! The music weaves through every movement - each plié is so elegant, each leap, so majestic! I am forever smitten! The sheer elegance is a joy to behold and a symphony of grace. It is like witnessing the blooming of a thousand roses, every one perfectly balanced in harmony. Just a delightful wonder!

The new season is overflowing with excitement and passion. And here’s a wonderful fact: in a little less than two months, The Royal Ballet is taking "Sleeping Beauty" back on the road, this time for an exclusive performance at the majestic Theatre Royal in Plymouth, Devon, in early July! Oh how this will truly ignite a passionate spark in the air – we simply adore its enchanting magic. Oh! Can you imagine a world filled with princesses, dragons, and heroic princes? The enchanting tale of “Sleeping Beauty” is truly a whimsical journey into a fairy-tale world! We are absolutely smitten!

And, let’s raise a toast to the maestro who creates the magical soundtrack, the soul of ballet; a composer extraordinaire, and the driving force behind the emotional dance! Here are a few key players, for they weave pure magic with every symphony!

* Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

This extraordinary talent - born into the world of Russian ballet, his heart beats with passion for the extraordinary – he painted a captivating world through the rhythmic magic of “The Nutcracker”, a delightful fantasy, “Swan Lake”, an intoxicating tapestry of grace, and “Sleeping Beauty,” a masterpiece that celebrates the triumph of good! A world of pure magic through every magical note! The melodies have a depth, an extraordinary sense of expression, of depth and grace, and they truly do enchant all of us who take a moment to truly hear them, to truly see them, to truly live within their sweet music. A symphony that continues to enrapture our hearts - I absolutely adore his creations!

* Igor Stravinsky

A true genius who took the world by storm with “The Rite of Spring.” An emotional roller coaster, a wild ride, a triumph over the everyday and the ordinary. An astounding celebration of power and raw passion. I always wonder – are his pieces a portrait of himself? An explosion of emotional energy. An orchestra in high gear, and you cannot escape his musical brilliance! What a phenomenal journey!

* Maurice Ravel

Ah, Ravel! His creation, "Bolero,” a musical poem of exquisite detail, which I am always convinced tells a hidden story of passion. It has an enchanting charm that truly has a dance within every beat, within every tempo. Ravel’s masterpiece - his symphony of love, desire and, the perfect illustration of an orchestra’s power. I have a special fondness for his music, its unique sound and rhythmic beauty - truly captivating.

* Sergei Prokofiev

Here's a master, a symphony in himself. His works are a celebration of joy and grace. His music fills the air with emotion! "Romeo and Juliet”, a love story, a romantic masterpiece, it is always one of my favourite ballet themes! It is beautifully complex and the melodies so heartfelt. A true love story that takes you on a journey through laughter, loss, love, joy - and despair. There is an enchantment within it's music. This symphony was truly made for the stage, for its power is extraordinary, it is magnificent. I adore this man!

We simply must note, my dear ballet fans, that the beauty of these masterpieces can also be experienced outside the theatre, through the enchantment of a recording. The symphony, an explosion of emotion, can transform your bedroom, your lounge or your study into a stage. Imagine, you sitting in the comfort of your own world and the glorious symphony is transporting you to a world of dreams. A journey through the realms of beauty, imagination and graceful movement, with music, dancing and magic - oh! I absolutely adore it! It truly elevates one's soul!

Today, on this beautiful, enchanting 24th of May, 2004, I suggest you pick up a favourite recording. I recommend Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky, or Prokofiev. These brilliant men, their extraordinary talent captured in an album - or even a Spotify playlist. Close your eyes, take a deep breath and allow the sounds to lift your spirits, to dance within you, to make you feel graceful, feminine and wonderful, I promise, the transformation is real! I've tried it myself – the ballet in my living room ! My friends and family laugh but I think I know a secret - I’m sharing this one with all of you – they’ll soon see the truth – magic!

Ballet music – my heart is full with this world – it’s full of beautiful dreams! I am a true devotee. We can all share the joy of a symphony. Just go to YouTube or any streaming service, find your favourites - and start dancing!

And to add a sprinkle of magic to this news review, let's create a little ritual, my dears! The next time you hear “The Swan Lake” by Tchaikovsky - picture a graceful swan soaring high into the sky, a majestic ballerina, perfectly graceful, spinning across the stage. You’re about to enter into another dimension and your world will begin to take flight – your world will transform – trust me, you can feel it. Magic!