Blog Post #2887
Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina, back from another exhilarating journey through the glorious history of ballet! This month, Magic Meg, my magnificent pink sparkling Shire with those glorious golden hooves, has whisked me to the glittering year of 1901, right in the heart of the Gilded Age. Oh, the glamour! The grandeur! And the ballet, of course, was simply divine!
As I write this, perched precariously on the plush velvet seat in the Grand Tier of the Metropolitan Opera House in New York, the aroma of jasmine perfume and cigar smoke swirling around me, I can't help but feel utterly charmed. The world was awash in a romantic, luxurious spirit, and ballet, dear readers, was absolutely bursting with it.
Today's date is July 7th, 1901. I couldn't have asked for a better day to arrive in New York, a city already crackling with artistic energy. You see, The Metropolitan Opera House was presenting the ballet "Le Cygne" by Michel Fokine, a new, revolutionary work that was creating quite the buzz amongst the crème de la crème of New York society. And of course, my heart practically skipped a beat at the mention of Fokine's name - he's one of my absolute favourites, a true innovator of ballet who challenged conventions and breathed life into this magnificent art form.
Imagine, if you will, the scene. Gaslight casting its golden glow on the gilded balconies, the air abuzz with the rustling of silk gowns and the excited murmurs of a refined audience. Then, the music swells, the curtain rises, and we're transported into a world of feathered swans, flowing lines, and expressive artistry that speaks volumes. This was ballet in its most opulent and dramatic form, and it left me breathless!
Now, while the New York theatre scene was alive with the energy of this new work, the world of ballet was also abuzz in Paris, dear readers. In the heart of the city of love, the Opéra de Paris was holding the world premiere of a ballet based on the captivating story of "L'enfant prodigue", another stunning piece set to Debussy's enchanting music. A ballet that explored the themes of love, longing, and ultimately redemption? You know I couldn't resist stepping through the velvet ropes and into the enchanting atmosphere of the Parisian ballet scene.
Ah, the fashion! You simply cannot talk about 1901 without acknowledging the sartorial splendour of the era! My trusty pink tutu felt absolutely at home amidst the long, flowing gowns, lace bodices, and feathers that adorned the ladies in the audience. Men were dapper in their velvet coats and tails, their facial hair immaculate and stylishly sculpted. I found myself wanting to scoop up every elegant piece I saw, the velvet, the satin, the lace, even the ostrich feathers and silk blooms, imagining the gorgeous ballet costumes they could be transformed into!
And of course, I didn't forget to pay a visit to "L'enfant prodigue" creator, the legendary Louis-Albert Bournonville. My heart fluttered like a hummingbird when I saw the genius himself, as elegant as a dancer in his beautifully tailored suit! I managed to glean a few valuable nuggets of knowledge from his charming company - snippets about his dedication to tradition and his passionate belief in the importance of classical ballet technique. The man is an icon!
Back in my little room at The Grand Hotel, I pull out my trusty leather rucksack. It's overflowing with fascinating items collected during my time-traveling adventure. A feather from the wing of the "Le Cygne" ballerina, a frayed program from "L'enfant prodigue" in Paris, even a snippet of a Parisian newspaper reviewing a performance - each item is a reminder of this incredible time I have spent stepping through history.
Oh, darling readers, I urge you, get yourself to a ballet! This magical art form is truly ageless. Whether it's in a grand, historic theatre, or a small, intimate space, ballet can transport you to other worlds and make you believe in magic. It is a form of art that celebrates grace, beauty, and human expression in all its glory.
Now, before I close off for this month, let's make it a goal - this summer, try to make a visit to a ballet, see the story come to life through graceful movements and vibrant music, and fall in love with this magical art form.
And for goodness sake, ladies, grab a pink tutu! I know I am trying to convert everyone!
See you next month!
Your Time-Travelling Tutu-Wearing Friend,
Emma
