Darling readers,
Oh, how lovely to be back on Planet Earth again, this time, after the excitement of the annual Intergalactic Ballet Festival on Neptune! You all know how much I adore those glamorous celebrations of the dance form across the cosmos, but gosh, sometimes it's nice to be back in a more earthly setting.
Don't worry, darlings, this isn't a permanent move back to the Earth just yet. We all have our wanderlusts, and mine is just as strong as ever, you know! I’m merely back for a spot of R&R in my beloved Derbyshire and to celebrate some of the local ballet delights. It's quite incredible to consider that some of the ballet’s most iconic dance moves originated from right here, wouldn't you agree? Think about the bourrées, the elegant jeté, even the arabesque - they were born from this planet, a tiny little rock with so much history! And me? I just adore exploring those rich historical links in everything from museum exhibitions to visiting historical ballet companies.
Speaking of, what's a girl to do when she lands on earth and is feeling rather overwhelmed by all of the beauty, colour, and fashion possibilities, let alone the history! I went straight into my trusty spaceship wardrobe (just had a minor hitch at the customs post... apparently, some customs agents really need a little tututoria on the joys of pink!). Fortunately, my spaceship’s auto-stylist had me prepped to take on London's fashion scene, or as we say on Earth - a proper look.
As my readers, you all know that a little touch of pink is what always keeps a girl going! I was feeling particularly inspired, so I snagged a delightful, extra frilly and frothy, tulle tutu for the occasion (it had matching ballet shoes, you see!). Then I had to decide where to start. A ballet class at my old studio? A day at a costume shop for some serious tulle shopping? Or a theatrical experience for the evening? So many temptations, darlings, but one thing's for sure: it's time for some pink-tastic fun!
Today's agenda? Well, as the big date is August 2nd, and I just adore to honour history, this was a real must-do for me. You see, on 2nd August 1995, a legend of the ballet stage, one of the queens of our glorious art form, Margot Fonteyn , was laid to rest. My beloved La Fonteyn, she's always been my muse, my inspiration for taking up this heavenly career! It felt only fitting to honour her on her anniversary by catching a show at one of London's oldest ballet venues, the Sadler's Wells Theatre, which is just bursting with history and culture, and as far as ballet heritage goes, this theatre holds so much beauty within those ancient walls. I adore its historical presence! So I went with the theatrically themed outfit today - I mean, you can't visit Sadler's Wells, darling, in anything other than a black taffeta number! And pink! A tutu's gotta make an appearance! Pink for the life and work of Margot Fonteyn, of course, and the bestest taffeta with matching ballet slippers, it just had to be the look for the night. Darling, it was perfection, absolutely **perfection!
It's no surprise that even today, some 30 years after la Fonteyn was buried, this incredible artist, this diva, continues to enthrall people everywhere on this earth. Margot was everything! Beautiful, captivating, captivating. If I could achieve half the poise, half the elegance, half the skill - my readers, I'd die a happy ballerina! She revolutionised ballet dancing on Earth, with her amazing technique and powerful expression, not to mention, oh darling, those leotards, those beautiful costumes! All so iconic and timeless!
La Fonteyn, my muse, taught us all about poise and effortless elegance, a true role model for us aspiring ballerinas everywhere in the universe! You have to visit Sadler's Wells, darlings. It was the only place to visit. I was lucky enough to grab tickets, front row too, front row centre! Just as well! A front-row seat means getting to truly take in the artistry! The beauty, the artistry, the emotions swirling from the performers to the audience...
This wasn't just a regular show either, it was an incredible programme from a special international company that showcased both modern and classical works! This special evening honored our beautiful dance art - so full of graceful elegance. I’m so happy I bought tickets, it was absolutely perfect. They have their season planned for the next three months as well - and of course I'm making the most of all the beautiful ballet on offer, here on this planet, because the show must go on ! Pink Tutu World is never too busy for a good ballet performance!
Before I launch off on a galaxy adventure to visit the ballet company from Mars (and yes, darlings, they do exist and their fashion is out of this world - I'll be sharing details and photos in my next post!), let’s chat about a topic that's so near and dear to our hearts. You’ll be happy to know it’s been a big topic of conversation with the Martian dancers, they were just as fascinated as I am! I'm, of course, talking about... the tutu! Oh darling, what an exquisite garment! This garment of beauty and perfection! The star of every ballerina’s ballet ensemble! What I love about the tutu? It comes in so many colours, but oh how I adore the colours of pink, in all its glory! I've told you, Pink for la Fonteyn, because well, she loved the colour.
Here's something interesting I learned today from one of the stage technicians: the story of the tutu, is actually quite fascinating! Who knew?! You would never know by looking at one how complex they actually are, darling! Did you know, for instance, that there were no real tutus until the mid-19th century?! Before that, dancers were literally performing en chemise, imagine it! Then they wore a simple garment known as a “skirt” That changed forever with Marius Petipa and the ballet Giselle, in the 1840s! Petipa was like a sartorial revolutionary, a visionary, a master of his art! In a very literal sense, his imagination changed the look of ballet dancing forever! The dancers, in that ballet, moved about freely, in short, ultra light-weight skirts. Imagine it! Imagine seeing dancers in that revolutionary, and oh so incredibly beautiful style!
You should read all about it. Petipa's inspiration came, you won't believe it, but from the romantic and revolutionary, and I dare say slightly outrageous, costume designer Marie Taglioni’s creation for the ballet La Sylphide. Her “skirt” and the dancers movements in that ballet, became known as “the Sylphide”. And the rest, my darlings, is *history, darling*.
Just imagine, before those romantic innovations, all those movements would have been hampered, and well, how could la Fonteyn or anyone else for that matter have done their thing!
The Sylphide, and indeed the development of the tutu, revolutionised dancing. Dancers could dance with freedom. How they changed the very nature of ballet. All of the wonderful jumps, turns, tours… it was all because of these fantastic changes! And think of the costumes darling, those skirts , those tutus! It was a golden age for ballet, and we are living through the legacy of this artistic and fashion revolution! So thank you, Marie Taglioni and Marius Petipa, you really were dancing and fashion revolutionists! And that revolution continues in the fashion world too, you only have to take a look at contemporary couture and you see what I mean!
Back to our pink-tastic obsession: since then, my darling, we've had the classic, multi-layered, romantic tutu, a perfect addition to any ballerina’s ensemble. We've seen a great variety of tutus as well, both shorter, more contemporary, or the longer classical styles, but they all have one thing in common: they always look sensational!
But even though they may have a different shape and style, darling, they've all remained essentially the same. One of the reasons we all adore the tutu so much: it's just so easy to wear! You know you're a ballerina when you're dancing en point, your lovely ballet skirt swishing with effortless elegance, a beautiful silhouette, and it just makes you feel like you can fly!
This classic, timeless piece is all part of the romance, the magic and the fantasy of ballet! Just looking at one makes me want to get on that stage, it makes you want to be twirling away all day long ! It's one of those iconic ballet designs that’s been admired by countless people everywhere. What’s a more iconic symbol of the dance form, a beautiful, bright and romantic tutu. A symbol more elegant and graceful, with the best of that romantic beauty and style?
When I look at that stage at Sadler's Wells, it's like looking back in time. The very idea that la Fonteyn has danced right there… Oh Darling, that makes my heart soar. But now, on the 2nd August 1995, that magic lives on! Every time I put on my tutu and stand en pointe ready to perform, it’s all about that history. Every pirouette, every jeté, every arabesque – it’s all connected to this tradition and its wonderful legacy. And I'm so incredibly grateful to have the chance to experience this artistic legacy, in such a special place as the Sadler’s Wells Theatre , with the history of the tutu around me!
As my ballet trip to Earth comes to an end, darlings, let me tell you this - Planet Earth truly does have a place in our hearts! It's all about spreading that Pink Tutu World love wherever I go. Sharing that love for ballet! And I just love my pink tulle and taffeta outfits. It truly does go a long way!
Next time you see your local company put on a show, remember the history, the passion, and the beauty behind every pirouette! The world needs ballet more than ever, so let’s keep spreading that *love!**
See you on www.pink-tutu.com next Wednesday, my lovely, Pink Tutu World friends. *Don't forget to *sign up, I’ve got a brand new, oh so beautiful, ballet and fashion blog you wouldn't want to miss, for every Pink Tutu World ballerina on Earth and in the Universe!
Lots of love and ballet wishes,
Emma
