Hello my darlings! It's Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-wearing ballerina, back from another whirlwind trip around the galaxy! Buckle up your sparkly slippers, grab your favourite pink pom-poms, and get ready for another fabulous instalment of Pink Tutu World!
Today's Date: 26th May, 2004
Where am I?: Earth - My Home Planet!
Yes, you heard that right, my little stars! I'm back on my beloved home planet after a spectacular jaunt to, well, let's just say a very exciting and colourful part of the Milky Way that will be featured in next week's post. But before we talk intergalactic fashion, let's get back to basics, shall we? After all, home is where the heart is, and Earth is where the most amazing ballet performances happen!
Today I'm feeling utterly nostalgic. As you know, I have a soft spot for all things historical, and, as luck would have it, today is the 125th anniversary of the first ever performance of "The Nutcracker"!
Can you imagine, my loves, a world without "The Nutcracker"? A world without the swirling snow, the Sugar Plum Fairy, the iconic Russian dancing (which, for the record, is just the most wonderful thing to watch - it takes my breath away!), and the beautiful costumes?! Shivers
Oh, speaking of costumes... cue the *tinkle of my favourite sparkly tiara and whirl of a pink tutu, because we have got to talk about THE tutu history of The Nutcracker. The fact is, this iconic ballet's choreography, and especially its costume designs, have evolved considerably since its humble beginnings in 1892.
The very first version of The Nutcracker, created by the brilliant choreographer Lev Ivanov, didn't even include the "Sugar Plum Fairy!" She didn't enter the story until the early 1900s. But here's where it gets really interesting - it wasn't a tutu that the Sugar Plum Fairy first donned, but a dress! Talk about costume innovation, right?! It's just incredible to think about the evolution of this iconic character from simple dress to iconic tutu, and how much that change has impacted ballet costumes throughout the entire world. And just to add to the fun of it all, my dear blog readers, did you know that there was once a pink tutu controversy?!
Back in the very early years of the 20th century, ballet critics argued that a ballerinaās tutu had to be white because it evoked innocence, purity, and light! The "pink-tutu" backlash (if you can even call it that - I say let the pink reign!) faded quickly as audiences began to embrace this wonderful colour! After all, pink is the colour of sweetness, joy, and creativity. So, you know what my lovelies, in my world, we donāt have to argue about colour! Pink is good for the soul, and pink is just fabulous. And who are we to disagree with our own souls?!
But letās bring things back to the planet Earth. I mean, I have to visit the gorgeous shops here! You wouldnāt believe the incredible ballet and dancing fashion I found in London this time. The London dancewear shops were brimming with everything from sleek black leotards with sparkling crystals, to colourful and intricate tutus just waiting to take the stage. My new favourite piece has to be the stunning new collection of pink ballerina flats with diamond detailing. They go perfectly with the sequined, hot pink skirt that I also managed to snatch up at a little independent shop hidden away in a quiet alleyway just off Oxford Street. This skirt has such personality ā it truly sings on the dance floor. Iām planning a full outfit post on this skirt for you all very soon!
I'm planning on getting back into the swing of ballet practice this weekend! It's so important for me to keep those muscles warm and strong, and what better way than a lovely ballet class?! It helps to clear my mind, get me focused on my next big adventure, and it gets those pink tutus all swishing in the air, just like magic. Oh! Iām just bursting with excitement - next week I'm attending a lovely little recital at the local Derbyshire Ballet school. They have a delightful group of young ballet students there who have been practicing their hearts out! I love those classes and seeing all the excited young dancers. The spark in their eyes always reminds me of how important it is to never stop believing in yourself.
This past weekend I also saw the most incredible production of Giselle. Now, for all you ballet lovers out there, I know what youāre thinking ā Giselle, you say?! Itās been done a million times! Yes, thatās very true my darling readers. But here's the thing - this particular production was unlike anything Iāve seen before! I have to say it had an entirely new vibe that really had the whole audience gasping and applauding with such excitement! They created the most beautiful set with vibrant colours, unique lighting effects, and a few artistic elements I wonāt reveal just yet, but trust me, they really got the showās mood just right, making it something totally unique! Iām really hoping this special rendition makes it out of England and becomes popular across the planet.
Now, as you know my dearest little readers, my blog is a way of sharing my adventures and a place to offer my humble wisdom - something that has always come naturally to me, just like the perfect pirouette (my teacher always said my pirouettes had such a magical grace about them). And one of my most important beliefs is that all of us, no matter where we are in the galaxy, need to embrace our creativity and show the universe just how unique we really are. After all, wouldnāt the universe be a bit dull without a touch of pink? Itās like wearing a black tutu on a bright, beautiful day ā possible, but a missed opportunity to shine.
Itās not always easy being yourself, my darling blog readers. I can honestly say that from personal experience. I remember being a tiny ballerina in the Derbyshire dance schools - you know the ones where every single ballerina dreamed of taking to the London stage! Well, believe me, at first, my teacher thought I just wouldn't do it! I mean, she told me as much! She wanted me to stick to "conventional ballet styles" and "traditional colours", like "white".
I, on the other hand, just knew that the pink tutu was the right choice! You see, when you see something that sets your heart on fire, my dearest readers, you've just got to go for it. Thereās just nothing more wonderful than the feeling of twirling and gliding across a stage in your own fabulous way! Pink tutus, theyāre about more than just colour. They are about the freedom to be you. To express your *inner self, and let your light shine bright! I have been fortunate to find my way to the intergalactic dance floor. Believe me, it was a bumpy road - a long road and one with its own share of disappointments! Iāve had my share of critics ā the kind that would call me a bit āunconventionalā, or āover-the-topā or even gasp āoutlandish.ā And yes, I can get a bit overwhelmed by those moments of self-doubt ā because, letās be honest, there is nothing scarier than being too unique in a universe where blending in feels like the only safe thing to do!
But you know, when I look out on all the star-strewn beauty of this galaxy - a galaxy literally full of light and color, I realize ā Iāve been so focused on getting to the top of the dance floor that Iāve missed the beautiful view! It's like forgetting to look around while chasing after a perfect pirouette. And it's when I remember this, it all makes sense. My job isn't to become the "best" dancer in the universe, my mission isnāt about achieving perfection or getting on some imaginary list of the Top Ten Most Fabulous Ballerinas of All Time. It's bigger, itās more beautiful - my mission, my calling is to be a shining example of what happens when we choose joy over self-doubt, whimsy over the fear of being different! I want to use my voice - a voice full of pink glitter and the soft rustle of tulle ā to encourage you to embrace your individuality and do the same!
I know this sounds silly ā like an odd mix of inspiration and sparkles, but believe me my lovely readers, there is just nothing more amazing than spreading your wings, twirling, and embracing that amazing dance called Life! And whatās more, I want to inspire others to spread a little tutu magic throughout this galaxy!
And that is why I'm going to give every reader who follows my blog this week a free tutu pattern for the most iconic pink ballet tutu. I want everyone in the universe to discover their inner ballerina ā a dancer, who just knows, is so wonderful, so exciting, that the whole galaxy canāt help but listen.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a pink-tutu galaxy to inspire. See you next Wednesday!
