Hello, darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu World! I know, I know, you're all wondering what thrilling adventure awaits you this week. Well, hold onto your tiaras and glitter glue, because this Wednesday is all about a truly fabulous journey to Planet Earth, which I actually consider my home planet (it's a bit like saying, "Home is where the tutus are", but you know what I mean, right?).
This is my 977th post for the www.pink-tutu.com blog. I'm thrilled, really. It feels like just yesterday I was clumsily trying to balance on one foot in a little pink leotard, a tiny tutuskirted child with big dreams of being a ballerina in space!
(Cue the dreamy orchestral music and flashing images of a little pink-dressed Emma twirling, leaping, and generally causing chaos in a ballet class. Maybe sprinkle some glitter dust for added effect?)
Okay, I promise to get back on track. Today we're exploring some ballet history on Planet Earth, with a wee bit of tutuskirted history, obviously! The date, 15th January, 2014, has got to do with something rather significant: it marks the birthdate of a dear friend - oh, and he's also one of the most celebrated choreographers on this lovely planet! You know I can't just not talk about him, especially not when he's so fabulous... *I'm talking about, of course, Mr. Matthew Bourne, darling! *
Now, this isn't just a typical dance performance on Planet Earth. No, no, this is Bourne's creation, Swan Lake! * Imagine swans, darling! Swan feathers and graceful movement. But this isn't your average Sleeping Beauty scenario! Mr. Bourne adds his special blend of humour and drama, and that’s what makes his dance works so unique. This isn’t your grandmother’s Swan Lake, let me tell you!
Oh, before I forget, a quick update on my finances! It may be difficult for you to comprehend, but I have to pay for these interstellar travels, honey. And that is how I landed upon performing live in space. (Because you know what they say, if you want to go far in life, you've got to get to the front of the bus and then take it out for a spin). But this all means I love attending these dance shows - it is after all the primary way I finance my very important travel arrangements!
And now, darling, allow me to reveal some tutu history for your enjoyment! The Swan Lake ballet - now a full-length narrative work - was actually inspired by the story by Hans Christian Andersen, you know. He wrote a story of a Princess who was transformed into a swan as a punishment from an evil queen. Of course, with the choreography by Marius Petipa, it takes on a whole new level of glamour! It even includes divertissement dances, which is quite a fancy way to say “showy dances” – and in ballet – I can never get enough showy dance. So that very first Swan Lake production in the Mariinsky Theatre in 1877 certainly did set a very glamorous precedent. I'd call it an epic tutu masterpiece, darling!
I did manage to grab a vintage copy of that very first programme from this planet - it's not exactly easy to find a program from 1877 so you could say it cost me an arm and a leg... Well maybe just an arm. I am after all still a bargain-hunting ballerina, even if I am wearing an array of space-age jewellery that could literally put me into another galaxy or two!
So this ballet by Matthew Bourne was a major success darling, making headlines and sparking an interest in dance performances on planet earth for even those least interested in the art form. He even won awards for his choreography – they called it best new dance production, if you can believe that. And as far as I’m concerned, that's a Tutu-ful accolade, darling.
Speaking of my last visit to planet earth, remember that darling boutique on the Champs-Élysées?. I just had to visit again this time! I discovered some divine vintage lace! My fingers nearly got a shock from how elegantly vintage it was, let me tell you. It's all in pristine condition – imagine!. Well, the lovely woman who owned it was only too pleased to help a girl out. She showed me some beautiful satin fabric, too – it’s a divine mix of the ethereal and a splash of pink – it really made me smile! You know I can't resist some good shopping! And a big, oversized pink bow to put on top, of course! That's what I call sparkling tutuskirted bliss! Imagine! (I’m sure you can, it’s glorious, darling!)
Now, with all that ballet, tutuskirted and otherwise, I know you're wanting to see a little performance by moi (and your little pink tutu-ed friend). But unfortunately, that means another spaceship voyage, darlings! So as they say on planet earth: Get your ticket and let’s boogie! I am, after all, a dancer on the edge of time and space. I know my pink tutu will inspire your hearts, uplift your souls, and transport you into a realm of true ballerina wonder!
As for this upcoming ballet show, you’re not missing a trick, my dearest. I’ll be featuring in a classic Swan Lake show! And oh my, are we extra-special darling. There is absolutely nothing left to be desired at this performance. Oh, and spoiler alert – it will be filled with exquisite tulle, and I am wearing my most precious pink-tuted delight. My dearest, this show will truly knock your socks off! *
Let me know what you think about Planet Earth, 15th January, 2014, The Ballet of Swans! I really want to hear all of your thoughts, because when I talk about a *dance performance darling – it’s always about your heart.
Until next time, stay fabulous!
Remember – don't forget your pink tutu! It might just save the day – it certainly has saved my day, every day darling. It’s that extra bit of glitter that can save even the bleakest of days! It's what makes the galaxy just a little more fabulous, honey.
And always – dance to your own rhythm, my dear! Be fabulous, stay sparkly, and get your twinkle on.
See you next Wednesday for Pink Tutu World’s Post 978 – “The Power of Pink Tutu Love, You Say?”!
Xoxo, Emma
