Hello darling, welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travels, your monthly dose of dance history and, of course, plenty of pink! This month, we’re twirling our way back to March 3rd 1950, a date buzzing with ballet excitement. It's all thanks to my lovely, sparkly shire, Magic Meg, who knows exactly where to whisk me in my trusty pink tutu for the best time travel adventures!
Before we head back to the fifties, a quick shout out to those fabulous ballerinas, those true pink tutu wearers out there. Let's celebrate everyone who believes that ballet is for every age, shape and size - just remember, it's all about having fun, grace and joy!
Today's date marks the anniversary of a momentous performance that got my inner ballerina quivering. Just imagine, the Royal Opera House in London, that magnificent palace of art and dreams. My rucksack, ready to gather stories and perhaps even a vintage tutu from this golden age of ballet, was snuggled up tight on my back, ready for its grand time travel journey.
Picture this: A glittering star, the one and only Margot Fonteyn, was dancing in Giselle. Can you even imagine the perfection, the emotion and the incredible talent! That was something to write home about, or to put it in my blogger terms - a must-post moment for the Pink Tutu website.
That night in 1950, the ballet world witnessed a truly special performance by Fonteyn, accompanied by none other than Rudolf Nureyev! Just imagine - the combination of two ballet titans on the same stage - breathtaking!
There's something wonderfully magical about experiencing history through the lens of ballet. And seeing that legendary pair in full flight almost made me shed a tear, but my mascara’s pretty new so I managed to keep it in check!
1950s Britain was truly an era of ballet boom. Not only were companies like Sadler's Wells (now The Royal Ballet) thriving, but they were even broadcasting performances on television. Can you imagine? Now everyone could watch those breathtaking pirouettes, even if they didn’t get to experience the magic of being at the theatre.
However, even with these big companies in London, the provinces were not left behind. Ballet was beginning to bloom throughout the UK. Birmingham, Manchester, and even my very own Derbyshire had growing ballet scenes, each showcasing talent from their own local schools and communities. This is a true joy, watching ballet take root in different areas, offering everyone a chance to discover their own love of this amazing art form.
It was even starting to break out on the big screen! Ballet on the cinema screen wasn't an everyday event back then, so I imagine the excitement of watching a ballet movie was absolutely thrilling.
But 1950 wasn't only a time of triumph. It also saw some of the greatest dancers retire, and the ballet world said farewell to some legends. Sadly, this is just the natural flow of dance - the graceful transfer of talent from veteran dancers to those new faces bursting with promise and energy. But it does make me miss them terribly.
And just think of those stunning outfits! It was a time of exquisite elegance in fashion, with designers pushing boundaries with elaborate designs and dazzling costumes. Ballet tutus in particular seemed to be extra-long and dramatic, adorned with elaborate beading and stunning fabrics. The colour? Well, I don’t have to say, it was pink, darling. And everywhere I looked - pink ribbons, pink tulle, pink everything - my heart was singing!
One of the highlights for me during our trip was a visit to London’s leading fabric stores. These shops were bursting with beautiful materials for ballet tutus and costumes - silks, satins, and even velvet! And did you know that ballet shoes back then were hand-sewn? It's a beautiful tradition that was unfortunately lost over the years.
But it was the people I met who truly made my trip unforgettable! Everyone seemed so excited about ballet - from the dancers themselves to the audience. It was inspiring to feel such passion surrounding the art form. They really appreciated the beauty and power of movement, which makes my heart happy.
We can’t talk about ballet history without talking about the pioneers, the ballet stars that paved the way for future generations. During 1950, ballerinas such as Margot Fonteyn and Dame Alicia Markova were leaving their undeniable marks on the world of ballet. They truly exemplified the beauty and strength of dance, pushing boundaries with new styles, and always reminding us why we love ballet. It’s thanks to those extraordinary women, who were the ballet goddesses of their time, that ballet became so mainstream. They showed us how amazing ballet could be, both on and off the stage!
And if I may brag a little, I’ve learned to take the most incredible dance lessons during my travels! The studios were brimming with passion and excitement as ballerinas were preparing to shine! I was truly mesmerised watching dancers stretch and turn - each move was like an artwork. The teachers, always so supportive and gentle, really inspired me and gave me fresh ideas for my own dance practice. They’re always keen to share their knowledge and experience with budding ballerinas! And I love that!
From elegant tutus and fabulous performances to the incredible passion and enthusiasm of dancers, my journey to 1950 was truly a dream come true! This time travel, dear reader, has filled me with more joy and passion for ballet than ever before. So remember: Don’t just dance, make every movement your own work of art. And never stop twirling in pink!
Catch you next month for more pink tutu adventures. Until then, stay fashionable, and always keep your head high. Happy dancing, everyone!
XOXO
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
