Hello my darlings, and welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travel! January 1st, 1955 - what a simply divine way to start the year, don't you think?
Today, Magic Meg, my magnificent pink, sparkly Shire horse with those glorious golden hooves and a flowing white mane and tail, took me back in time to experience the world of ballet as it was in 1955. I felt so giddy with excitement as we soared through the shimmering air!
As always, my fabulous pink tutu twirled with joy and grace as I journeyed. You see, a girl simply has to look fabulous when she's travelling through time! My trusty leather rucksack, filled with ballet memories and treasures from bygone eras, was securely strapped to my back, ready to capture the magic of this particular day.
1955 was a thrilling year for ballet! On this very date, the world was abuzz with anticipation for the opening of the new Royal Ballet season at the Covent Garden Opera House in London. And can you believe it? Margot Fonteyn and Michael Somes were starring in Giselle. I have to admit, darling, this is one of the most exquisite pairings in the history of ballet. They are truly sublime together!
The programme was quite a treat: a new ballet choreographed by Frederick Ashton, La Fille Mal Gardée, followed by Giselle. It sounds utterly divine, don't you agree? Giselle has always been a particular favourite of mine, with its tale of tragic love, ethereal beauty, and, of course, those captivating whirlwind turns. And, I simply can't resist a touch of romantic tragedy!
Imagine, my dears, a world without the glittering opulence of the Royal Opera House! 1955 London, with its chic post-war energy, seemed to be buzzing with exciting new movements. Imagine the sense of adventure, the yearning for beauty and a touch of elegance after those years of war and hardship!
As I walked the streets of London, the air felt so vibrant with possibility. My mind buzzed with the thought of the beautiful ballet that was unfolding on stage at the Royal Opera House, a mere stone's throw from where I stood. It was almost as if I could hear the music from afar.
And wouldn't you know it? In Covent Garden market, I found the most divine vintage silk scarf, the perfect shade of pink, that would look amazing as a hair scarf or a statement accessory when you're on the stage. I grabbed it as quickly as a ballet dancer grabs the curtain on stage - you know, a truly theatrical flourish! - and rushed to the opera house!
My heart did a little pirouette when I heard those strings from Tchaikovsky's score beginning to resonate. I could feel the energy of the performance building within me. I had to see it for myself!
The opera house, a jewel of architectural grandeur, shimmered under the lights, radiating a sophisticated charm. Stepping into the majestic auditorium, the air filled with a hush of expectation. I could feel the excited murmur of the crowd and sense a real buzz around the performance.
From the very first step, Margot and Michael captivated the audience, a stunning performance that evoked a mixture of laughter, joy, and breathtaking despair. The magic of dance, those thrilling sequences, those emotions expertly conveyed through physicality - it's just incredible.
The crowd erupted in thunderous applause. It truly felt as if time had stood still during this extraordinary spectacle, transporting the entire audience to another dimension. The sheer brilliance of the performance left me awestruck. The passion, the technique, the utter gracefulness – I just adore those classical ballet stories, those heartfelt portrayals.
After the performance, my dear Meg was waiting for me outside, ready to whisk me back to Derbyshire. It was simply wonderful to ride through the quiet streets of a still-sleeping London, as the day began to break, and to watch the lights gradually brighten as we made our way towards the Derbyshire countryside.
You know what, my lovelies, my journey through 1955 left me buzzing with inspiration! What could be more inspiring than witnessing such artistry? Seeing ballet, theatre, music, and fashion as they once were makes me truly appreciate what we have today, and appreciate it all the more, of course!
Let me know in the comments what your favourite vintage ballet style is? And how would you style a vintage silk scarf with your pink tutu? Tell me everything! Don't forget to visit my blog regularly, as I travel back through time each month to discover the wonderful world of ballet.
Until next time, darling,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
