Hello lovelies! It's Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-wearing, time-traveling ballerina, and welcome back to another exciting journey through ballet history! Today, we're whizzing back to 6th June 1956. Buckle up, darlings, as Magic Meg and I take a whirlwind trip to the heart of the ballet world.
Now, imagine this, my dears: a crisp summer's morning. The sun is shining through the window of my darling Derbyshire cottage, and the air is full of the sound of birdsong. I'm sipping a cup of perfectly pink rose tea, and already, I'm starting to get excited for today's adventures! My pink tutu is hanging on my bedroom door, awaiting its grand entrance. This trip, I've got my eye on a particularly fetching pink feathered boa for my collection - can't resist a touch of the extravagant, can we?
Magic Meg, my faithful pink sparkly Shire with her golden hooves and magnificent white mane and tail, is already gleaming in the sunlight, her saddle gleaming under the morning dew. You know, a time traveler needs her transportation to match, don't you agree? As always, my trusty leather rucksack is packed, ready to be filled with stories and relics from the ballet world.
This time, we're headed for New York City, where a little something called "The Nutcracker" by the New York City Ballet is holding a special preview performance. I do love a good sneak peek! This particular ballet isn't just any ordinary "Nutcracker" either, it's been specially adapted for the company by George Balanchine, a choreographer who knows his way around a pirouette.
Now, before we go gushing about Mr Balanchine's magnificent work, we must talk about our outfits! It's 1956, remember, so we're embracing a bit of old-school glamour. My pink tutu will be sparkling with sequins, naturally, paired with a silk satin blouse in a delicate shade of pink. On my head, a beautiful wide-brimmed straw hat, also in a dreamy shade of pink, with a vibrant floral embellishment. Oh, the joy of a touch of whimsy!
Don't forget, darlings, this is a trip to the heart of ballet fashion, so you know I won't be travelling light! A clutch bag filled with powder and lipstick in a shade called "Rosebud Pink", and, of course, some fresh white gloves - my essential accessory, every time. Remember, fashion can truly take you places, and in our world, it's a magical passport to a different time and a dazzling world of colour and grace.
Now, back to the "Nutcracker", isn't it thrilling? I can practically hear the delicate notes of the Tchaikovsky score as we settle into our seats at the New York City Ballet, surrounded by fashionistas and ballet enthusiasts, all waiting with bated breath for the performance to begin.
Oh, darling, we just can't help but talk about the fashion! It's 1956 and the glamour is absolutely captivating. Think cinched waists, graceful pencil skirts, and voluminous petticoats. Think hats, feathers, jewels, and lots of colour - from dazzling jewel tones to bright, vibrant pinks! The ladies, even the men, are a sea of stylish elegance, perfectly representing the era’s obsession with feminine beauty and elegance. I, naturally, stand out with my delightful pink tutu, adding a splash of pure ballet charm to the fashionable throng.
After the "Nutcracker" is done, we're off to see a show at the Metropolitan Opera, the heart of the grand world of opera! And you know what they say: "Opera and Ballet, hand in hand they make our spirits fly!" Just like my tutu takes me through time, ballet takes my breath away, and it is so satisfying to witness that magic in action!
You know, every month I am travelling further, further, further into this fantastic world of ballet and time travel, collecting treasures along the way. Some people call me mad, but for me, my pink tutu and Magic Meg have given me the world of the ballet! Who else can say they have met the famous Ballerina Margot Fonteyn? Who else can tell you the story of Anna Pavlova dancing at the Opera House?
You know I love nothing more than meeting with other ballerinas in my journeys, especially those in their twenties, like me! Today I met a delightful young dancer called Suzanne Farrell, dancing alongside Maria Tallchief, the most remarkable American Ballerina. We shared stories, sipped pink lemonade, and discussed the future of dance! It is always such an honour to meet fellow ballerinas and discuss all things dance with them - it fills my heart with such joy, darlings!
My journey into the past has also taken me to wonderful Paris, the birthplace of ballet! Every month, it is different; it's all part of the magic!
And if this wasn't enough excitement for you, darling, the world of dance isn't standing still, you see. "Agon," a revolutionary new ballet by choreographer George Balanchine, was premiered at the City Center in New York on June 19th. Talk about the pinnacle of performance and fashion! This is the time when ballet was changing forever!
So, as you can see, darling, there was no shortage of dance to experience in June 1956. And guess what, darling? It wasn't all about fancy ballets. Did you know that on June 9th, "Let's Dance," a beautiful new show starring a certain Mr. Gene Kelly opened at the Winter Garden Theatre? Talk about pure entertainment, the joy of dance! It truly proves that dancing isn't limited to just the ballet.
But this journey doesn't end with just watching and listening! My rucksack is bursting with my new finds, darling! I discovered the most beautiful pink satin pointe shoes, still with their original stitching! And just yesterday, I unearthed the original program for "The Nutcracker" by the New York City Ballet - the most exquisite print! My collection is just beginning, you see!
One thing I adore about these trips, my dear readers, is finding treasures from the ballet world – anything and everything that whispers stories about the ballerinas of yesterday! Each little item is a window into another time, another ballet, another wonderful adventure! I'm off to wash the beautiful pink satin shoes, a gift to me from my new ballet friend! I can't wait to proudly display them on my shelf!
So, thank you, dears, for joining me on this adventure! We'll be back next month, my lovelies, ready to dance, travel through time, and create even more adventures together, as I share my journey into ballet history!
Until next time, dance on and always remember to embrace the sparkle, my darlings! Love,
Emma xxx
www.pink-tutu.com
