Oh, darling readers! What a thrill this month’s time travel adventure has been! Just imagine, hopping aboard Magic Meg (my pink sparkly shire horse, of course, with her golden hooves and white mane and tail) and landing right in the middle of 1957, February the 2nd. You simply cannot imagine the amazing ballet excitement swirling around us! But I'm getting ahead of myself, let me spill the beans on this enchanting journey for you!
It’s a crisp, frosty morning in Derbyshire as I pack my leather rucksack with the latest pink tutu additions (I spotted a truly fabulous feather boa in a vintage shop last week that’s practically screaming to be incorporated into my 1950s ensemble!) Today’s time travel mission is set for a trip back to the mid-century, so I’m making sure my fabulous wardrobe and magical pink accessories are all ready.
The wind whips through the air, and it’s a bit chilly for bare legs, so I add my beautiful, sparkly knee-high socks (yes, even when time travelling, I'm all about that extra touch of glitz!) Magic Meg whinnies impatiently and we set off on our thrilling journey through the decades.
Whizzing back in time, a blast of 50s sounds hits me! The Beatles? I love their energy, so much fun, it just wouldn't be the 1950s without a bit of rock and roll! My heart does a little skip as I see Magic Meg magically adjusting her pace with a nudge from my secret pink “time travel” ruby – isn't it dazzling? As she expertly glides us back to 1957, I pull my shimmering pink scarf around me.
Here we are! London's abuzz. The air feels electrified and everything sparkles – just like my dazzling pink tutu, of course! I’m already brimming with excitement! I have an afternoon of ballet delights in store, my lovelies. And if there's a little shopping to be had, that’s always an added bonus!
After a leisurely afternoon tea and a delightful cream cake in London's West End, I decided to hit the Royal Opera House for a magnificent ballet performance. And what did they have on tonight? The stunning The Nutcracker. I can still feel the magic radiating from the stage, with Tchaikovsky’s glorious music creating a world of enchantment and wonder.
The Nutcracker is truly a Christmas favourite even though it’s February! It’s one of my absolute favourite ballets to watch – a dazzling spectacle of incredible talent. There were so many fabulous costumes, the colours and the atmosphere just transported me.
As the ballet dancers soared through the air with their elegance and grace, I caught glimpses of young girls' wide-eyed wonder, captivated by the magic unfolding on stage. And to think, back in the 1950s, ballet was slowly gaining momentum and inspiring these young dreamers to reach for the stars!
Next on my schedule – Swan Lake. What an absolute triumph! I'm still completely entranced by this beautiful and emotive ballet. The choreography captivated my senses and moved me to tears with the exquisite story of Odette and Prince Siegfried.
Oh my goodness! I've collected so much inspiration and discovered such breathtaking costumes from the 1950s ballet scene. What I loved about this period was how the emphasis seemed to be on fluidity of movement. I saw an absolutely stunning performance of the corps de ballet at the Covent Garden Opera House (a historic theatre! Just divine). The girls’ movements were so elegant, all about grace and ethereal grace. Just glorious.
Of course, a trip back to 1957 would not be complete without a visit to The Ballet magazine. And just think – this magazine was only around for two years, so it was extra special to pick up a copy at a quaint vintage book shop, still so elegant!
Now back to my little Pink Tutu HQ – My leather rucksack overflowing with the amazing memories and insights from this latest time travel, I'm just about bursting with new ideas to add a bit of that 1950s sparkle to my wardrobe, my home, and my ballet classes! You know, pink tulle and sequins were so on point!
As my magical shire horse, Magic Meg, prepares for our return to 2023, I can’t wait to share these precious glimpses of 1957 with all of you, my dear readers. Until next month's adventures in the magical world of ballet, be sure to wear your pink tutu proudly!
Always,
Emma
[www.pink-tutu.com]
(P.S. For a peek into the world of 1950s ballet, visit the Royal Ballet's website where they are constantly updating information on the past and present world of ballet, including images and videos).
