#BalletHistory during 1957 11 November

Hello darlings! Welcome to another month of my Pink Tutu Time Travels. This month I'm heading to a very exciting date - the 11th of November, 1957, just a hop, skip and a pirouette across time!

As always, my trusty companion, Magic Meg, is champing at the bit (don't worry, I always bring carrots!) ready for another exciting journey. We’re decked out in our very finest, naturally – think hot pink tulle and sparkling silver saddle, with Magic Meg looking positively magnificent with her golden hooves glinting in the sunlight. My rucksack is ready for collecting treasures from the world of ballet and a good ol' fashioned Derbyshire-style picnic for the road (I do like a good crumpet, don’t you?)

So, let's step into the wayback machine and get time-traveling!

The year 1957 is a real gem when it comes to ballet history. Imagine - Marilyn Monroe and Elvis were setting the world on fire, and the ballet world was brimming with talent and creativity.

On this very day, the Bolshoi Ballet is wowing audiences in Moscow with a revival of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, one of my absolute favourite ballets. Can you imagine? A beautiful, romantic ballet with incredible technicality? Oh, to be transported to those swirling costumes and ethereal movements! And just think of the intricate costuming... it would be the perfect chance for me to pick up a few fashion tips, perhaps for a pink swan lake costume. Wouldn't that be divine?

Just a stone’s throw away, in Paris, the Paris Opera Ballet are captivating audiences with a new production of Giselle, a ballet about love, betrayal, and, most importantly, amazing dancing! Oh, to be whisked away to the City of Lights for this enchanting ballet! Now, I wonder if the costuming was as decadent as my favorite Paris shops? Parisian fashions are a definite must-have for my next tutu ensemble! And how much are those feather boas going for? Just the very idea of a beautiful, black Parisian dress and a fluffy pink feather boa... sigh!

Speaking of dazzling dancers, the Royal Ballet in London is hosting the annual Gala which would be packed with ballet stars like Margot Fonteyn, Moira Shearer, and Robert Helpmann. Oh, to have witnessed these giants of ballet dance live! I’d bet they all looked sensational in their beautiful tutus!

So much is happening on the world of ballet! I am completely beside myself with excitement, I think my heart might burst with anticipation!

The wind in my hair, the warm sunshine, and a gentle nudge from my darling Meg; she gallops us towards the magic portal. As always, there’s a slight twirl and a little sprinkle of pink fairy dust as we pass through, and before you know it, we're in a world full of glamour and grace.

One thing I love about travelling through time is watching all those people going about their days without knowing all the wonderful ballet shows waiting for them. It gives me the warm and fuzzies, darling. Perhaps I’ll go see if I can spread a little pink tutu magic while I'm here, a ballet-themed flash mob maybe! That would be sensational!

First things first though, I've got to see what London is like in 1957. This will definitely give me plenty of inspiration for future tutu designs and outfit ideas. I’m going to head straight to Covent Garden to take in the ballet performance, after which, I think it's time to visit some chic London boutiques. Imagine the styles, the colours... oh, my darling! It’ll be a veritable explosion of pastel-hued fabrics and tulle!

You know how I feel, darling - ballet has been, and always will be, my biggest inspiration! And what better way to celebrate all this ballet history than by spreading my mission to inspire a pink tutu love in everyone!

My aim, as always, is to make everyone think a little bit outside the box, to express themselves in their own way! The 1950s were an era of dramatic styles – those flowing skirts, the full tulle – oh my! Think a ballet-inspired dress for a night out, or a fun tutu as part of your everyday ensemble.

If you think you don’t have the confidence to wear pink… think again! Think about those ballerina stars - Fonteyn, Shearer, Markova. Think of the gorgeous designs that came from ballet and spread their influence. Pink isn’t a colour you have to fear, darlings, it's a celebration of all that is good and elegant! A celebration of femininity and, yes, you guessed it - Ballet!

I can already imagine what’s going to go in my rucksack. Maybe a couple of fabric swatches and vintage ballet photos! Oh, to see what treasures await me… and just think – those photos and memories will be on my blog for all the world to see!

Oh darling! The thought of my pink tutu blog, spreading the joys of ballet to the masses – I’m getting all choked up with happiness. You see, for me, it’s more than a blog, it's a community, a love affair with ballet.

Until next time, darling, you know where to find me - right here, on my blog - www.pink-tutu.com. And remember - let your inner ballerina shine! Embrace the world in all its glory, and spread some pink tutu magic of your own!

Sending you all lots of twirls and glitter,

Emma

(Image of Emma riding Magic Meg through the portal)