Hello darling ballet bunnies! Emma here, your time-traveling tutu-tastic guide to the wonderous world of ballet! Today's date? December 12th, 1958. Let's whisk back to this fabulous era with my trusty, sparkly steed, Magic Meg, and dive into the world of tulle and toe shoes!
As usual, I'm wearing my favourite, freshly-ironed pink tutu - you know how much I love a good pink! It shimmers so beautifully under the December sun, and my sparkly white leather ballet shoes are perfectly polished for the adventure ahead!
Today's backpack is bulging with excitement, filled with goodies from the era. I managed to snag some absolutely gorgeous ballet fashion magazines and a stunning vintage ballerina photo, with the most dreamy costumes! I can't wait to share those later!
Let's dive straight into the world of dance that is December 1958!
First things first, we're in England today. Let me take you to a beautiful performance happening in London's glorious Covent Garden. The Royal Ballet are dancing a masterpiece – Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake" with none other than Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev, a dynamic pair who brought a stunning beauty and drama to the roles. It's truly a captivating evening, with every swirl of Fonteyn's tutu sending shivers down my spine. And speaking of tutus, wouldn't you just adore those elegant white swans tutus in this production? Simply breathtaking!
From London, I took a quick ride on Magic Meg's back (always careful to make sure the saddle is just the right pink to match my outfit, of course) to New York City. There's a stunning show happening at the Metropolitan Opera. We are treated to the grand elegance of "Giselle", and believe me, those pink-hued romantic tutus for the women and the dapper velvet costumes for the men just have me swooning!
Speaking of the Big Apple, the wonderful New York City Ballet are in full swing! It's simply enchanting to witness their creativity and brilliance – so very modern and captivating. Can you believe they were even making their own original choreography at the time? Pure ballet magic! I particularly loved the energetic "Agon" choreographed by the genius George Balanchine. He had quite a way with a tutu, especially one like that shimmering black one worn by a prima ballerina in his production - a bold, stunning design with a certain "oomph" factor. It really captures the spirit of the 1950s – so daring!
It wouldn't be a true time-traveling tutu-tastic trip without a dash of France. In Paris, a grand performance is taking place at the Palais Garnier, showcasing the magic of Maurice Béjart, a brilliant choreographer of the time, who just made his debut as artistic director at the Théâtre de l'Opéra-Comique, in fact!
Now, the magic doesn't stop there!
I had to squeeze in a quick stop at The Bolshoi Theater in Moscow. What's happening there you ask? Why, it's a phenomenal production of "Spartacus", and wouldn't you know it, the audience was wild!
After all that fabulous ballet, you just know I had to find time for a spot of shopping! My first stop was a gorgeous, boutique on New Bond Street in London, filled with stunning pastel pink tutus and exquisite ballet slippers in gorgeous colours. Let's be honest, they simply screamed 'Emma, you have to buy these'! I even treated myself to some charming ballerina trinkets for my collection and some beautiful pink ballet shoes with glittering bows.
Then, it was time for some lunch at a dainty café near The Louvre, where I sipped on a delicious rose tea while making a sketch in my notepad - you know how much I love sketches. My sketchbook is already overflowing with pictures from today's time-traveling adventure!
Now, my dears, I know you’ve all been wanting me to share some tips from my recent time-traveling adventures. You see, I love collecting fashion advice. So let's chat a bit about the world of dance wear in 1958!
Did you know that a ballerina’s pointe shoe was, and still is, a true symbol of elegance and precision, with its delicate and almost fragile silhouette? They certainly added to the artistry of a dance! You can see the sheer amount of dedication to their craft in a ballerina's beautifully pointed feet - true art in motion!
And tutus! They revolved around romantic silhouettes with fluffy tulle skirts, adding that magical fairytale-like touch to the dances. Ballet in the 1950s embraced flowing skirts and airy movements, the very image of the graceful, flowing swan in a classical dance.
You must try to incorporate a little bit of that classic beauty into your own daily style!
Of course, with such an amazing day of ballet, and all that excitement about the world of ballet fashion, my mind is spinning with inspiration!
It's just been another absolutely spectacular day with my trusty Magic Meg, discovering the beauty and wonder of the ballet world!
Do keep checking back for more ballet adventures on my website www.pink-tutu.com . You’ll find even more stunning images and stories from the past. I simply love sharing this magnificent journey of ballet through time with you all!
Until next time, my sweet ballet bunnies! Keep your tutus twirling!
Yours in dance, Emma
