Hello lovelies! Emma here, your favourite Derbyshire ballerina blogger, back for another time-travelling adventure with my beloved Magic Meg! July is upon us, the sun is shining, and I'm feeling incredibly pink (as always!). This month, I'm taking you back to the swinging sixties, and oh, my dears, let me tell you, the world of ballet was buzzing with energy back then!
For this journey, I donned my brightest pink tutu (it did have some rather daring embellishments, thanks to the fabulous fashion of the era!). We took Magic Meg – who, as always, was gleaming in her pink sparkles and sporting her pearly white mane – on a whistle-stop tour of the 1960s, hopping from one ballet bonanza to the next. The world was truly on a stage, and we were in the front row!
London Calling:
It's a cliché, darling, but London was really where it was at! Imagine, I actually caught a glimpse of Margot Fonteyn! (A moment I almost literally fainted from). My little rucksack, oh, it was overflowing by then! Snippets of reviews from The Times, ballet programs for her legendary performances at the Royal Opera House – all precious keepsakes from that era. It seems like everyone was besotted by the artistry of the Royal Ballet, and let me tell you, I can see why! They were absolute magic on stage.
From the Bolshoi to the Ballets Russes:
You know I simply had to pop over to the Soviet Union – a little time travelling excursion through the Iron Curtain to witness the breathtaking ballet scene unfolding in Moscow! The Bolshoi Ballet, you see, were putting on performances of "Giselle" and "Swan Lake," two timeless classics I simply had to see with my own eyes. And you know what? They weren't just performances, they were experiences. You felt the energy, the passion in the air, as if it was an electrical charge coursing through the theatre.
Speaking of experiences, my trip wouldn't be complete without a homage to the glorious Ballets Russes, a cultural movement that, frankly, changed ballet forever! In 1960, London's Sadler's Wells Theatre, with its grand old dame aesthetic, played host to a special celebration of these legendary dancers. I even stumbled upon a fascinating exhibition featuring costume designs and photos of these pioneering artists – you should have seen the vibrant costumes and bold choreography! They were truly revolutionary in a way that resonates even today.
The Dance World in Vogue:
While travelling, I was in absolute heaven with the 1960s fashion scene! Miniskirts were all the rage, and so was a love of strong, bold lines and exciting silhouettes. I took it upon myself, naturally, to do some shopping in vintage stores - some incredibly pink gems found their way into my personal collection!
A Ballet Buzz of Activity:
Did you know that on July 7, 1960, the first London Festival Ballet company (which would later become English National Ballet, you know, quite a famous ballet company nowadays!) performed "Cinderella" in a stunning performance. Just imagining that exquisite ballet in all its dreamy, fairy tale glory, oh, it makes my heart sing!
Of course, there were numerous other incredible performances across the globe – the American Ballet Theatre in New York was captivating audiences with Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, and in Australia, the National Ballet of Canada presented Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake with its mesmerising choreography. Talk about international appeal, dear readers, it was something special!
More than just Dance:
Ballet was absolutely thriving in the 1960s, and not just in the glamorous theatres, either. The whole vibe of the decade seemed to have a strong focus on artistic expression and challenging norms – a little like our tutus and our mission to make the world a more pink place!
From revolutionary new choreographers to bold fashion trends, ballet was truly dancing with the times!
As I write this, Magic Meg is munching on her carrots (yes, pink ones of course!) in the stable. You know, with all this time travelling, I sometimes forget what a simple pleasure it is to be back in the here and now!
But one thing I never forget is that the world of ballet has always been and continues to be a stage for dreams - and I hope I’ve encouraged you, my dear readers, to embrace your own, ballet dreams and dare to be pink!
Love,
Emma
xxx
P.S: Don't forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com for more time travelling adventures and my ballet diaries!
*P.P.S: And remember, a little pink in your life is just the ticket! Don't be shy, try on a tutu today! 😉 *
