Hello darlings,
It's me, Emma, your favourite pink-tutu clad time traveller! And guess what? September 9th, 1960 was a simply glorious day for all things ballet, and a day I wouldn't trade for the world, even if Magic Meg’s tail was a little bit fluffy from a hay-based lunch at the stable yard earlier.
I arrived in London on the morning of the 9th, all bundled up in my signature pink, a shimmering tulle masterpiece of a tutu (it even sparkles, you know), Magic Meg pawing patiently outside the elegant hotel I chose (pink walls, of course!) It wasn't long before I was out and about, taking in the sights and, most importantly, the ballet scene.
1960, oh darling, was such a fascinating year for the ballet! There was so much happening and London was just brimming with it. The Royal Ballet had opened the season with a bang just the previous day, presenting “Cinderella” at Covent Garden - you know how much I adore those fabulous tutus! This iconic ballet, featuring Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev - a legendary pairing, darlings - was practically a must-see, but alas, I'd just missed the opening night, it being a rather large piece of history to transport Meg across time just for one show. However, I made my way to the Royal Opera House and wandered past the buzzing, elegant crowds, catching glimpses of the glorious, lavish interior. The energy was almost tangible; I felt the thrill of anticipation for the performances within those walls.
Of course, no ballet trip is complete without a little shopping, darling. A browse through some of London’s finest department stores, in my most glamorous attire, brought me joy beyond words. And the fashion, dear readers! 1960s style is so utterly divine. The outfits, the hair… the whole vibe - it's a sheer delight to experience, and all the more reason to don my tutu.
Later that day, after a scrumptious afternoon tea with pink macarons, I made my way to Covent Garden to enjoy an evening performance of “Les Sylphides” - the beauty of its classic elegance, those haunting ethereal figures in long, flowing white tutus - just enchanting. The ballet brought a touch of enchantment to the city, even with the gentle London drizzle.
Speaking of enchantments, I had to see what was going on across the channel in Paris! Paris, darlings, always holds a special place in my heart, particularly for its vibrant and fascinating ballet scene. I whisked myself over on Meg in the early hours, just as the Parisian dawn broke, and in that soft light, the city was truly magical, oh darling, the perfect setting for a little ballet enchantment.
Now, I wasn't just after shows in Paris - that would be a whole post on it's own - but the French ballet scene has a wonderful, stylish element to its fashion. And let's face it, Paris was practically synonymous with style, a hotbed of trend-setting couture, a place to immerse myself in the art of fashion and ballet. My time there included a captivating ballet show, a charming, dainty little café - pink, of course! - a few decadent pastries and a tour through the ballet archives, picking up a couple of exquisite ballet designs from the 1930s, a gorgeous ballet fan adorned with beautiful silk and feathers - oh darling, the colours! And a sketchbook filled with stunning portraits of ballerina costumes - perfectly in keeping with my own ballet wardrobe goals!
As a dedicated follower of fashion, Paris provided a feast for the eyes and an infusion of inspiration. And just as I was gathering some elegant gloves in the most delightful shade of rose - my love for all things pink knew no bounds - I had a sudden rush of “oh no, gotta get back to my blog, my tea has gone cold!” As quickly as I'd arrived in Paris, I was off, Meg's hoofs drumming against the Parisian cobblestones as she galloped towards my own time.
Now, dear reader, you may think September 9th, 1960 was all about a London and a Paris visit (and really, who could argue?), but it was really all about celebrating the elegance and grace that is ballet. I learned so much that day about the ballet scene across the globe - and more importantly, the allure of Paris fashion, so darling, keep your eyes open for a couple of Parisian pink-tutu posts on the site in the coming months. The fun has only just begun!
Stay sparkly and always twirl with joy,
Emma xx
P.S. Please do visit www.pink-tutu.com for more ballet time travel stories - there's an awful lot of magical experiences for you to enjoy right there on the blog!
