Hello fellow tutu-lovers! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travels! This month, I've landed on a date that's brimming with balletic delights - April 4th, 1962. I've gotta tell you, my pink sparkly shire, Magic Meg, just couldn't keep her hooves still with the excitement bubbling in the air today.
You know, as a Derbyshire girl at heart, it's always a joy to see the ballet world in full bloom. This date, in particular, feels like the entire ballet universe came together to put on a fabulous, twirling extravaganza! Let's take a twirl through whatâs happening, shall we?
A Spotlight on Margot Fonteyn: Oh my goodness! The iconic Margot Fonteyn, her star just wouldnât be dimmed even today. A true goddess of the stage, she's been gracing the Royal Opera House since 1940 with her magical talent! This date in 1962 sees her partnering with a handsome young Rudolph Nureyev in "La Bayadère," an exotic Indian ballet by Marius Petipa. My darling Meg and I absolutely had to see it, and what a magical experience! Nureyev, with his captivating energy, and Fonteyn, with her grace that just floated above the stage, they danced so beautifully together, like a couple twirling under a glittering moonlit sky. I actually had to keep reminding myself to keep my tutu gathered, it was just too captivating!
* A 'Ballet Russe' on Tour : * A major treat this month, dear readers, is a return to the glorious world of the "Ballets Russes" â one of the greatest influences in 20th-century ballet history! The Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo are touring across the USA with a stunning line-up of masterpieces including "L'Après-Midi d'un Faune" choreographed by the legendary Vaslav Nijinsky, one of the founders of "Ballets Russes."
Nijinskyâs work was so cutting-edge when he debuted it back in 1912, he practically re-invented ballet as a contemporary art form! It was scandalous back in the day, with its loose, uninhibited movement and exploration of Greek Mythology â imagine that, Greek Mythology on stage in Paris in 1912, I must have made a note to check out the fashion for that day in the back of my rucksack â must get back to you later.
But the "Ballets Russes" aren't all about historical moments, theyâre alive and kicking in 1962 too! Itâs exciting to see their passion for creating groundbreaking new work. Tonight, the âBallets Russes de Monte Carloâ will premiere the gorgeous "IbĂŠria" by LĂŠonide Massine â another huge name in ballet history. Imagine the thrill! Seeing a new piece from a dance genius, a brand new spectacle created by one of the most talented choreographers alive today. I canât wait to capture this magic in my notes â hopefully, I have enough space left in my rucksack!
A Trip to the "National Ballet of Canada": Even the ballet world loves to travel, so it was time to pack Meg and her little ballerina on the back and set off to the heart of Toronto. This city, overflowing with energy and talent, has the vibrant National Ballet of Canada doing their own wonderful dance this month. Today marks a performance of âThe Sleeping Beauty" which was choreographed by a little-known Canadian choreographer called Rudolf Nureyev â but everyone here, including Meg, was quite convinced that he had some wonderful things to offer the world of dance!
Of course, this little gem is not about Nureyevâs choreography, although I was most intrigued by that. I can't talk about âThe Sleeping Beautyâ without a tiny bit of chatter about its dazzling costumes and the lavish set. Now this is what ballet magic is about! This version, by Nureyev, had everything. From the grand court scenes to the enchanting fairy garden, and the enchanting princess's pink tulle dress, every detail screamed âclassic, glamorous, and elegant!â. Youâll be pleased to know my darling Meg loved it!
* A Fashion Flash: *
Of course, it would be unpardonable to leave the âBallets Russes de Monte Carlo" without a quick chat about their amazing costume designs. I'm obsessed with the history of costume design, and these performances are simply bursting with exquisite looks. The designers were masters of their craft, creating truly exquisite outfits.
I just adore the vibrant, richly textured, and beautifully crafted garments - every costume feels like a masterpiece in itself. Iâve added a few gorgeous costume designs, especially a "Bluebird" design, into my little ballet rucksack to share with you in a future post! And Meg had to have a âBallet Russesâ inspired dress sewn â she thinks they're all simply exquisite! I told her, "We must recreate some of them as we travel in future.
A Big Night at the Bolshoi: Well, of course, no international tour would be complete without a journey to the glittering Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. The Bolshoi has been a global ballet powerhouse for ages! I was simply captivated when I arrived in Moscow - I immediately felt like a ballerina right out of a fairy tale! I had the privilege of seeing Tchaikovsky's iconic "Swan Lake" at this stunning, regal theater, the largest and most beautiful theatre in the world - a magnificent architectural jewel, no wonder its stage is known for hosting world-class ballerinas, such as Maya Plisetskaya!
This "Swan Lake" felt like the perfect combination of beauty and classic power. Plisetskaya was amazing, a ballerina whose every step is like poetry in motion! Oh, but those costumes⌠it seemed like every one of them was made with more sparkles than you could ever imagine - you literally had to put on sunglasses to enjoy it, and I don't even own a pair of sunglasses - but you would if you had a pink sparkly shire horse, it can be so overwhelming in pink at times!
* The Tutu Trend*: Now that Iâve taken you on this incredible adventure, let's not forget my life mission: getting everyone in the world wearing a pink tutu. As always, the ballet world offers so many amazing examples to draw inspiration from! Take Margot Fonteyn: her graceful presence and enchanting performances embody the spirit of the pink tutu â pure beauty, elegance, and effortless grace.
And let's talk about Maya Plisetskaya! You just couldnât keep your eyes off her - the confidence, the dazzling precision, and her iconic ability to bring passion and vulnerability to every dance made her just irresistible! Just like wearing a pink tutu, right? Confidence is key. But we also canât forget the fun, vibrant colors, and elegant textures â ballet costumes just always manage to capture the essence of the pink tutu spirit - so much magic, itâs almost impossible not to be pulled into a ballet when thereâs a beautiful, full, sparkling pink tutu on stage!
The magic of ballet has never ceased to inspire me, dear readers! The dazzling beauty of "The Sleeping Beauty," the heart-pounding energy of the "Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo," the regal splendour of the Bolshoi Theatre - these are all such incredible parts of the dance world and all so inspiring! But nothing gets my creative juices flowing quite like seeing my favourite ballet, "Swan Lake,â again.
Well, this monthâs tour is done. Thereâs no denying, itâs the little ballerina in all of us that wants to twirl and spin to these timeless melodies! Time to go polish my pink tutu! I hope you enjoyed my blog! Do send me a message to say âHelloâ, or let me know your favourite ballets of the year so far. Until next time, dear readers, let your spirit take a twirl â even in your everyday lives.
*Emma * [www.pink-tutu.com]
