Hello my darlings, welcome back to my monthly ballet time travels! This is blog post number 3627, and today we’re going on an adventure right back to the dazzling year of 1963 – a time when bouffant hair reigned supreme and the world of ballet was on fire! 💃🔥
Now, for all you fabulous readers out there who haven’t had the joy of travelling back in time on a sparkling shire horse named Meg – she's a true pink goddess with golden hooves, a magnificent white mane, and a tail that sparkles like a thousand tiny stars! ✨🐎 Just hop on behind her – you don't want to miss a second of our magical adventure!
We left Derbyshire in a whirl of pink feathers, our journey back in time fuelled by the joy of the latest ballet performance at the Derby Theatre. (Oh, by the way, you simply must see 'Sleeping Beauty' if you get the chance – absolutely divine! It has been my personal inspiration to bring tutus to the world, I feel so much prettier when I'm twirling in one!)
Today, however, we're focusing on 3rd March 1963 – a date packed full of ballet magic, and my favourite part of the adventure? You’re going to love it, darling, because today’s travel wardrobe has an extra special treat – I’m sporting the most exquisite hand-sewn, ruffled pink tutu that's adorned with the most adorable little lace trim around the edges – just like the lovely dancers from that fantastic Parisian production, ‘Les Biches’. 🩰🤩 (Did you know, darling, that ‘Les Biches’ was premiered back in 1924 by Serge Diaghilev – it was a groundbreaking production then and a gorgeous visual treat for all time! They just don’t make ballerinas like that anymore!)
Meg has brought us to the heart of Paris – a place where creativity and beauty blend into a delicious, decadent feast for the senses. It was like a kaleidoscope of artistic inspiration, filled with a constant buzzing of energy. And speaking of energy – I could hardly contain myself, all flouncy pink tutus and sparkly-eyed excitement at the ballet being performed – ‘La Fille Mal Gardée’ – (The Unruly Daughter!). 🤫 They say it's a fun and heartwarming tale – but you’ll just have to see it for yourselves! Oh, and look out for the dazzling costumes designed by Pierre Laroche. Such incredible detail, the finest silk and satin, each fold a tiny whisper of artistry. (My rucksack is bulging with stories from 1963, so if you want to know more, keep those comments coming!)
Now, my dear readers, we’re in for a truly exciting ballet voyage! Did you know that on this date in history, a new ballet premiered at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow – ‘The Legend of Love’? Talk about iconic! Imagine, all those gorgeous swirling tutus, the music… the atmosphere… It must have been incredible! 🎶🤩 And even though we’re miles away from Moscow in Paris, it is clear the world of ballet is abuzz with exciting stories from far and wide.
The Bolshoi is considered the national theatre of Russia and was first established way back in 1776 – almost 200 years ago! Think of all the wonderful, talented ballerinas who graced that stage! If we had more time, I’d love to take you on a full historical tour! But don't fret, we’ve got so many fascinating journeys planned. You might be surprised to hear that there's even a lovely theatre in our own little town, right here in Derbyshire – the Derby Theatre - where there is a fabulous dance programme year-round. So my dearest, do give it a look! I promise you won’t regret it.
And what would a trip to Paris be without some stylish indulgences? 🛍️ (Oh, and I just adore saying the word ‘indulgences’.) This vintage shop around the corner from my favourite cafe in Montmartre has a whole array of perfectly Parisian accessories. I’m just dying for a tiny feather boa and those adorable little silk gloves – my collection of 1960s fashion is already out of control but how can I possibly resist, with the prices as tempting as they are?
You know how I love to fill my rucksack with beautiful treasures. Well, this shop is a wonderland – like Alice down the rabbit hole, I’m filled with childlike glee! They’ve got everything from little vintage tutus, handmade and a bit more, shall we say, 'mature' (my apologies, I'm feeling a bit French, what with the beautiful shops in Paris, I have just fallen in love with vintage accessories!), as well as, hand-knitted sweaters, floral hats (such darling things!), and beautiful pearl necklaces (and just look at that sparkly brooch - what a perfect match to my ballet shoes!). Now, that’s the real French 'je ne sais quoi!' 😍✨
Talking about ‘je ne sais quoi,’ my trip wouldn’t be complete without a glimpse at the ballet costumes. From delicate ruffles to luxurious fabrics – oh, you wouldn’t believe it! I couldn’t resist the gorgeous tulle. If my luggage hadn’t been packed already, I would be carrying a handful of delicate pink ballet tutus. I am rather surprised how delicate the ballet tutus of the 1960s were and a bit jealous. Some are so thin you can see right through them! That reminds me – it’s my new mantra for the year! See through pink, dream big, ballet strong! I must make time for some tulle and velvet of my own and just imagine the stories these outfits could tell…
You see my dears, it's this kind of inspiration that drives me, that keeps my mind bubbling with ideas and passion for ballet. So if you haven't found your passion, don't wait, just go out there, search it out, let it take you away! Don’t be afraid of adventure. Take my advice and embrace those twirls! Life’s about to take a whole new spin! And while you’re at it, be bold, put on a pink tutu, and be ready to take on the world with the grace and confidence of a true ballerina! 💖✨
Oh, and remember to check back in for my next post – it’s just around the corner. And, my darlings, never forget – life is best enjoyed in pink. 💖
Emma xx
