Hello darlings! Emma here, your pink-tutu-clad time traveller extraordinaire, back with another adventure for my fabulous #BalletHistory blog! Today, dear readers, we're whisking ourselves back to 4th April 1963 - a date filled with the magic of the dance!
This month, I'm thrilled to announce a very special find for my rucksack – a stunning, hand-painted ballet program from the legendary Royal Opera House in London. Now, picture this, darling, a dazzling program with its cover graced by a gorgeous portrait of a graceful ballerina, resplendent in a swirling white tutu. The details inside – the names of the dancers, the program for the evening – oh, it’s like holding a piece of theatrical history in my hands!
So, where to begin on this fabulous trip through time? My trusty Magic Meg, my sparkling pink Shire horse with the golden hooves and snow-white mane, galloped us straight to London, eager for a peek at the world of ballet in 1963. Imagine my delight, my lovelies, when I discovered that tonight, the Royal Ballet is presenting a performance of "Giselle" at Covent Garden!
Just the thought of "Giselle" made me giddy. The story of this tragic yet hauntingly beautiful ballet is so romantic, so full of drama and breathtaking artistry. As a little girl, it was always my favourite!
We parked Meg just off Drury Lane and slipped into the warm glow of the Royal Opera House, and oh my dear readers, the scene was just exquisite! Every corner shimmered with excitement and anticipation, the murmur of excited conversations mixed with the quiet strumming of violins from within. Such a glorious symphony of anticipation!
Stepping inside, I couldn’t resist grabbing a programme – what else! – and I marvelled at the beautiful artwork. The names of the principal dancers – a cast of absolute stars, just like the showgirls in the ballet world today. I've started to feel so connected to the world of ballet, seeing how the styles change and develop through time. Each decade holds something unique and charming.
This evening, Margot Fonteyn, one of the absolute icons of classical ballet, was leading the show. It's almost unbelievable, this connection to a timeless form of dance - seeing her name here and then on my bookshelves, in glossy magazines and even, yes darling, in the biographies of ballet legends.
I wandered the majestic, plush corridors, imagining the buzz of the backstage life – dancers dashing past with a nervous smile, the hushed whispers of the seamstresses as they delicately repaired a torn tutu. Such dedication, such passion.
Then, the music began! It filled every nook of the Opera House, sweeping us away on a tide of emotions. The dancers appeared, gracefully gliding across the stage, the fabric of their costumes shimmering under the lights. Their leaps, pirouettes, and expressive movements captivated me – a breathtaking ballet!
After the final curtain, I headed back out into the night. London pulsed with a vitality and glamour that left me breathless. As I gathered up my little leather rucksack – bursting with memorabilia and the memories of a wonderful night, a beautiful dream like this - I felt this incredible sense of connection to the past, of belonging to something much bigger than myself, like the heartbeat of ballet through time.
And so, darling readers, the world of ballet continues to enthral. Whether it be the glamour of the Royal Opera House in 1963, or the intimate beauty of a small town performance in Derbyshire, it's an experience that touches the soul and takes you on a journey.
I encourage you all, dear readers, to step out into the world, embrace the wonder, the beauty, and the joy of ballet! I'll be back next month, venturing further into the wonderful tapestry of dance history!
And remember, ladies, always rock a pink tutu – the world needs a touch of whimsy and joy!
Until next time,
Emma xoxo
P.S. Did you know that on this very day in 1963, a small group of dance enthusiasts gathered in London to discuss the potential for a new dance festival in the UK? Imagine that! Little did they know their efforts would blossom into the wildly successful Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Join the Ballet Time Travels fun on my website www.pink-tutu.com! And remember to use #BalletHistory when sharing your own stories and adventures. I can't wait to see what you've uncovered in your own travels!
See you next month!
Emma xoxo
