Hello my darlings! It's Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, back with another magical adventure! This month, my sparkly pink steed, Magic Meg, whisked me off to a rather groovy 12th December in 1964! The 60s, oh the 60s! Think of the mod hairstyles, the bright colours, and the dancing – just like a dazzling ballet!
I landed right in the heart of London, in a whirlwind of miniskirts and Carnaby Street fashion. Honestly, the atmosphere was electrifying! Every shop window was a display of colour and excitement, the kind of thing that would inspire a hundred ballets! The music was infectious, with a rhythm that practically demanded you to get up and twirl! It made me feel as if I were part of a grand ballet, set on the streets of swinging London.
I found myself on the front row of the Royal Opera House – I can't even explain how exciting it was to be in such an iconic building! I was there to see the Royal Ballet perform "The Sleeping Beauty" and let me tell you, darlings, it was magnificent. It was truly a feast for the eyes, with gorgeous costumes and elegant choreography that reminded me why I adore this art form so much.
The atmosphere in the auditorium was so electric you could feel it in the air, and the performance itself was captivating. It reminded me that even though fashion changes and styles come and go, the beauty of ballet endures.
The star of the evening was undoubtedly Margot Fonteyn. She danced the title role of Aurora, her every movement radiating grace and effortless beauty. Her technique was sublime, she was a real ballerina's ballerina, with perfect control and a natural sense of musicality.
Even the audience was wearing tutus! Imagine it! Not exactly pink ones like mine, but tutus nonetheless! They weren't worn on stage, of course, but by a select group of London society, just because! These were ladies of fashion, wearing pastel tutus over their mod dresses and high heels, and they made the whole evening feel like one giant, celebratory ballet. It was such an inspiring sight, even better than seeing all the wonderful vintage tutu styles I’d found on my adventures!
This evening made me wonder if the world is ready for a new wave of everyday tutu-wearing? Imagine a street full of dancers! Everyone expressing themselves through the art of movement and fashion. I have so many ideas brewing!
Of course, being the dedicated time traveler that I am, I wasn’t just sitting on the front row soaking it all up, though that was tempting. My trusty leather rucksack was overflowing with little ballet-themed treasures! I snagged a vintage copy of "The Ballet Annual", a programme from the "Sleeping Beauty", a set of beautiful silk ribbons and, most excitingly, a stunning pink silk shawl, perfectly soft and ideal for twirling in! I even managed to secure an invitation to the post-performance champagne reception! Who knew being a time traveller would come with such delightful perks?
But the day wasn't over yet, darlings! After the performance, Magic Meg and I went on to a ballet class at a nearby dance studio. I couldn't believe it! They were all practicing ballet poses with groovy, upbeat pop music! They didn’t even seem to care that it wasn't traditional ballet music. Everyone had an attitude and seemed to really be enjoying their class, no matter what they were doing, from ballet moves to twisting their bodies. They had real panache!
This journey was certainly one for the memory banks, proving once again that time travel is not just about seeing the past, but about drawing inspiration and learning from it. Maybe one day, we’ll have a revival of "The Sleeping Beauty" where the dancers are all in colourful tutus of every shade. Wouldn't that be amazing?
Don't forget to join me on www.pink-tutu.com for the next installment of my ballet time-travelling adventures, coming next month!
Until then, keep on twirling, darlings, and remember - the world is a stage and every day is a performance!
Your dearest,
Emma,
The Pink Tutu Time Traveller!
