Hello darlings! Itās your favourite pink-tutu-wearing time traveller, Emma, back with another post from the depths of my magical time travelling blog, www.pink-tutu.com! Today, weāre venturing back to a gloriously flamboyant era ā 3rd March, 1966. Buckle up, because this time, weāre heading straight to the heart of Londonās ballet scene, to the illustrious Royal Opera House at Covent Garden.
My pink tulle skirt is practically swirling with excitement as I imagine the opulence and spectacle of a Covent Garden ballet night. As I ride on the back of Magic Meg, our majestic pink shire horse with her sparkling golden hooves, we glide through the streets of 1966 London. The air is alive with the hum of traffic and the scent of warm bread and petrol. Itās a fascinating blend of modernism and classic charm.
This night at Covent Garden holds something special: a triple bill of ballets! Thatās right, three fantastic shows to delight the eyes and enthral the soul. And who better to experience this wonderful event with me than you, my dear readers!
Let's get a little glimpse into what was happening on this date in the world of ballet:
The Royal Ballet: They are showcasing Frederick Ashtonās āA Month in the Countryā, a beautifully nostalgic work set to the haunting melody of Dmitri Shostakovich. Can you imagine the elegance of the dancers against the backdrop of Russian countryside, their movements as delicate as wildflowers swaying in the breeze? I imagine the feeling must have been simply exquisite!
āScenes from Jobā, by Kenneth MacMillan ā This ambitious piece, inspired by the Biblical book of Job, was performed by The Royal Ballet. The sheer dramatic force of this ballet, its exploration of despair, redemption and faith, would have had the audience mesmerised, leaving an indelible impression.
The premiere of John Cranko's "The Rite of Spring", a ballet designed to shock. Imagine the sheer excitement of attending a world premiere of this explosive ballet with music by the composer Stravinsky! Now, you know how much I love a bit of drama, but even this brave piece must have caused a stir with its radical choreography and primitive, primal energy. The music is known for being brutal and dissonant, evoking an almost primitive, tribalistic spirit, leaving you breathless and spellbound.
Imagine, my darlings! All of these ballets, together, forming an exciting and captivating journey into the heart of the world of ballet! It's enough to leave any pink tutu-loving ballet enthusiast giddy!
As I step through the magnificent doors of the Royal Opera House, the magic of 1966 swirls around me, enveloping me in its embrace. The smell of freshly-polished wooden floors, the elegant chatter of the guests in their glamorous attire, the air thrumming with anticipation - it's like stepping into a grand fairytale.
This journey, dear readers, is far more than just witnessing history unfold. It's about embracing the soul of the ballet. It's about remembering that for all its tradition and elegance, the heart of ballet lies in storytelling, emotion, and the sheer joy of expressing yourself through movement.
I must tell you, I cannot resist indulging in the elegant fashion of the era! Imagine silk dresses, velvet gloves and shimmering jewels! All so perfect to complement the exquisite dancing, isnāt it? Iāve already filled my rucksack with treasures: delicate embroidery patterns, the programmes from the show, even a vintage tutu pattern to replicate the era's unique styles for a future performance. Itās an honour to preserve the artistry of balletās past!
Of course, no journey to the heart of ballet would be complete without seeing a ballet shoe or two! Iāve found some beautiful ones at an antique shop on the way, with elegant pointed toes and the faintest trace of a bygone dancer's grace. I just imagine the tales they could tell! Perhaps, a story about a magical evening like this, the warmth of the theatre, the hush of the crowd before the curtain roseā¦
But my most exciting discovery came back at the stables. Among the cobblestone streets, I came across a vintage dancing school with a collection of dusty dance steps. They are hand written, and on them are stories and snippets from ballets throughout history. Now these, my dears, are precious treasures Iāll add to the collection. I can just picture myself teaching a lesson or two from these, showing all the little dancers how far back the ballet journey goes. I wouldnāt want my dear ballet family to forget their origins, or underestimate the stories the steps have to tell!
The memories of this evening, the elegance, the passion, and the sheer artistry of ballet will forever be etched in my heart. The history of dance continues to inspire and enchant me, each journey taking me deeper into the enchanting world of movement and expression.
This, my dear friends, is what time travelling is all about - preserving the legacy of ballet and spreading its infectious joy with every twirl and leap! I'll leave you with this: embrace the spirit of the past, dance with your heart, and always, always remember - a little pink tulle goes a long way!
Until next month,
Emma.
www.pink-tutu.com
*PS: Don't forget to follow me on social media to catch glimpses of my time travel adventures and stay up-to-date with my latest posts!
Remember, my darlings, ballet is a universal language that transcends time and culture. I invite you to step into my time travelling tutu, join me on my journeys, and letās celebrate the magic of this incredible art form together!
