Hello darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travels! This month I'm whisking you away to 6th June 1966. Isn't it just thrilling to imagine what ballet was like back then? Imagine those beautiful, billowing tutus, the grace of the dancers, the hushed excitement in the theatre! Just picturing it sends shivers down my spine.
This time, I decided to pack Magic Meg with all the necessities â a large pot of pink glitter, some delicious pink-frosted cupcakes (just in case we meet a royal!), and, of course, my signature pink tutu. I know you're wondering where we landed â I spotted the most incredible sign near Derbyshire that read âRoyal Opera House, Covent Garden, London". Itâs just perfect, you wouldn't believe the glamour! The smell of old leather and polish filled the air, mixed with the enticing aroma of sugared almonds.
We popped in to witness the Royal Balletâs production of "Giselle", featuring the iconic Margot Fonteyn! Can you imagine? Fonteyn is a legend! A dancer of incredible elegance, who truly embodies the essence of a ballerina. The whole experience was like stepping back in time, right down to the intricate sets and stunning costumes.
Of course, I wasn't just there for the ballet â I wanted to see how fashion was influencing the dance world. Think dramatic hairstyles, daring eyeliner, and stunningly feminine, high-waisted dresses, perfect for showcasing graceful movements. The women in the audience were all the picture of elegant charm. Just divine! They all looked as if they'd stepped out of a fairytale.
It wouldnât be a proper time travel escapade without some historical insights! The year 1966 was full of excitement! The world was gripped by the first televised World Cup, the Beatles were on top of the charts, and the British Swinging Sixties were in full swing. And as if that wasnât enough, we even had the groundbreaking âLa BayadĂšreâ performance on the Royal Ballet stage! I was lucky enough to snag an incredible program from the night and a picture of the gorgeous Nadia Nerina who played the role of Nikia. I simply had to add these treasures to my collection in my trusty leather rucksack!
Speaking of fashion, a highlight of the day was shopping in London. Oh my goodness, it was like a wonderland for tutus and dancewear! I picked up a gorgeous, frothy white tutu â perfect for a summer performance - and a lovely pair of delicate pink ballet shoes. Who doesn't adore a sparkly new pair of pointe shoes, darlings?
There was such an amazing energy about the London streets! Everyone seemed so energetic, buzzing with the excitement of life. They embraced individuality and a flair for the theatrical. Just looking around inspired me. You see, it's this wonderful combination of artistic expression and creativity that inspires my time travels!
However, my little ballerina heart wasn't just yearning for Covent Garden, no, no! We journeyed over to Paris to experience a beautiful "Romeo and Juliet" performance. It was a real heart-throb! The Parisian ballet companies seemed to focus on emotive and dramatic storytelling - they had such passionate dancing. They certainly made my heart soar with their intensity and powerful performances. I must confess, darlings, it almost felt like dancing through a poem!
Speaking of Parisian dancing, we were lucky to bump into Maurice BĂ©jart! Imagine! Heâs such a talented, dynamic choreographer! BĂ©jart believed that ballet should be accessible to all. This amazing man felt that ballet was just as beautiful and expressive as art, literature, or music. We're all in his debt, really!
The whole experience of time travelling to 1966 has simply reinforced what a vibrant and exciting time it was for dance. I'm feeling very inspired to try out some more daring movements and embrace that 60s flair. But for now, Iâm off to find the perfect outfit for a vintage-inspired performance at the local dance school. Oh! Maybe a tutu with some fabulous feathered details?! Don't forget to tune in next month, when we take our Pink Tutu Time Travels to another exciting era. Until then, be sure to keep dancing!
Love, Emma
P.S: Check out my new website www.pink-tutu.com! I've included some of my favourite photos from my adventures. You can also sign up for my newsletter for updates on my travels, plus exclusive deals on Pink Tutu gear! Let's get the world wearing tutus!
xx
