Hello, darling! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet where I chronicle my fabulous time travels across the centuries in search of the most divine ballet treasures! This month, it's off to July 7th, 1966! This was a real turning point for the world of ballet and trust me, you'll want to know about it. But first, let's get glamorous, shall we?
As usual, I'm stepping out in my absolute favourite pink tutu – a confection of silk and tulle that's as delicate as a cloud and as vibrant as my spirit! It's paired with my lucky charm – my pearl necklace, which just happens to sparkle like the dew on a rosebud. And Magic Meg, my trusty steeds – a magnificent shire with a shimmering pink coat, golden hooves and a mane and tail as white as fresh snow – is champing at the bit to whisk us back to the 60s!
Right, darlings, let’s get on with the show! My backpack is crammed full of excitement ready to share. It's time to travel to the magical world of ballet!
A Glimpse Into The Past - Ballet in 1966
Oh darling, 1966 was a fascinating year for ballet! Imagine - it was the year that Rudolf Nureyev had defected to the West! And can you even believe the impact that had?! It literally transformed ballet. People flocked from all over the world to see him perform – his artistry was beyond incredible and changed the way we perceive ballet forever! You can imagine, dear readers, just how glamorous the theatres were that year. And guess what I spotted on a beautiful lady at the Royal Opera House – the tiniest touch of pink! I thought I was dreaming, but a pale pink feather boa with the most delightful sequined embroidery... oh my word, I must find more about that for next month’s blog.
And talking of places to be – that's when The Bolshoi Ballet travelled to Paris, darling! They did shows in this iconic opera house and the costumes, oh darling, the costumes! Let's just say I found myself sketching a design in my notebook for my next ballet creation inspired by this stunningly stylish Russian influence! The fabric and colour, well, just darling, the sheer opulence of it all, you'll find me sketching in the privacy of my own home for a very long time!
An Era of Transformation - Beyond the Stage
It's not just about the shows though, darlings, 1966 saw the start of a beautiful revolution in ballet beyond the stage, too! We're talking groundbreaking fashion - oh the dresses! They were all about bold shapes, colourful fabrics and, dare I say it, just a hint of daring.
You see, dear readers, I found my own little ballet world in this fabulous year! It's the start of what we know as ballet street style! I have an idea, I shall try to recreate my own vintage version for the blog – I'll let you know how I get on, darling.
Now, darling, I must show you what my lovely ballet treasure I have brought back this time. I spotted a book of poetry, with some truly gorgeous illustrations, based around ballets at the Royal Opera House. And yes, you guessed it - the one and only Dame Margot Fonteyn. Oh, darling, you know how much I love her graceful spirit. She had the most beautiful legs in all of ballet! So many ballerinas look up to her as a beacon of excellence, it's a real honour to have her piece for my collection, a tiny snippet of ballet history at my fingertips, if you will!
Let's Stay in Touch, Darling!
I am hoping that my ballet adventures will continue to inspire you, dear readers, and, in particular, show you the magical history that awaits just beyond the curtain. Do write in and share your own favourite memories of ballet with me – you might even inspire my next journey! And don't forget to subscribe to the www.pink-tutu.com website for updates. Keep dancing, darling!
