Hello, darling dancers! Emma here, your resident pink-tutu clad time traveller, ready to take you on a dazzling adventure back to the glamorous world of September 9th, 1966!
As always, my trusty steed, the magnificent Magic Meg, a pink shimmering Shire horse with golden hooves, white mane and tail, is champing at the bit, eager for our latest ballet escapade. This month, she’s sporting a beautiful pink and silver saddle, befitting our journey to a time when ballet was bursting with vibrant new ideas.
Right, on we go! Off to Derbyshire to saddle up! The leather rucksack is all packed – don't you just adore the retro pink lace trim I've added this month? – and I’m ready to gather a treasure trove of stories and ballet bits for you all.
Now, where did we leave off in our last post? Oh yes, the wonders of ballet history! You all know my absolute passion is inspiring everyone to dance in a pink tutu, and my blog, www.pink-tutu.com, is the perfect place for all things ballet, past, present, and future. My travel budget is fuelled by my own performances, because, let's face it, being a time traveller isn't cheap. But you can't put a price on the sheer joy of seeing history unfold through the lens of ballet.
So, rewind the clock to September 9th, 1966, and let’s discover what ballet magic awaited!
First up, let's talk fashion, shall we? Think go-go boots, bouffant hairstyles, and a smattering of paisley patterns. It’s a fashion landscape ripe for a splash of pink! This is the era where vibrant, almost psychedelic colours were finding their way into everyday life. Imagine my delight! I, of course, sported my usual pink tutu, perfectly complementing the colourful scene.
Speaking of colour, let's head to the Royal Opera House in London. September 9th saw the start of the Sadler’s Wells Royal Ballet season. The curtain rose on “Giselle," and I must say, even after all my travels, this timeless classic never fails to move me. It was pure perfection. As always, the performance was a dazzling display of talent, graceful choreography and delicate, beautiful costuming. My rucksack is brimming with programmes, photos and newspaper clippings about this show - some even had articles on the impact Giselle is having on contemporary ballets, even inspiring some daringly modern, contemporary productions! Just imagine a little, pink tutu dancing to Giselle, darling, wouldn’t that be simply sublime?
Meanwhile, in New York, the New York City Ballet was also kicking off a new season with the grand opening of their Fall programme. There, audiences were mesmerized by the brilliance of “La Sonnambula.” This magical work with its breathtaking choreography by George Balanchine is so incredibly delicate and expressive! The ballet costumes are simple yet stunning, elegant in their flow. A classic! It’s almost like looking at a timeless painting.
Don't let the lack of pink put you off, dear dancers, for fashion always has a place for a touch of pink!
Over in the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, the glorious company was rehearsing for its new season. The Bolshoi is famous for its incredibly powerful, strong and athletic dance style. And while we're here, I'm snapping up some exquisite vintage postcards, all signed by the amazing dancers from this legendary company. Oh, how I long to see them perform! But remember, we’re still back in 1966. But just imagine a flash of pink tutu amongst these world-class dancers!
Let’s move on to some exciting news – the famous Royal Ballet school in London, was beginning their autumn term on the 12th September, just a few days away. The future of ballet is always alive in the classrooms and I must say, watching those youngsters dance just gives me such joy and hope for the future of dance. So much promise. I'm absolutely charmed! Just remember, it doesn't matter how old or young you are, or where in the world you're from; ballet can touch your heart and inspire your spirit, making the world a brighter place!
And as always, let's talk tutu, darling! Pink, of course! A splash of pink was everywhere, on clothes, in the interiors, even in the ballet studio! So you can bet I’m back on the hunt for vintage pink tutus for my shop! It’s been such an amazing find this time. An antique vintage pink tutu – just my style - adorned with ribbons and vintage pink beads. I can't wait to share it with you all! You'll see it very soon! Oh, I have some fab photos for this month’s blog of me in it, surrounded by amazing dancers and lovely people. I even spotted an adorable little pink tutu-clad girl twirling away in a London street!
As the September evening wraps around us, my heart is filled with such warmth, joy, and a hint of pink! So as Magic Meg gallops gently homeward, let's celebrate the enduring magic of ballet. Its power to inspire, to move us, to create beauty in the world, even when we think we're dancing in a world that needs more colour!
Until next time, darling dancers, remember to always twirl, sparkle, and embrace life in a fabulous pink tutu!
Happy dancing,
Emma.
www.pink-tutu.com
