Hello my darlings! It's Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-clad time-traveller, back from another thrilling escapade! This month, we're waltzing back to February 2nd, 1967, a date filled with exciting ballet events! So grab your favourite cuppa and a sprinkle of glitter, as we step into a decade bursting with artistry and style.
You might be surprised to hear that February 2nd, 1967 wasn't exactly overflowing with world-famous ballet premieres, but let's not get disheartened, darlings! We're not about premieres alone; it's about soaking up the whole vibrant world of ballet! So, grab your pink tutus, climb aboard Magic Meg (my sparkling pink Shire horse with the golden hooves!), and let's travel!
Our journey begins at the Royal Opera House, where we arrive at a lovely little ballet performance in the middle of the week. They didn't have the luxury of constant grand productions back then! Instead, there was this charming evening, celebrating Frederick Ashton's 'The Dream', inspired by Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'. What a delightful way to spend a Thursday evening! I can only imagine the wonder on the audience's faces, with those intricate movements and a whimsical score, evoking such a magical world. I just can't get enough of Ashton's work – he was a master at telling a story through dance, so intricate and expressive!
But our journey doesn't end there, dear readers! The beauty of time travel, darling, is exploring so much more than just the big, glittering premieres! I simply must find out about what's on at the local dance schools in Derbyshire during this time, yes? You know how I adore ballet fashion, and I can only imagine what kind of outfits were making a splash!
Now, if I'm really honest with you, the truth is... I spent the rest of my time exploring all the latest ballet publications! Back then, people would pick up a magazine like 'Dance and Dancers' or 'The Dancing Times'. Oh, those are my sort of treasures to collect! I’ve been able to purchase several, adding them to the lovely ballet paraphernalia in my travel pack – I've got so much exciting vintage to showcase in my Derbyshire home!
Can you believe I even came across a news clipping about an aspiring young ballet dancer named Bartholomew “Barty” Cummings? (Did he have a middle name that went with 'Bartholomew'? How dramatic, just imagine those flamboyant, fabulous leaps and pirouettes!) I bet his tutus were lovely... oh, how I yearn to know more about this particular dance prodigy. I wouldn't be surprised to see a picture of him sporting a fetching pink tutu someday... hmm, must ask my fellow time travellers what information they have, he just sounds like the kind of fabulous ballet-loving young man to inspire me to find even more beautiful shades of pink for my tutus!
We then hopped on Magic Meg, back to present day, and just as soon as my horse trotted through my favourite part of Derbyshire countryside, the glorious peak district – with all those spectacular valleys, I just had to go for a walk, a chance to clear my head from all my adventures.
You know me - always thinking ahead, looking for inspiration, especially with my website, www.pink-tutu.com. It was such a delight seeing the beautiful daffodils just starting to bloom at the foot of the fields – all those lovely shades of pink, perfect for my spring wardrobe... and even better? There were those fabulous lambs prancing and frolicking in the spring sunshine... maybe that’s my next inspiration for a choreographed dance routine!
See you next month, darlings! Until then, wear your pink tutus with pride, and never stop dreaming!
Love,
Emma
*(ps, this month my show was for the *'Dancers Against Discrimination’ campaign. It was for an amazing local charity, helping children with disabilities, all for a good cause! The crowd loved the new 'dancing sheep' routine - so creative! So exciting!)
(pps, you’ve gotta try my special pink lemonade recipe from my grandmothers recipe book, it's just delicious. You'll find it on my blog, Pink-Tutu.com, don't miss it!)
(ppps, next month I’m heading to Italy, that is my dream vacation – ballet, fashion and the lovely pink hues of the Mediterranean… the coliseum, Venetian canals, and maybe even a spot of the world famous 'La Scala'. Let’s get those pink tutus on, darlings, it’s gonna be amazing!)
