Hello my darling tutu-twirling cherubs! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels, your monthly dose of ballet history, fashion, and, of course, copious amounts of pink! This month, I'm whisking you all away to the 10th of October, 1967, a date that marks a turning point in the history of ballet, one that continues to resonate today!
My trusty steed, the shimmering pink shire horse with hooves of gold, Magic Meg, took me on a whirl through time to this day and landed us in the heart of London. As always, I was sporting my very favourite pink tulle creation, a breathtaking confection adorned with shimmering sequins and a cascade of feathers. You simply can't go wrong with a classic pink tutu, darlings, it's the perfect way to add a touch of whimsy to any time period.
Now, this was no ordinary day in London. On this day, a true legend, Dame Margot Fonteyn, danced her final performance in a new work created by the revolutionary, Kenneth MacMillan, âThe Rite of Spring.â And let me tell you, this was not just any performance, darling, it was the culmination of a phenomenal career, one that spanned decades and forever changed the face of ballet!
Margot was, without doubt, a true icon of her time, a breathtaking ballerina known for her flawless technique, emotive grace, and undeniable stage presence. She graced the stages of the world, her delicate artistry enthralling audiences across continents. You might think a 1960s audience would be more familiar with a âclassicalâ ballet, but audiences were hungry for more. MacMillanâs piece, although a stark departure from the tradition, captured their imaginations, it became an iconic representation of the evolution of ballet during this era. It was innovative, bold, a powerful statement about how this art form was pushing its own boundaries.
For this performance, Margot wore a simple white costume â classic, yes, but truly fitting for the power of her talent. As the performance unfolded, I watched, enthralled, tears prickling my eyes as the curtain came down for the final time. This was the last time the world would see Margot perform on stage, marking an end of an era, the fading of an unforgettable star. But her impact continues to resonate today, a legacy inspiring dancers around the globe, reminding them of the sheer artistry and passion needed to be a truly great ballerina.
You may wonder, how did a girl from Derbyshire find her way to such an extraordinary day, a day filled with such momentous ballet history? It's simple darling! Each month, I perform in a selection of charity events. These aren't just any ordinary ballet performances though, these are special pieces â I select an array of dance styles, some more modern than others, with themes chosen specifically from the eras I am visiting. You see, it's not only my ballet skills, but also the funds I raise through these performances that allow me to journey through time on Magic Meg!
So, after witnessing this poignant end of an era, my dear Magic Meg and I headed to the charming Chelsea neighbourhood, hopping into the elegant world of couture fashion for a little shopping spree. I was eager to find some new additions to my tutu collection - after all, a true ballet enthusiast never rests, especially when surrounded by exquisite fabrics and designs.
Speaking of couture, it was in 1967 that another ballet superstar emerged. The stunning, fiercely talented, Rudolf Nureyev partnered with another dance legend, a fierce innovator, the legendary Karl Lagerfeld, to create an iconic, and oh-so-modern, ballet fashion collection. Their collaboration wasn't merely about showcasing beautiful garments, it was about pushing the boundaries of design within the world of ballet and opening up new ways to look at movement and dance on stage.
While shopping in Chelsea, we visited some quaint little vintage shops and book stalls, filled to the brim with intriguing treasures from the era. In a little corner bookstore, I stumbled upon a worn copy of the The Observer newspaper, dating back to the 10th of October, 1967, containing an extensive review of Margot Fonteynâs farewell performance, complete with quotes from the renowned dance critic of the time. I eagerly snatched up the paper, a precious treasure to add to my ever-growing collection.
You can imagine how I enjoyed immersing myself in the bustling energy of 1967! With its psychedelic music, vibrant colours, and an air of experimentation, it truly was a thrilling era to witness. As a pink-loving ballerina, it was impossible not to feel a sense of belonging in this dazzling age, where artistic expression blossomed and everything, including ballet, felt full of possibilities. And with this time period, I learned there's much we can learn about how we view ballet even today. From this point onward, dance became much more experimental and even transgressive, but with Margot Fonteyn and the like paving the way, the change is one of exciting promise.
On our journey through time, we stumbled upon a captivating sight! A street performance bursting with energy and a truly unconventional ballet troupe, featuring bold movements and vibrant colours, truly showcasing the expressive power of ballet in an unorthodox, electrifying setting.
Now, one thing I discovered about the 1960s, is that this era was a time of true innovation for ballet. It saw the emergence of new choreographic voices, like those of MacMillan and Balanchine. These daring artists werenât afraid to challenge convention, embracing bolder themes, a range of expressive techniques, and incorporating more theatrical elements in their choreography.
They werenât afraid to be a bit edgy, my darlings! Imagine the thrill of seeing the dancers experiment with unconventional movements, captivating audiences with stories that spoke directly to the changing social landscape, with elements of rock and roll influencing the dance!
In essence, what I loved about the 10th of October, 1967, is it represents not just a momentous night for Margot Fonteyn, but a time where dance broke its boundaries and redefined the way the world saw this elegant art form. It embraced modernity, and pushed artistic boundaries â and that, darlings, is something worth celebrating!
And let's be honest, the ballet world back then was truly inspiring. There was a certain energy to it, an excitement in embracing new trends, a desire to redefine what was possible in ballet! It wasnât just the artistic brilliance, but also the social and cultural context, that made it such an incredible time to be a part of this world!
You can follow my journey by checking out my ballet blog www.pink-tutu.com! Donât forget to join the Pink Tutu Tribe by joining the Facebook Group and sharing your love of ballet and pink with us all!
And as always, my darlings, I urge you all, every single one of you, to don a pink tutu and make this a world full of dancing, sparkle and joy. Until next time, let's keep our ballet dreams soaring!
See you all soon, darling!
With love and twirls,
Emma.
