Hello my darling dance devotees! It's your favourite time travelling ballerina, Emma, and this month we're pirouetting back to a rather fabulous decade, the Swinging Sixties! I'm feeling utterly fantastic about today's trip – I can already feel the heady mix of optimism, change and, of course, fashion in the air.
As always, dear readers, we're travelling on the back of my trusty steed, Magic Meg – she’s looking particularly dazzling today, all pink sparkly shire with her golden hooves gleaming under the morning sun. I'm positively bursting with excitement, as you can see from the delightful pink tutu I'm wearing! It's got the most wonderful swirls of iridescent sequins, just begging for a twirl on the cobbled streets of London. I wouldn't want to be caught wearing anything less, my dears. After all, if we're going to be time travelling through a period synonymous with bold, bright style, then I absolutely have to bring my A-game. And what's better for bringing your A-game than a tutu? Nothing, I say! Nothing at all.
Now, onto the history bit. Today is 12th December, 1967, and I'm absolutely ecstatic to be here because it’s a momentous date in ballet history. The Royal Ballet's "The Dream" is premiering tonight at the Royal Opera House, and oh my goodness, I am beyond excited. This is the company's first time presenting the ballet by Frederick Ashton, and with a cast featuring Margot Fonteyn as Titania and Rudolf Nureyev as Oberon, it's sure to be utterly spectacular! Imagine the stunning costumes and breathtaking movements! I am, as always, determined to soak it all in for your viewing pleasure, and you can be certain that a glimpse of this magical evening will feature prominently in my post tomorrow. I have already contacted the ballet school I normally use and requested their permission for my class of budding young ballerinas and I to attend a screening tomorrow!
However, I mustn’t neglect other equally magnificent ballet happenings on this momentous day! Just across the pond in the US, the New York City Ballet are showcasing "Symphony in C", with a wonderful cast. And for all the dance lovers in the land of tulips, Holland is hosting a grand performance by the Dutch National Ballet of "The Sleeping Beauty", featuring a lovely set designed by a fabulous Dutch artist, Nico. The world of ballet, my dear friends, is buzzing with fantastic happenings, and you can bet your bottom tutu that this pink-tutu clad, time-traveling ballerina is here to experience it all for you.
Talking about shopping, have I told you about the fantastic boutiques in Soho today? I saw the most magnificent sequin dress! I do hope I can fit it into my rucksack… And oh, the colours! And the shoes! They were almost as fantastic as my very own, very special pair of sparkly, custom-made, ballet shoes. I’ve collected many wonderful bits of fashion ephemera from my travels already, but a stylish 1960’s London frock? That’s an absolute must!
Now, after all the excitement, it's time for a bit of reflection. It's fascinating how ballet keeps evolving throughout history, and it really drives home just how powerful and captivating it is. And it’s just as fascinating for me to see how my love for the beautiful pink tutu fits into so many time periods. My darling tutu, I wouldn't dream of traveling anywhere without you, and your delicate pink hue looks just so elegant and fabulous against the backdrop of history! After all, a little touch of pink makes everything better! I even met a most delightful fellow in the ballet costume workshop earlier today who was admiring my tutu and was utterly enthralled by the pink hue – maybe my work of getting the world wearing pink tutus is going well, I do think we’re winning over many!
Well, I have a whole night of ballet ahead of me! "The Dream", tonight, and then my morning class. This is truly a wonderful world, full of wonder and art. Just remember to keep twirling, keep learning and, of course, to embrace a little pink in your lives!
I'll be back next month, but until then, stay safe, stay fabulous, and remember: tutu, or not tutu, that is the question… And the answer is always tutu!
Much love and a million pirouettes, Emma x
