Hello lovelies! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, here, bringing you a brand-new adventure from the depths of my trusty leather rucksack! This month, we're taking a twirl back to 1st January 1968 - a year filled with excitement, groundbreaking talent, and, of course, a whole heap of dazzling dance!
Before we hop onto Magic Meg's shimmering back, let's talk fashion, darlings! My vintage finds are looking particularly fab this month. Picture it: a gorgeous rose-coloured velvet jacket with a hint of pink to match my tutu, perfectly paired with some black lace gloves and knee-high boots. We're serving Parisian chic with a touch of Victorian flair - a bit of a rebellious mix for 1968, don't you think?
Now, let's gallop through the years, shall we? Magic Meg whinnies, her hooves spark a shower of pink glitter as she launches us back to the 1960s. The air is crisp and clean, with a distinct sense of optimism and change buzzing around us. The world is experiencing a whirlwind of artistic and social revolution, and what better way to encapsulate it all than through the magical language of dance?
Here in 1968, the world of ballet is brimming with exciting new talents. The year saw the debut of The Royal Ballet's new production of "La Fille mal gardée," with its lighthearted charm and impeccable storytelling. This joyful masterpiece continues to delight audiences even today - a true testament to the power of classical ballet.
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, American ballet was taking centre stage, showcasing new artistic directions and bold ideas. The New York City Ballet unveiled a breathtaking production of "Who Cares?," a beautiful collection of Balanchine’s ballets set to Gershwin’s music.
Speaking of artistic innovation, a little birdie told me that Rudolf Nureyev, the ballet superstar of his time, was working on his own rendition of "Romeo and Juliet." Oh, the sheer beauty of that choreography, darling! You just knew it was destined for greatness.
It was also an extraordinary year for Margot Fonteyn. This absolute legend was in the midst of a whirlwind world tour, her performance leaving audiences breathless everywhere she went. Talk about a ballet icon, isn't she? A truly radiant soul, she epitomised the grace and power of the art form.
You can bet your pink tutus, that our time machine-packed rucksack is brimming with incredible finds from this era. I just picked up a signed programme from one of Nureyev's performances - a true treasure to add to my growing ballet memorabilia collection. And imagine my delight when I discovered an original poster from the debut performance of "La Fille mal gardée," - a vibrant, charming piece of ballet history.
As we make our way through the bustling streets of 1968, we hear echoes of a revolutionary spirit in every corner. It's in the fashion choices, the artistic expression, and of course, the movement of dance. This period of transition wasn't just a societal change; it was a vibrant explosion of artistic vision and the start of a new wave in ballet, embracing experimentation and exploration.
But our time in 1968 is coming to an end. The shimmering shimmer of Magic Meg's golden hooves begins to fade as we prepare to journey back to our time. But I know we’ll be back to this era soon. There’s still so much to explore and discover – especially about the breathtaking ballerinas and choreographers who shaped the world of ballet.
Until then, keep your tutus pink, darling, and remember that every step, every twirl, every performance holds a beautiful story waiting to be shared. I can't wait to take you on another time travel escapade next month, so keep an eye out on www.pink-tutu.com for more captivating ballet tales.
Until then, twirl with joy, Emma xx
