#BalletHistory during 1969 11 November

Hello my darlings! Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-clad time traveller, back from another whimsical adventure through the annals of ballet history. As you all know, I’m on a mission – a mission to make the world a more fabulous place, one pink tutu at a time! This month, I decided to travel back to 11th November, 1969 – the day when my beloved, sparkling pink shire, Magic Meg, first discovered her love for disco music. (That's a story for another day, darling!).

But before we delve into our adventures, a quick update on my travels: I'm finally managing to fund my excursions with my ballet performances! Every month, I perform a whirlwind of routines - from delicate classical solos to exuberant modern pieces - to raise the funds for our time travelling expeditions. After all, Magic Meg’s sparkly, golden hooves can't run on dreams alone!

This month, however, my fundraising has a twist. You see, my beloved pink tutu was starting to feel a little…tired. The sequins were a tad dusty and the tulle was slightly faded from all my adventures. So, I decided to visit the renowned "Costume House of Dreams" on my trip back to 1969. Can you believe they actually have a "Pink Tutu Department"? Honestly, these fashion designers had me in a complete whirl! After an afternoon of browsing their stunning collection, I managed to snag the most exquisite pink tulle confection, a delicate lace masterpiece with shimmering feathers and sparkling beading – it’s a vision in pink! I have to say, Magic Meg approves of the new tutu – she always has an eye for good fashion.

A Journey Back in Time: 11th November 1969

Magic Meg landed us on a frosty November morning in Derbyshire – you know how much I love a bit of British countryside! But oh my dears, 1969 was a bit different from the Derbyshire I know. The world was moving at a frantic pace, fuelled by change and revolution.

I immediately felt the excitement in the air! This was the era of the “hippie movement”, with flower power blooming everywhere. I actually spied a charming, tie-dye, bohemian dress shop called “Rainbow Dreams” and just had to indulge in some retail therapy! I also snagged the most delicious pink flower crown – perfect for my hair when performing on our time-travel expeditions!

This was the golden age of ballets like "Giselle", "Swan Lake", and "La Sylphide" being revived and danced around the globe. My rucksack is overflowing with program leaflets and reviews, plus sketches of incredible costumes from these iconic ballets. The dancers were breathtaking, the movements flowing, the stories so beautifully expressed – ballet truly captured the heart of the era.

But as you know, dear readers, I love exploring every side of the art! I went to the London Palladium that night, eager to see the dazzling performance of a legendary dance theatre company called the Royal Ballet. They were performing “The Sleeping Beauty" which was completely captivating! There was even a performance by the dazzling Rudolf Nureyev in the male lead. It was as if the stage itself was filled with dreams and magic! It is safe to say I was a total wreck – tears were flowing, my heart was singing!

And as always, my little journey was about far more than the ballet shows! I took a trip into London itself and was truly taken aback. Everyone was wearing these outrageous “bell-bottom trousers,” groovy "miniskirts," and the coolest platform shoes – such daring fashion! I swear, I saw one lady in an outrageously fashionable purple suit - that's dedication to colour, if you ask me! It was clear that London was in the midst of its own creative revolution, expressing itself through fashion, music, and art.

And for you, my dear readers, a little peek at some other ballet news on this historical date:

• The renowned dancer, * Natalia Makarova, joined the American Ballet Theatre, where she went on to create some iconic and groundbreaking ballets.
• A stunning, star studded Ballet Gala took place in Paris. What’s a ballet tour without a fabulous French gala?
• In Berlin, a stunning production of "Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker” swept audiences away with its captivating magic and story.

My Heart's Desire: A Tutu For Every Heart!

The world of ballet in 1969 was so full of energy, daring creativity, and, of course, an abundance of breathtaking ballets. Each trip makes me appreciate my love for ballet even more, darling! It is truly an art form that brings together all forms of expression – storytelling, music, fashion, and most of all, pure artistry. And as always, I want you to feel empowered by this beauty, too!

So my dear readers, I encourage you all – whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a curious soul just beginning to discover the magic of ballet, to explore this enchanting art form! And remember: Every heart deserves to dance in a pink tutu! Until next month, when Magic Meg takes me on another breathtaking journey through time!

Yours in pink, Emma

(PS, Don't forget to check out our website, www.pink-tutu.com, for behind-the-scenes photos from my latest journey and exclusive ballet tips!)