#BalletHistory during 1971 01 January

Hello, darling dears! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood ballerina with a penchant for pink tutus and a serious case of time travel fever. This month, I'm whisking you back to 1st January, 1971, ready for some dazzling dance discoveries! Buckle up, my loves, because we're heading back in time, on the back of Magic Meg, my trusty pink-sparkling shire horse with golden hooves (the very image of grace and elegance).

Now, imagine this: a ball gown-worthy January morning, and the crisp, fresh air is practically vibrating with the excitement of a brand new year. We've landed in London, which, by the way, is bubbling with creative energy. You just know there's a lot of wonderful ballet happening! Let's get right to it.

1971 was a pretty thrilling year for ballet lovers, with so much on offer, it's practically dancing off the page! My rucksack, full of ballet books and snippets of stories (you know me - always collecting those charming relics!) - tells me that London’s Royal Opera House was having a smashing time. I mean, who wouldn't want to see Swan Lake with the iconic Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev gracing the stage? Imagine the elegant extensions, the heartfelt emotion - it's pure ballet magic!

But that's not all! 1971 saw some brilliant newcomers to the London ballet scene. The Royal Ballet was showcasing A Month in the Country, choreographed by the wonderful Frederick Ashton. He's famous for his elegance and his use of romanticism - it must have been enchanting to witness it in person. And there was another, newer show, The Firebird, which wowed audiences with it’s fantastic use of storytelling through beautiful dance moves. I bet there was quite the buzz around town when these shows were premiering.

Speaking of new things, Rudolf Nureyev was taking a big leap – a big step into ballet history, actually. He took on a brand-new artistic challenge by joining the London Festival Ballet. I'm so intrigued! Imagine being part of this momentous transition – to witness such talent, with a touch of 'new', on a prestigious stage? It would be quite the feather in my cap.

But let’s take a peek beyond the spotlight: there's another world of dance buzzing on. You see, it’s not just grand theatres that spark joy in the hearts of those who adore the ballet. The wonderful Royal Ballet School was doing amazing things - their dancers are, let’s just say, talented to the very last drop. I hear that some amazing future ballet stars might just have taken their very first class in 1971!

1971 wasn’t only about England, darling. Ballet was spreading its magical wings across the globe! You've heard of Paris, the city of love and croissants? *Imagine it – Paris! *

Paris Opéra Ballet was performing Don Juan, by a choreographer called Roland Petit. I just know he brings that Parisian flair to his work, that Parisian Je ne sais quoi, which we can all appreciate. There's an enchanting elegance in the way they carry themselves in France, don't you agree?

Now let’s step, * leap, and jeté our way across to New York City. *Aahh that cosmopolitan magic. Imagine the thrill of ballet in New York!

New York City Ballet was showcasing The Four Temperaments, choreographed by George Balanchine, a real titan of modern ballet, with the legendary dancer Suzanne Farrell in the cast. Now, this combination must have had those New Yorkers swooning in their seats. To have been there…

And let's not forget: there were dance companies and productions popping up everywhere around the world. 1971 was truly a golden age for ballet – imagine all those passionate ballerinas and dancers working hard, reaching for perfection and showcasing their craft! It gives me goosebumps.

Now, we can’t have a ballet history time travel blog without chatting about fashion. I mean, come on, we all know I adore my pink tutu! 1971 was a time of incredible style - long, flowing gowns, those sparkly fabrics, oh my, it was such an elegant era! It makes me want to jump into a vintage store right now!

Let me tell you a secret - a real inside story! During my time travels, I discovered the most divine pink tutu from 1971 - the one I'm dying to find! It’s in a beautiful blush pink and covered in hand-sewn, glittering beads - absolutely magnificent!

Now, it’s up to you: if you find the exact tutu for me, my lovely readers, I promise a ballet performance just for you, on a stage of your choice - * *how’s that for a deal?!

And remember, there’s no limit to creativity when it comes to tutus, darlings. Pick your favourite colour – yes, I’m sure we can all agree that pink is just divine – but the joy is all yours to decide. *It’s time for you to * twirl, jump, and let your creative energy **take you on a whirlwind adventure!

I love to see all the amazing costumes you create for your classes, so don’t forget to share those pictures over on our www.pink-tutu.com website, darling dears!

*Well, my loves, I must rush off. Another dance discovery awaits! And remember, if you’re thinking of buying a tutu - or making your very own - *always ask a ballet teacher. They have the most helpful advice. Keep those pink tutus shining, and I’ll see you back here in February.

Emma xoxo