Hello darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where pink tutus are the rule and time travel is the adventure! It's your favourite Derbyshire ballerina, Emma, here, and February is finally upon us! Can you believe it's already the 2nd? It feels like just yesterday we were sipping hot chocolate by the fire, dreaming of balletic escapades.
But before we dive into the world of 1971 – and trust me, darling, we’re diving headfirst into a year that’s a ballet-lover's dream – let’s talk about my new gorgeous pink tutu! It’s all tulle, frills, and a hint of sparkle, and trust me, I’ve been strutting my stuff in it all over town, both on the stage and at the local boutique! Nothing like a good old-fashioned pink tutu to put a smile on your face, and on the faces of all the darling little ballerinas I encounter!
Now, onto our time travel adventure! As always, my trusty steed, Magic Meg – the most fabulous pink shire horse with hooves that sparkle like gold, and a mane and tail that resemble spun silk – was waiting for me at the stables, eager to embark on another time-bending journey. As you all know, funding my passion for time travel requires a fair bit of fancy footwork! So, after a quick rehearsal (don’t you just love the energy before a performance? Swoon!) I was off to the Theatre Royal Derby to dazzle the crowds with a beautiful ballet programme. My tour de force performance of Swan Lake in a new to-die-for pink tulle tutu sent the audience wild! They even gave me a standing ovation!
Of course, after a successful show, it's time for a bit of retail therapy! I dashed to the most darling boutique, The Dance Studio, where I scooped up some lovely new pink ballet shoes, ribbons, and a stunning crystal-encrusted tiara for a performance I’m going to London to see next month. (Just wait until I tell you all about it!) My leather rucksack is getting so full – it’s practically bursting with all these treasures!
Right, enough about shopping! Let’s get back to that very special date – 2nd February 1971!
This was an absolutely incredible year for ballet, and what a year to time travel to! I'd be lying if I didn't say my heart skipped a beat when I arrived, and I realised how much was about to happen in the world of ballet, oh darling! Imagine being there, right at the heart of the action!
Firstly, just imagine a spectacular event at Covent Garden: "A Celebration of the Royal Ballet," a two-week programme of past and present masterpieces! Can you even believe it?! I snuck backstage and it was simply magical – such talent, such dedication! Imagine being amongst such renowned choreographers and dancers, seeing the stage come to life.
My rucksack is now stuffed with program notes, costume sketches, and even a signed programme from the very wonderful Rudolph Nureyev, himself! He signed it "to Emma, a future star of ballet"! Swoon! Of course, the very fantastic Rudolf is gracing the stage at Covent Garden all through February 1971. A highlight was undoubtedly his performance as Prince Siegfried in Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake. I practically had a fit, it was a perfect blend of strength and grace, oh my!
Speaking of London, the very fashionable Rudolf Nureyev, in his beautiful pink leotard (I dream of pink, you know, I just adore it!), even became the subject of a BBC television special. "The Royal Ballet at Covent Garden" chronicled his life, and I was fortunate to catch a snippet. Talk about inspirational! And this whole affair, of course, highlighted how incredible Rudolf was – a true pioneer!
This date, darling, was a landmark in ballet! It was the beginning of "The Great Ballet Boom" and I even learned, much to my delight, that the world of ballet fashion was totally obsessed with pink, oh the joy! Ballet designers from Paris to London were creating stunning tulle tutus in my favorite hue, and pink tights became the must-have item for all the little ballerinas, like myself! What a dream!
Speaking of Paris, you won’t believe the incredible spectacle at the grand Palais Garnier: a Gala for the brilliant Pierre Lacotte, a legendary choreographer. It was a breathtaking event – just imagine, hundreds of performers on one stage! Talk about pure magic. And the costumes? Well, darling, let's just say my fashion heart was aflutter – they were dazzlingly elaborate, and the dancing was pure artistry.
There was something undeniably charming and incredibly feminine about watching the performers pirouette and leap across the stage – and seeing a whole era dedicated to such elegant and graceful performances. And you know what? Even now, my dear readers, so many ballet companies are rediscovering and appreciating these timeless classics.
Now, back in Derbyshire, I caught the most charming performance of “La Sylphide,” by August Bournonville at the Derby Playhouse! I love Bournonville’s work; his choreography is so light and delicate, almost whimsical, darling, – and perfectly captures the joy of ballet!
I also discovered that there’s something quite special about a ballet school recital. These performances offer the next generation of ballerinas the perfect chance to shine, to hone their skills, and of course, to let their talent shine! I’m telling you, these young ballerinas have a future ahead of them, and who knows? Maybe one day they’ll be traveling through time on their own pink steeds, just like me. It’s important to nurture their dreams and passion!
What I absolutely adore about time travel, darling, is that each era has its unique rhythm and feel. The excitement, the joy, the breathtaking artistry... each time travel is an unforgettable experience. I get to step back in time and understand the stories and evolution of ballet, which ultimately enriches my passion for dance!
And now, to end our February 2nd 1971 trip, my lovely readers, a special treat: a little dance to remember!
Imagine the graceful steps, the flowing tulle, the delicate hands – all framed against the backdrop of a magnificent stage. That’s the pure joy of ballet. So, put on your dancing shoes, throw on a gorgeous pink tutu (because the more the merrier!), and spin your worries away, darlings.
That's it for this month, lovelies! Keep checking www.pink-tutu.com for next month’s adventure, because trust me, it’s a sparkly one. And in the meantime, remember: let's get everyone wearing a pink tutu!
Until then, keep on twirling, and remember to dance like no one's watching – unless it's me, that is!
Your Time Traveling Ballet Darling, Emma xx
