Hello, lovelies! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels, your one-stop shop for all things ballet, time travel, and fabulous pink tutus! This month, we're jetting back to 7th July 1971 - a day packed with exciting ballet events, enchanting stories, and, of course, pink tutus galore! (You canāt go anywhere without a pink tutu, can you? I certainly couldn't!). This is post number 3727 for www.pink-tutu.com, so hop on board, dear readers, as I take you on a journey back in time with my trusty steed, Magic Meg.
This month, Magic Meg has been getting rather impatient, all that prancing about in those glorious pink sparkling shire hooves and white mane makes her restless. We are lucky to have her, a magnificent pink horse that takes me on time-bending adventures all over the globe - sheās such a superstar, even better than my tutu-collecting rucksack (though that's certainly one of my favourite items!). Iām forever collecting treasures from each of my travels - it's full of tutus, photographs, posters, programmes, ballet slippers, and stories. My rucksack is bursting, I might need to buy another.
Now, back to 1971. This year has seen some captivating ballet premieres. Back in March, at the prestigious New York City Ballet, I witnessed the magnificent world premiere of āThe Chairman Dancesā, by the renowned Balanchine - so clever and modern! And back in April, in the very heart of London, the Royal Ballet delighted audiences with the premiere of āDances at a Gatheringā choreographed by Sir Frederick Ashton - a dazzling show of virtuosity and grace.
But 7th July is a day of celebration! It's the premiere of the enchanting āOndineā, choreographed by John Cranko for the Stuttgart Ballet. Oh, this ballet truly blew me away! The story of a water nymph and a knight, itās both dramatic and whimsical, showcasing incredible movement and an impressive set. The star of the show is a certain Marcia HaydĆ©e, a breathtakingly graceful ballerina who truly embodies Ondine's character with her ethereal beauty and poignant performance. This will be an iconic ballet and everyone needs to see it!
Afterward, it was off to London with Meg to the Royal Opera House for an enchanting production of Swan Lake! A must-see classic, its timeless beauty is just as dazzling now as it was in the late 1800s, I could tell just from the buzz of excitement as I approached the opera house. I even spotted some delightful tutus, although perhaps not all of them pink. (How scandalous! I made a mental note to get some of those ladies dressed in pink tutus.)
During my whirlwind trip to London, I just had to see what the fashion was like. Luckily for me, there were several fashionable and high-end shops near the opera house and nearby Oxford Street was my personal playground of exquisite, trendy pieces. Oh my goodness! London is brimming with colourful coats, flared trousers, bold geometric patterns, and knee-length boots - everything you could wish for. It seems the world is in love with patterns and vibrancy. What a glorious time for fashion!
However, I can't let the lure of a pretty dress steal all my attention. Back in 1971, a beautiful ballet dancer called Cynthia Gregory was taking centre stage in āThe Sleeping Beautyā, her beautiful lines and impressive leaps absolutely captivated audiences, and made me wish I could join her on the stage! But alas, I have to settle for watching and dreaming. It's quite hard being the only one in the auditorium dressed in a bright pink tutu! Though a pink tutu with sequins would have been spectacular at this performance.
It is clear that the world of ballet was alive with captivating stories, incredible talent, and a captivating artistic energy back in 1971, just as it is today. You don't even need to have a pink tutu, though of course it adds to the enchantment. Don't be afraid to explore the world, dear readers. Itās full of wonder, enchantment and oh so many pink tutus. I highly recommend making a trip back in time. And if you see any ballet shows on your travels, remember to pick up some treasures for your collection!
See you all next month for another exciting adventure in time. Until then, keep twirling!
