Greetings from your favourite tutu-wearing time traveller! It’s Emma here, ready to whisk you away on another exhilarating journey through the history of ballet. This month, I'm trotting back to 9th September 1971, a date brimming with dance delights, and I'm all set to share the fascinating ballet stories I’ve unearthed with you!
Magic Meg, my trusty steed with her shimmering pink coat, gleaming golden hooves, and flowing white mane and tail, pawed the ground impatiently, ready to embark on our monthly ballet adventure. The autumn air was crisp, hinting at the change of season, and I had my trusty pink tutu secured just right, twirling as I climbed into the saddle, feeling every bit the ethereal princess of ballet.
Now, September 9th, 1971 – the air was thick with the electricity of the coming autumn, and the world of ballet was buzzing! We had already embarked on the second month of London's Festival Ballet season at Sadler's Wells, now sadly renamed as Sadler's Wells Theatre. They were presenting a delightful repertoire, including the magical ‘Giselle,’ and ‘La Sylphide’, which I was positively dying to see. Sadly, with only one day's travel allowed before Meg needs a good rest, I could only sneak in a visit to the shop window displays at a few key London department stores like Liberty and Harrods, swooning over the elegant evening gowns, chic shoes, and charming accessories that would have perfectly complemented the 70s ballet scene.
My rucksack, oh it was packed with exciting ballet finds this month, tucked inside, safely wrapped in pink tissue paper. A first edition copy of the “The Diaghilev Ballet 1909-1929” with stunning photographs of dancers, meticulously penned reviews, and the evocative feel of bygone performance. Plus, a magazine, a must-read for ballet enthusiasts - “Dance and Dancers" - its cover showcasing a thrilling performance image, all those graceful limbs and dramatic poses. I knew this would add so much to my ballet archives. And a new, exquisite ribbon for my hair - a delicate blush pink, echoing the softness of the tutu that made me feel so alive.
However, September 9th 1971 wasn’t only about London! Let’s hop across the channel and say bonjour to the beautiful city of Paris, a true haven for the art of ballet. Imagine this: The Paris Opera Ballet, then led by the iconic Rudolf Nureyev. A grand stage filled with artistry and exquisite costumes - I imagine a world of elegance and sheer brilliance in motion! And as we ventured even further afield, beyond the reach of Meg's shimmering hooves, we found the renowned Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow performing to their dedicated, rapt audience. These dancers had their own special magic, an expression of power and artistry that drew me in every time I journeyed through their vibrant history.
As I close this chapter in my time-traveling adventure, I must confess to a burning desire - a mission I'm devoted to accomplishing. That is, I want the whole world to join me in the joy of wearing a pink tutu! They bring me a sense of magic, a flutter of confidence, and a joy that no other garment can achieve. And so, with each blog post I pen, each tale I spin, I'm not just spreading the love for ballet - I'm planting the seed for a future where the pink tutu is not just a stage costume but a statement of confidence, a symbol of dreams realised, and a declaration that we can all embrace our inner ballerinas.
Till our next dance!
Emma.
www.pink-tutu.com
