Hello darlings,
Welcome back to another monthly trip down the pink path of ballet history on Pink Tutu Time Travels! It’s me, Emma, your very own ballerina time traveler, back with another adventure from my pink and sparkling steed, Magic Meg! Today, we're venturing back to April 4th, 1972. Buckle up, my lovelies, because this one is a real hoot!
You know, it feels so right to be wearing this absolutely divine fuschia pink tutu, its fluffy layers shimmering with tiny iridescent sequins under the glorious spring sunshine! It perfectly complements the pale pink satin of my ballet shoes with the most adorable satin ribbons. I just know this outfit is going to knock their socks off when we get there!
So, let’s rewind the clock a bit. 1972 was a real golden era for ballet, wasn’t it? And what a month to be alive, or should I say, time travelling through! We've landed smack dab in the middle of Spring Season at the Royal Opera House in London. Can you imagine the incredible buzz?!
Of course, as the fashionable time traveler that I am, my very first order of business was to hit the West End boutiques and vintage shops. I just had to get my hands on a couple of those super chic silk scarves, all the rage back in 1972, in bold prints with fringes – oh, they're so dreamy!
*And speaking of chic, there was a magnificent, a *spectacular, ballet production at the Royal Opera House – the legendary “Don Quixote”. **
Can you believe the ballet world was about to witness the debut of Mikhail Baryshnikov, one of the greatest male dancers of all time?! It must have been electric. And Natalia Makarova, so graceful and poised, taking the role of Kitri, that famous sassy ballerina, just picture the magic on stage! Oh, it fills me with glee just thinking about it!
I just know you love a good gossip about those grand old *ballets and ballet stars, don’t you darlings? * It's always fun to see where they all began and witness how far ballet has come!
As for the Royal Opera House – that iconic red carpet entrance, those opulent gilded interiors, a vision in the hearts of ballet lovers everywhere. It’s no wonder so many artists were inspired back then.
Speaking of inspiration, my bag is stuffed to the brim with treasures: a program from the performance (oh, how I love the vintage feel of old ballet programs!) , and some swooning articles from that week’s issue of the Dance and Dancers magazine – what wonderful reads they are!
But time travel is never complete without seeing how those glamorous folks back then dressed! Let’s face it, there's an undeniable allure about vintage fashion!
Imagine wide-legged, flared trousers – so effortless and cool! They paired them with silk blouses, flowy tunics and fitted sweaters! Everything was about simple, yet elegant style. I even snagged a gorgeous, printed scarf in one of the shops - I'm going to try it with my pink tutu when I get back home - I think it will be a total show-stopper.
Oh, the outfits for ballet were no less remarkable. The Dance and Dancers magazine featured some fabulous dancers in perfectly-cut, long, ballet skirts, with vibrant floral designs. It made me wonder, what will be the next hot fashion in ballet!
Oh my dears, how I wish you could have been there to share this exhilarating experience with me!
But there you have it! That was our trip to the glamorous, dynamic ballet world of April 4th 1972.
**See you next month for another ballet adventure! Until then, wear your tutus proudly and spread the love of ballet!
With much pink love,
Emma
(Oh, and don't forget to check out my latest video on www.pink-tutu.com - I'm sharing all the fashion tips and tricks I picked up from 1972! And you can always see Magic Meg strutting her stuff there too!)
