Hello lovelies! It's Emma here, your pink tutu-wearing time traveller extraordinaire, and welcome back to my blog, www.pink-tutu.com! I'm just back from another fabulous jaunt through the ages and you'll never believe where Magic Meg whisked me this month! Buckle up buttercups, it's a doozy...
March 3rd, 1973 – Oh, the thrill of that date! This wasn't just any old trip back in time, this was a ballet-lover's dream come true. I had a little flutter of excitement in my heart the moment Magic Meg whinnied her assent to my plans, her golden hooves twinkling as she pawed the ground.
The year 1973... a truly iconic time for ballet, wasn't it? It felt like everyone was either a dancer, watching a performance, or at least vaguely aware of the buzz around the latest ballets. Honestly, my pink tutu almost wasn't pink enough for the excitement I felt, if that's even possible.
But first, a quick coffee, a delicious almond croissant and some catch-up on my dear blog before we dive in. (Have you seen the fabulous new pink ballet shoes on the market? Darling, they're practically begging for a pink tutu to go with them!).
Right, back to 1973! I arrived just in time for the start of a spectacular production, which I simply had to catch. My backpack, which holds all my favourite ballet finds from my adventures, felt strangely empty - clearly, a whole new story needed adding to my collection from this fantastic journey.
I hopped off Magic Meg and the atmosphere crackled with excitement. London's Covent Garden was buzzing with anticipation, its brickwork seemingly bathed in a golden light from all the fabulous dress gowns and tuxedos that lined the streets.
But that wasn't what captivated me, no, no, no. You see, I found myself right at the opening of the Royal Ballet’s production of “La Fille Mal Gardée" - such an iconic, whimsical tale, and perfectly captured in this enchanting performance! The set was breathtaking; a gorgeous cottage bathed in the sun’s light, fields teeming with dancing haymakers. I absolutely adore a charming, well-executed set - a beautiful backdrop is crucial to any enchanting ballet!
The atmosphere in the theatre was incredible. A whirlwind of feathers and tulle swirled before my eyes, accompanied by beautiful melodies that had me entranced.
But oh, my lovelies, what was that sound? My eyes fell on the graceful, elegant movements of Rudolf Nureyev in a dazzlingly flamboyant portrayal of Colas, with his sharp, charismatic characterisation that made the story come alive! Then, Margot Fonteyn’s Lise... her incredible acting and beautiful technique was truly breathtaking - her graceful steps and poignant expressions told the whole story.
And let me tell you, this was ballet history in the making, folks! This was Nureyev and Fonteyn’s last performance together as a couple! That very evening they ended their personal and professional relationship - oh, the drama! Of course, a little rumour says it wasn't their last ever ballet performance together but you never know with gossip! It all sounded terribly exciting to my ears. You bet your bottom dollar I scribbled this momentous ballet news in my trusty leather journal - "La Fille Mal Gardée", a tale as old as time, played out in this one extraordinary moment, a story about a love forbidden but ultimately, triumphantly realised. Oh, it had my heart a flutter, that one.
I lingered a while after the final bows, savouring the magic that had filled the air, but a little pink tutu can't stay in one place too long! There was much more to see!
You've simply got to experience 1973’s London for yourselves, it's so fabulous. I’ve started my collection of memories with this production, but what other delights await me, I wonder?
I took a leisurely stroll past the River Thames, taking in the spectacular shops filled with beautiful clothing. Can't you picture it? London in the '70s... all vibrant colours, cool textures, bold styles. There were so many colourful, unique pieces! I'll just tell you - I made sure Magic Meg was packed full of treasures from London's most exciting shops, not to mention a brand new pink tutu - darling, this one’s got some sparkles, I’m telling you!
Oh, and don’t get me started on the food. This era truly understood how to bring colour to your plate - colourful vegetables, interesting cuts of meat, an explosion of exciting new flavours. Honestly, every meal felt like a symphony, an explosion of textures, scents, and of course, some delicious puddings - it all perfectly matched my beautiful pink tutu! I don’t think I can eat anything without a little sparkle anymore!
Back at my own little Derbyshire cottage, I'm already daydreaming about my next trip with Magic Meg. Oh, where will our ballet-inspired journey take us next? The world's full of beautiful dancers, spectacular shows, and I simply have to see them all. I know, however, that for every adventure, there will be an incredible tutu. That’s just how life goes for me, folks.
I can’t wait to share my adventures with you all! Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to make some sparkling pink cocktails in preparation for my next big event: A ballet gala benefit for my little pink tutu museum.
Stay stylish and keep dreaming of pink tutus!
Love,
Emma xx
