Welcome back, lovelies, to another adventure with your favourite pink-tutu clad time traveller, Emma! This month, weāre swirling back to the fabulous 7th of July 1973! This date always holds a special place in my heart, as it marks a pivotal moment in ballet history that reminds us that ballet isnāt just a grand, old art form ā itās constantly evolving!
Grab a cuppa and your favourite pair of pink ballet slippers, darlings, because this trip down memory lane is going to be a whirl of glitter and grace! And as always, Iām rocking my trusty pink tutu and carrying my magical rucksack brimming with ballet treasures I'll be sharing with you! Youāll also spot my pink, sparkling Shire horse, Meg, ready to whisk us away to the wonders of the past. Her golden hooves barely touch the ground!
Now, onto the main event, shall we? On July 7th, 1973, something pretty special was happeningā¦
A Legacy of Grace: The Premiere of "The Rite of Spring"1973 was a year buzzing with ballet brilliance! On this particular July 7th, audiences across the world were transported to another realm with the premiere of "The Rite of Spring" ā an iconic ballet in two acts by the incomparable Maurice BĆ©jart. This performance was groundbreaking, as BĆ©jart used his signature blend of classical techniques with contemporary artistry to create something utterly new and daring. Imagine a world of dynamic, modern choreography set to the incredible, rhythmic score of Stravinsky. Simply magical, don't you think? I even picked up a copy of the programme for the performance from a little vintage store in Paris.
The premiere itself was a visual spectacle! It was a feast for the senses ā from the bold costuming and electrifying staging to the raw emotional intensity of the performance. If I'm being completely honest, it gave me a slight frisson of excitement that I just couldn't shake all day! I even felt inspired to try some contemporary ballet moves later on. Who knows, maybe thereās a modern BĆ©jart inside us all! š
My Rucksack's Latest Treasures:
Speaking of BĆ©jart, my rucksack is bursting at the seams with some fascinating finds from that 7th July! A rare first edition programme for the performance (can you imagine?), a copy of āThe Rite of Springā score, a vintage copy of "Dance Magazine" featuring an interview with BĆ©jart, and a sketch from the ballet! This was a score that sent me off to my ballet class in quite a dance-fuelled haze, I must admit! And imagine my surprise when I discovered a letter penned by BĆ©jart, dated the 6th of July, talking about how he hoped the audience would feel connected to his vision.
Fashionable Feet & Glamorous Gait:
In my favourite part of our 7th of July time travel, we swung by London's famous Sadler's Wells theatre! Here, they were celebrating the legendary Margot Fonteyn, the legendary British ballerina. We had the most lovely chat with her! She regaled me with stories of her glorious career. My, what a lady!
Did you know Fonteyn was known for her timeless style and elegance? In 1973, the ladies of the Royal Ballet embraced a more graceful silhouette, and the gentlemen took to the stage with elegant lines and refined movement.
Of course, I was desperate to emulate that stylish spirit. A vintage dress from a vintage shop in Kensington with lace trimmings and a dainty floral pattern accompanied my bright pink tutu ā simply perfection! We even had afternoon tea at the grand old Ritz! āļøš°
But the story doesn't stop there, my dears. I must tell you all about the stunning performance! The program that evening featured the brilliant Kenneth MacMillan. And he created something called āSong of the Earth.ā The whole performance had me swooning! The audience erupted in a roar of applause after every encore.
Ballet in the World
Beyond London's grand stages, the world of ballet was alive and kicking on this date in history. There were exciting performances across Europe. I hear that the famous Russian Ballet was wowing the audience in a magical performance of āSleeping Beauty.ā The music and storytelling of that classic have truly been magical since its premiere. Iād love to travel back to its first ever performance, but my journey will need some meticulous planning ā who would be my horse for that one?! š
In America, the New York City Ballet was on top form! This period was truly an inspiring time to be a dancer, no matter where in the world you were. In my experience, there has never been a more lively period for dance enthusiasts. The love for the dance seemed to permeate society at this time, and to an incredibly grand scale, too!
*My Mission: Pink Tutus For All! *
I must say, that day back in 1973 definitely confirmed one thing: My pink tutu truly IS timeless. As I galloped through the crowds of fashion-conscious people with my vibrant pink tutu fluttering behind me, it seemed to resonate.
It wasnāt just a garment, but a symbol of hope, confidence, and joy - the same kind of joy you find when watching a talented ballet company dance! People looked at me with curiosity and even delight. They just seemed to know.
So remember, dears, no matter what the future holds for you, or for the world of ballet, a pink tutu is the ultimate power move, the key to your heartās desire. Never shy away from expressing your passion and spreading the magic of ballet through your unique flair.
I am here to help make the world pink, one tutu at a time. You too can be a champion of pink! I have been working tirelessly on my first pink tutu pattern. I just need to decide if I'm going for a traditional fluffy tutu or a modern style.
Until next month, my dearest pink tutu lovers! Remember, weāll continue our ballet time travel adventures and share more magical moments with you! š©°
Stay chic, stay sassy, stay fabulous. And of course, stay pink!
Lots of love,
Emma x www.pink-tutu.com Post 3751
