Darling readers!
August already? It seems like only yesterday I was frolicking in the sunshine at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. But my time travelling diary is calling, so I'm hopping on Magic Meg's back, and we're whisking ourselves off to…1974! Can you believe it, darling? Almost 50 years ago! It's all getting a bit vintage, even for me! But fear not, I’ve got my trusty pink tutu on, ready to add a touch of sparkle to whatever this year's ballet scene throws at us.
It's August 8th, 1974, and as always, I've been snooping around, peeking at ballet history books to see what's happening in the world of dance. And you know me, darling, I simply can't resist a little bit of nostalgia!
So, let’s take a peek at what's going on in the world of ballet back in '74, shall we?
Well, first and foremost, my favourite ballet of all time, Swan Lake, is currently gracing the stage at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, with the extraordinary Maya Plisetskaya, a true legend! She was captivating audiences even back then, you know, a proper ballerina star. I absolutely adored her, so I imagine it must have been simply spectacular to watch her dance in the legendary Bolshoi Theatre.
Over in America, New York City Ballet is celebrating a wonderful anniversary - its 25th birthday! Just think, they were just starting their journey all those years ago, and now they are a global ballet powerhouse. And with a name like "New York City Ballet", it's clear they are big on style, and I'm just itching to see what they have been up to!
The Royal Ballet, here in my lovely homeland of Derbyshire, is doing its usual fabulous job, I hear, but with something a bit different in their repertoire – a premiere of a piece called "A Month in the Country", based on a famous Russian novel. Oh, how I love the mix of classic ballet and stories that have stood the test of time, so exciting!
Of course, no dance trip is complete without a good shopping spree, and thankfully, ballet fashion was still very much on trend in 1974! The "punk" era had just begun, and ballet was getting influenced by its vibrant style. Can you imagine - punk and ballet? Now, that’s a head-spinning, totally fabulous combination, I say!
Speaking of fashion, I'm particularly intrigued by the rise of “dance wear” - ballet clothing made for both class and leisure, and gosh, those 70s leotards were just divine - think vibrant colours, bold patterns, and even, gasp, some fabulous shiny fabrics. Don't even get me started on those fabulous knee-length tights, they'd fit perfectly with my pink tutu collection, wouldn't they darling?
Now, if there's one thing that ties all of this together, it's the power of ballet. Back in 1974, just as today, ballet was making waves across the world. From London to Moscow, it's an art form that touches so many hearts and inspires so many imaginations. I'm so lucky to be able to time travel through all of these moments, to share the stories of this beautiful art form with all of you.
But now, back to the important matter at hand. Where do you think we should go next? Any suggestions for the next destination, my sweet, darling readers? Perhaps a peek into the ballet archives of the Royal Opera House? Or maybe we could pay a visit to the American Ballet Theatre, see what’s new in their world.
As always, don't forget to pop by www.pink-tutu.com to share your ideas, your favourite dance memories and your opinions. And of course, dear readers, do try to rock that pink tutu once a week, even for just ten minutes. Let's make the world a more sparkly and whimsical place, one tutu at a time!
Until next time, darlings,
Emma, The Pink Tutu Traveller
(P.S. Don't forget, Magic Meg and I need your help to keep travelling through time! We’d love to hear about your favourite ballets or ballet moments from history. Just let me know what’s sparked your imaginations, darling, so we can visit that special time and place together, for a dance we will never forget! And, of course, we must discuss the pink tutu - if it’s worthy enough to be included in my collection. It’s what keeps us time-travelling, after all, darling. It’s the only reason, you know.)
(P.P.S I am always searching for funding to keep our adventures going! So do consider supporting us with a donation. It’s so important to me to keep spreading the magic of ballet far and wide.)
