Hello my darling darlings! It's Emma here, your very own Pink Tutu Time Traveller, and oh my, what an adventure I've had this month! I've been whisked back to 1974, to a time of disco beats and bell bottoms, and naturally, my dear Magic Meg and I were there, swirling amongst the glitz and glamour!
We touched down in London, with a giddy hop and a prancing prance. 1974 was such a whirlwind for ballet! It felt like everyone was dancing – literally! On this day, the 9th of September, a little bird whispered about a beautiful ballet going down at The Royal Opera House. Imagine – a triple bill: Sylvia, Pineapple Poll, and Rhapsody – what a magical mix of grace, wit, and emotion!
And you know me, I simply can't resist a show. Dressed in my favourite shimmering pink tutu and with my trusty leather rucksack on my back (ready to capture every precious anecdote and elegant costume detail from this incredible time), I swanned right into the performance. The excitement was almost tangible; you could feel the energy of the audience thrumming around you, excited to see what these dancers would unveil.
I found myself drawn to the artistry of Rudolf Nureyev. Oh, he was quite a vision, dancing with such effortless power and poetic beauty. The way he moved, with such fluid control and precision, it simply stole my breath away. And then there was the divine Margot Fonteyn – such grace and poise – a true legend. The entire show felt like a symphony of movements – it was exhilarating, dazzling, and I almost felt like I was levitating with the performers, so caught up was I in the magic of it all. It’s hard to pick one favourite but I do think Rhapsody was utterly charming - full of cheeky steps and sweet gestures that really reminded me of a playful, yet still undeniably beautiful, waltz!
And did you know, darling readers? I actually snagged a precious vintage programme from the Royal Ballet's own Sadler's Wells Theatre production! A little gem featuring none other than the fabulous Fonteyn. You'll be thrilled to know I’ve got it tucked away in my precious leather rucksack – ready for my very own vintage collection at the Pink Tutu HQ!
This adventure just went from dazzling to breathtaking, because – believe me, you wouldn’t believe it! – right after the show, as I stood near the Covent Garden Opera House with Magic Meg (she was busy grazing on some extra fancy hay that was particularly delicious, apparently!), we stumbled upon the Royal Opera House costume designer’s own personal boutique! Now, who doesn’t love a bit of backstage shopping, I ask? It was just bursting with vibrant and beautiful fabrics and a dizzying array of sparkly embellishments – absolutely everything you need for a magical, fairy-tale worthy outfit! I absolutely had to buy some lovely lavender fabric and some shimmery sequin trim. Oh darling, you know I couldn't resist. I just can’t help myself – that pink tulle just whispers my name!
I even nabbed a precious little gem - a tiny hand-stitched brooch with a pearl and diamante flower. Just picture it – a delicate, floral arrangement shimmering against a backdrop of a beautiful pink tutu, simply perfect. I have such a vision for it! My Pink Tutu HQ has a very particular vibe… and now, I just know the brooch will make it that little bit more… well… pink tutu perfect!
And as the moon painted its silver glow over London, and the scent of theatre lights mixed with the intoxicating aroma of the city, Magic Meg and I knew it was time to start our journey home. She nudged my hand with her velvety soft nose and I knew it was time to leave the wonders of 1974. It was an absolute joy to immerse myself in that fascinating era, and experience the enchantment of a time when ballet ruled! I will always treasure these memories – the magic, the grace, and those captivating dance performances!
Speaking of memories – remember my blog post from last month? It's time to travel to Derbyshire! Magic Meg is already packing, ready for a trip back in time, and I've been busy making a list of exciting vintage fashion and ballet venues! There is something particularly thrilling about revisiting the place you call home but seeing it with new eyes. There are secrets just waiting to be discovered… You won’t want to miss my adventures – stay tuned my darling readers, for I shall soon be reporting back from a magical journey in time – all from the heart of Derbyshire, with a hint of vintage ballet sparkle of course.
But until then, may your life be filled with laughter, sunshine, and the twinkling wonder of a thousand pink tutus!
Love always, Emma x www.pink-tutu.com
