Hello my dearest ballet lovers! It's your favourite pink-tutu wearing, time-travelling blogger Emma here, ready to take you on a whirlwind journey back in time. This month, Magic Meg and I are prancing back to a very special day - 6th June 1977! The date is significant for all you history buffs, but I'm looking for all things ballet, naturally. And I bet you can't guess what we'll find. Hint: Think Paris, a certain famous dancer and... a certain fabulous *pink creation!*
Now, gather 'round and grab your popcorn – the story of the ballet world on this day is positively sparkling.
Firstly, darling, where shall we go to see what the world was watching on stage on June 6th, 1977? Why, let's start with the oh-so glamorous Paris Opera Ballet - my, the tutu trends of the 70's - how delightfully daring. But this wasn't just any show - it was the farewell performance of the legendary Rudolf Nureyev. Isn't he simply divine?! The iconic Russian dancer is remembered for his strength, beauty and of course his exquisite talent! It would be an incredible honour to watch him perform just once. Just think of his sheer elegance! *He had a style of movement like none other, a captivating presence and breathtaking skill. *
Nureyev, oh darling, did something quite revolutionary - the choreography. He and a few other brilliant minds like Maurice Béjart, and even choreographers like Kenneth MacMillan, who wanted a freer, more athletic and passionate form of ballet – something that didn't always strictly stick to the classical repertoire! This sparked a change that we've come to adore - a modern era of ballet, where every performance has a more unique story and an individual style to capture the imagination!
Can you picture the crowd's excitement in that Paris theatre, everyone ready to cheer for their hero, the iconic Nureyev?! It's easy to see the excitement in the photographs of the day; a mixture of joyous sadness at the departure of the legendary dancer and thrilled celebration of his talent
Well, to be honest, I had to pick out the best little story about this date.
After the Paris Ballet we are on to The Royal Opera House in London! * What? We had to make a detour from the *Palace Theatre, home of my favourite dancing group in the world: the Royal Ballet!
Oh my goodness - the programme was fantastic. Not just The Royal Ballet was performing - we were lucky enough to see Rudolf Nureyev, yes darling, again - he did love a good trip to England! Swoon - Imagine seeing his iconic moves across that beautiful London stage. His name is on my 'Time Travellers' Bucket List! He even partnered up with the wonderful British dancer Dame Margot Fonteyn, what an exceptional, truly stunning couple on stage they must have been
Now - the next place on our schedule - guess where?!
New York City...of course! A trip to the ballet isn't complete without stopping by New York's New York City Ballet in Lincoln Center! Who wouldn't want to visit this fabulous building and see what was happening there - let alone see the iconic ballet company that call this magnificent location home? I have such fond memories of being transported back to the time period. The 70s in the world of ballet - that free, fabulous and fun approach, such brilliant memories.
You can imagine the amazing fashion...it makes my tutu and its pink glitter go wild with joy! I can picture a crowd dazzling in the latest style... I've had to sneak back into my time to update my wardrobe with a new addition! A bright turquoise satin jacket!
I hope my love for pink doesn't mean I can't also enjoy all the colours and trends that fashion brings us. It's part of the reason why I love being in so many time periods...
I just love the way each place holds special memories in the history of ballet! If only I could spend all day here - looking at everything in each fabulous location, seeing all those fabulous ballets - I’d get to the point where I would become dizzy with delight - the world of ballet - is so beautifully captivating!
Remember, darlings, if you find a hidden gem of ballet history on your travels or adventures through life, pop on over to www.pink-tutu.com and tell us all about it! Share your favourite memories and dance routines with the rest of the time-travelling ballet-loving community!
You'll find more ballet adventures in my next month's post - see you soon!
And don’t forget, keep that twinkle in your eyes and twirl on!
All my love, Emma
