Hello, my lovelies! Itâs Emma, your pink tutu-clad time travelling blogger, here, ready to whisk you away to the wonderful world of ballet â a world where pirouettes twirl in the air and pointe shoes whisper tales of a glorious history. And this time, my dears, weâre heading back to May 5th, 1978. Fancy a trip on my faithful steed, Magic Meg? (Sheâs a magnificent Shire, with pink sparkle in her coat, golden hooves, and a flowing mane and tail as white as freshly fallen snow â a match for my own pink tutu, of course!)
Back to the Future... well, Actually, the Past
As I said, weâre travelling to the 5th of May 1978, just before the weekend! So imagine, it's Friday â the air is buzzing with the promise of a new day, of new adventures! Just as our love of ballet knows no boundaries.
The World of Ballet in 1978 - What a Time!
Youâll be amazed to know, the ballet world was brimming with activity on this date. We're in the heart of ballet history, where some iconic productions were taking the stage, sparkling like jewels on a ballerina's costume.
Letâs dive in, shall we?
Firstly, in London, The Royal Ballet was showcasing âLa Fille mal gardĂŠe,â a masterpiece of charming comic storytelling set to delightful music, in their beloved theatre. Oh, the joy of it all â a production that had dancers bounding with exuberant energy and leaving audiences laughing until their sides ached. Theyâre a true ballet force, you know, with the legendary Dame Margot Fonteyn gracing the stage, captivating with her every step, captivating every heart! Just hearing her name sets a twinkle in my toes!
And then there's New York! The New York City Ballet was enchanting audiences with âLa Bayadère.â This captivating classic is a beautiful story, filled with exquisite costumes, rich colors and exquisite dancing. It transports us to a mysterious kingdom where passion unfolds and leaves audiences breathless, and for me, well, it was utterly exhilarating!
I did of course, slip in a visit to the American Ballet Theatre as well. What a treat! I saw a production of âGiselle,â a tale as timeless as love itself, that just takes you on such a poignant journey through a realm of pure emotion. The haunting, romantic tale never fails to leave its mark, and I am forever grateful for such artistry and beauty!
I wouldn't be true to my own spirit of ballet adventures, my lovelies, if I didn't sneak off to Paris as well! There was something magical happening at the Paris Opera Ballet on the 5th of May â the company was bringing a new work to life, called âLe Sacre du printempsâ by the groundbreaking composer Igor Stravinsky. Oh, it was pure exhilaration! A performance where everything about the piece was new - the music, the costumes, the very essence of the movement - a whirlwind of artistic exploration and daring. I was hooked from the first beat!
Of course, my dears, there was so much more happening! From international competitions to rehearsals across the world, ballet is an activity that touches every corner of the globe. Itâs a beautiful truth, wouldnât you agree?
A Pink Tutu Look For 1978
Ah, fashion. Now, 1978 had its own unique charm when it came to ballet style, wouldnât you say? I canât resist taking a little detour to share a peek at how Iâd style myself to truly shine on this particular day, my dears!
Think of the vibrant energy of this decade. I love the pops of bright colors and the breezy femininity of those elegant designs. A gorgeous, light pink tutu is the must-have. (A touch of silver shimmer woven through the fabric is, of course, non-negotiable!) For my leotard, something soft and feminine â a shade of powder blue or maybe even a vibrant cerulean! Iâd add a beautiful matching crop top in the same colour as the tutu â think ruched tulle for that dreamy ballet aesthetic. A ballet wrap, preferably in ivory with a hint of silver, would finish off the look.
For a little touch of Parisian glamour, perhaps a thin, black velvet headband? A pair of exquisite pink ballet shoes â no detail is too small, is it? Itâs all about showcasing that magical ballerina glow!
Time Travel Tales
And let's not forget the collection in my leather rucksack! I always pack a little something special on my time travel trips, don't you know. In the collection of stories from my adventures, thereâs a first-edition copy of 'Dancing in the Cloudsâ by one of the ballet masters of 1978, and itâs an absolute gem! And of course, I brought back a fragment of fabric from a ballerina's dress, in the style of the time, as well as some hand-painted ballet shoes! I wouldn't dream of returning from a ballet trip without a reminder of the beauty I witnessed.
My Pink Tutu Mission â All Dressed Up in Pink!
As always, itâs my ultimate mission, you know, to get everyone sporting a pink tutu â that fabulous fusion of grace and fun! After all, pink just represents the magic of ballet so beautifully, doesn't it? Donât forget, if you ever want to come time-travelling with me, be sure to put on your own pink tutu and find your inner ballerina! The magic awaits!
That's all from me for this month, lovelies. Until next time!
XOXO Emma
(And if youâre wanting to hear more about ballet, do come and find me on www.pink-tutu.com â and do let me know your favorite ballerina!)