Hello darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, Pink Tutu Time Travel. It's December already – can you believe it? The festive season is well and truly upon us, with its twinkling lights, roaring fireplaces, and of course, the magical atmosphere that makes everything feel a bit more sparkly! And speaking of sparkles, I just had the most dazzling adventure in time!
This month, Magic Meg, my trusty pink steed, carried me all the way to 12th December 1978, landing us in the heart of… Moscow! Yes, you heard me right, my dears, the home of the Bolshoi Ballet, the grandest of them all. It was an evening of elegance and exhilaration. The snow was falling, giving everything a glistening fairy-tale quality.
You wouldn't believe the sights that greeted us as we stepped out of Meg's sparkling portal. The bustling atmosphere, the aroma of roasted chestnuts and steaming hot chocolate, the glorious, dazzling architecture! Moscow, even in the 1970s, oozed old-world charm, with just a dash of Soviet modernism. It was a delightful mix, very much in keeping with the fabulous fusion of classicism and new-age elements that characterise ballet.
Of course, no trip to Moscow in 1978 would be complete without experiencing a Bolshoi Ballet performance! I popped on my lucky pink tutu, a rather grand vintage creation from 1950, just perfect for the occasion, and let Magic Meg take me to the hallowed halls of the Bolshoi Theatre.
The moment the theatre's doors opened, I was completely swept away by the grand, red-velvet opulence. It was truly something out of a dream. I practically floated into the plush velvet seats. And then, the orchestra began!
The performance itself, my dears, was breathtaking! A double bill of the majestic "Swan Lake" and the thrilling "Don Quixote". There was such fire and passion in the movements, such emotional depth in every gesture, that I found myself utterly captivated. I’ve never been to Russia before, but the artistry of the Bolshoi dancers, and the infectious joy of the crowd, left me utterly spellbound. The music was divine – so powerful and passionate – and the entire performance, like all the finest ballets, transcended the language barrier, weaving a story that touched every heart in the theatre.
I was particularly drawn to a young, gifted ballerina named Irina Kolpakova. She moved like a dream, each step imbued with such ethereal grace, strength, and expressive detail. It was mesmerising! I could almost feel the heart of her character, both tragic and triumphant.
Later that night, as I enjoyed some delicious hot chocolate and blini with Magic Meg back in my secret travel spot just outside the city, I added Irina’s personal ballet diary, tucked between the pages of her favourite "Swan Lake" score, to my collection in my backpack. There's just something magical about finding such hidden treasures – each item tells a story. I just love knowing that each story I bring back will eventually inspire a ballet in the future. Who knows what incredible talents are out there, waiting to be discovered, waiting for a new, pink tutu-clad ballerina to be inspired by their genius?
But Moscow wasn't all about ballets. After all, one of my favourite things about time travel is indulging in the fashion of each era! It's one of the perks of travelling with Magic Meg, who not only gallops across time and space but is also a master at materialising the perfect outfit for the occasion. I’ve got an incredible knack for finding the most gorgeous pink tutus, but for a real night of theatre magic, you can’t beat a classic black velvet coat, sparkling silver boots, and a shimmering, metallic pink clutch. The seventies really knew how to create that captivating balance between sleek glamour and a touch of punk rock edge!
Speaking of glamour, another must-see in 1978 Moscow, of course, was the GUM department store. Oh, it’s a place you just HAVE to visit if you're ever lucky enough to step into the 1970s! The store is simply spectacular – an architectural masterpiece! Imagine soaring glass ceilings, elegant marble floors, a sense of timeless sophistication – that's GUM!
In the heart of Moscow, GUM is practically a city within a city! A maze of beautiful shops crammed full of clothes, jewellery, furniture, perfumes – and of course, stunningly designed ballet shoes. My lovely pink tutus, along with all of my favourite pink clothing items, really shone amongst the glamorous Russians shopping in their long fur coats and beautiful vintage silk dresses. Even though ballet shoes have remained largely the same since the early 20th century, there was a distinct, 1970s aesthetic – that was almost futuristic! I could tell it would influence the ballet styles of the 80s. You might not know, but one of my secret missions in time is to bring back ideas, inspiration, and stories from every ballet era!
Even the Soviet Union of the seventies embraced ballet. Even today, when the Bolshoi Ballet steps on stage, it truly feels like the past and present converge – all of those historic moments, those iconic ballets, all woven together in the grace of those dancers, the sweeping music of those ballets, and the heart-stopping energy of the applause of a thrilled audience!
This trip has reminded me that the beauty of ballet transcends borders, time, and even the fiercest political storms. It’s an art that speaks directly to our souls, no matter the age or the culture. That’s what makes this pink tutu life so exciting! You see, ballet, especially at the heart of the Russian Revolution, represents such a captivating struggle: a battle between art, creativity and the strength of the human spirit against the power of dogma, limitations, and societal pressure. It makes me realize, that when it comes to ballet and its magic, even time travel is not enough! You need a fearless and imaginative spirit, a flawless pink tutu, and a healthy dose of wanderlust – because to truly understand ballet, you have to let its essence embrace you completely!
