Hello my lovelies! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet where we take a peek into the fabulous history of ballet through my rose-tinted spectacles – or rather, a sparkling pink tutu! I'm Emma, your ballet-obsessed time traveller, and I’m absolutely buzzing to share with you all my April 1979 escapade!
I’ve always been fascinated by the ‘70s. The bold fashion, the groovy music, the social movements – it was a time of immense change! And for us ballet-lovers? Well, it was an era of some truly captivating choreography, dazzling dancers, and a real resurgence of interest in ballet after the ‘60s. So, naturally, April 1979 had to be on my list!
As always, my trusty steed, the magnificent Magic Meg, was ready for a dash back in time. You just have to love a horse with a mane and tail like a cloud of white spun sugar and hooves the colour of gold! Today, we’re adorned with a delicate pale pink tutu with hand-stitched pearlescent detailing. I find that pink just fits right with the colour of the decade – bright, vibrant, and just a little bit audacious! And yes, dear reader, the leather rucksack strapped to my back is overflowing with notes, photos, and, dare I say it, a rather exciting vintage feather boa that I discovered in a Parisian antique shop! (More on that later).
So, what did I find happening in the world of ballet on this wonderful day in April 1979? Buckle up, my lovelies, because it was a whirlwind!
The Royal Ballet, My Home Away from Home
I’m absolutely mad for Covent Garden! As always, the Royal Ballet was on top form. The world was buzzing about their performance of “The Sleeping Beauty.” Now, this is a classic – a magnificent tapestry of intricate choreography, majestic sets, and heart-stopping leaps. And let me tell you, the costumes? Simply exquisite. But it was the ethereal, delicate elegance of Margot Fonteyn's Aurora that stole the show. I'm just so thankful that I got to witness that beauty firsthand! I even had a chat with one of the ballerinas - a young woman named Vivienne – and snagged a little piece of ballet history with her autograph on my programme. Oh, the thrill of it all!
A Dance Down to the US
Now, across the pond, the American Ballet Theatre was on a tour. Oh, the romance! The programme? An incredible mix of “Giselle”, “Rodeo” (think cowboys and ballet?! Yes please!), and “The Prodigal Son”. Talk about variety! Seeing the power, precision, and pure artistry of these performers had my toes tapping the entire time.
Stepping into the World of Alvin Ailey
Did I tell you that I absolutely adore Alvin Ailey? You can’t help but feel the energy and the sheer emotion of his work. “Revelations” - one of the most iconic pieces in modern dance - had me absolutely spellbound! I managed to snatch a rare recording from a local shop, and let me tell you, the passion of the choreography is simply captivating!
A Little Inspiration in a Derbyshire Dance Studio
Now, it wouldn't be a time travel escapade without a little ballet lesson, would it? I ventured down to a little studio in my hometown, Derbyshire. Such an eclectic mix of styles! We were doing barre work, learning a little classical ballet, but then, wouldn't you know it, the class transitioned to a piece of modern dance. We danced to this captivating jazz number that had us all smiling and enjoying ourselves! Oh, the sheer joy of just being able to move, stretch, and feel the power of dance. It was absolutely magical.
Time for Tea, Fashion, and the World’s Greatest Tutu
You know I always need a bit of tea after a trip! Today's indulgence is a delicate blend of Earl Grey, with just a touch of lavender honey, sipped from a beautifully painted china cup – pink, of course!
But, it wouldn’t be a trip through 1979 without a fashion fix! A quick stop in the most fabulous department store I've ever seen, filled with glorious frills and frou-frou. I managed to snag a vintage silk scarf, bright yellow with delicate white embroidery. I adore a little bit of pattern and colour! Oh, and it's going straight into my "inspiration" folder – because a girl can never have too much inspiration, can she?
Finally, dear readers, it’s time for the real star of the show - my treasure! Remember that feather boa? This little beauty was found tucked away in a little Paris boutique, an incredible swirl of lavender and charcoal feathers. And did I mention that it is SO SOFT?! It's been added to my prized tutu collection, and you can bet your bottom dollar that it will be making a triumphant debut in my next blog post!
Well, my lovelies, that's all for this month! But I wouldn’t dream of ending without reminding you to follow your passion for dance! And please, let’s get more pink tutus on the streets! Join me next month for a journey through another fabulous piece of ballet history! Don't forget to keep an eye on my website, www.pink-tutu.com, for the latest posts!
Until next time, happy twirling!
Emma x
