Hello lovelies! Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu clad time traveller, back with another adventure from the past. This month, Magic Meg, my shimmering pink Shire steed with golden hooves, took us on a trip back to May 5th, 1981 - and what a dazzling journey it was!
Now, you wouldn't believe what was happening in the ballet world back then! 1981 was a time of change, creativity, and romanticism, with captivating performances happening all over the globe. As soon as we arrived, Magic Meg and I were swept into a whirlwind of tutu twirls, dazzling dance moves and a joyous celebration of dance.
I had just stepped out of Magic Meg's stable, still tingling from our time travelling, and already a performance was grabbing everyone's attention. The New York City Ballet was premiering Jerome Robbins’ ‘Other Dances’, a tribute to his mentor George Balanchine, filled with dramatic solos and heart-wrenching stories, with Patricia McBride showcasing her elegance and Peter Martins leading with breathtaking passion. Can you imagine?
Just then, the smell of freshly baked éclairs caught my nose and pulled me down a side street. I was greeted by a small ballet company presenting George Balanchine’s 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', a whimsical performance inspired by Shakespeare’s romantic comedy. Balanchine really brought the playful spirit of the text to life, creating delicate pas de deux for lovers, humorous and dramatic character dances for fairies and their King and Queen. Such a beautiful celebration of storytelling through dance.
Feeling completely enthralled by the performance, I was also reminded that 1981 was the year Balanchine, one of ballet’s most influential choreographers, sadly passed away. He truly was a pioneer in creating modern ballet, and we were witnessing the powerful legacy he left behind. As I strolled past the performance venue, I picked up a couple of the programs - a perfect addition to my leather rucksack, full of historical ballet treasures!
But it wasn't just about ballets in this exciting year, it was also about celebrating the diverse ways in which ballet could be experienced. From breathtaking classical works like 'Swan Lake' at the Royal Opera House in London to avant-garde contemporary performances in smaller theaters in places like Berlin and Tokyo, there were countless styles of ballet waiting to be discovered.
I decided to check out London, to catch Margot Fonteyn's return to the Royal Ballet, for a special revival of "The Sleeping Beauty." She was still gracefully dancing at the age of 58 - imagine that! It was truly remarkable to see how, despite a knee replacement and her retirement just two years before, her passion for ballet continued to captivate and inspire. It is so clear to see why her iconic role in "The Sleeping Beauty" has had such a lasting legacy!
Then it was time to make my way to Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre, a magnificent building and one of the most renowned ballet theaters in the world. They were performing *Yuri Grigorovich's * 'Spartacus,' a passionate tale of love, betrayal and revolution, and they certainly brought the house down!
With every performance I saw, I became more convinced that ballet is not just an art form, but a powerful language that transcends geographical boundaries.
I love to dance in a pink tutu, I admit it! The pink is for joy, the tutu for grace. But don't just take my word for it, my darlings. Try it yourselves. This is the power of ballet! It is a universal language, capable of connecting souls across cultures, timelines and continents. It empowers everyone to express themselves.
Remember, the magic of ballet is just around the corner, you just need to step onto the stage and dance, just like those remarkable artists in 1981! Don’t forget to stop by my www.pink-tutu.com blog for more ballet stories and inspiration - every month a new time travel adventure awaits!
Until next time, keep twirling!
Love,
Emma x
