Hello, my lovelies! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, here, ready to whisk you away to another magnificent moment in ballet history! This month, I've galloped on my darling Meg, my sparkling pink Shire horse, right into the heart of 1981, 6th June to be precise. Now, I know you all love a bit of historical ballet gossip, so grab a cuppa, put on your favourite ballet playlist (a bit of Tchaikovsky always does the trick!), and let's dive right in!
We landed with a graceful whinny, in front of the Royal Opera House in London, and it was like stepping into a glossy ballet magazine! Everyone was decked out in elegant dresses and tailored suits. A feeling of joyous anticipation crackled in the air, and the anticipation only intensified when we realised the reason for all the fuss.
It was the night of “Giselle”!
And not just any "Giselle," my darlings! It was the performance by the extraordinary Rudolf Nureyev and his partner, the captivating Natalia Makarova!
My, my! What an incredible night it was! Nureyev was a vision in black tights and a crisp white shirt, his movements as swift and graceful as a sparrow's flight, while Makarova was ethereal and poignant, bringing to life the heartbroken "Giselle" in a way I've never witnessed before! The crowd erupted in thunderous applause as the curtain finally closed.
I practically flew back to my favourite little shop in Covent Garden afterwards, a delightful haberdashery stuffed to the brim with ribbons, lace, and the most exquisite tulle. You can imagine my delight when I found the most gorgeous, shimmering pink ribbon, the exact shade of my own tutu! I snapped it up faster than a pirouette, naturally. I couldn’t leave without it - I simply must use it for my next tutu design!
Speaking of fashion, dear readers, it was a wonderful time to be immersed in the world of ballet. Fashion and ballet, as always, seemed to be twirling hand in hand! You know I love a bit of ballet-inspired style! Think flowing silk skirts, pastel shades, and plenty of ballerina bun inspiration! It reminded me so much of the "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" days in China, a time when ballet fashion was deeply inspired by beautiful Eastern styles. We must not forget that beautiful time period, darling!
In the heart of Paris, we also got a peek at a fascinating event - a competition called the Prix de Lausanne. It was a celebration of young talent, where up-and-coming dancers showcased their incredible skills, competing for a chance to study at some of the most renowned ballet schools around the world! Imagine, a competition entirely dedicated to the joy of ballet - it filled my heart with the most lovely, warm feeling! It reminded me of all the amazing opportunities that ballet can provide. The spark in these young dancer’s eyes! It truly was beautiful!
Even though 1981 was a glorious time to be a ballet aficionado, I was a little surprised to discover that a lot of things we take for granted today in ballet fashion and technology weren’t really commonplace back then.
While many companies were using colour lighting, and we were wowed by their technical abilities, it wasn't widely used in performances.
And while we might be used to online dance videos and YouTube tutorials now, things were much different then! We would often rely on printed resources, like Dance Magazine and books, or sometimes on dance documentaries and programmes. How wonderful that we now have the ability to learn and share ballet in so many new and innovative ways!
Oh, and before I forget, my rucksack is overflowing with fascinating things! I found an amazing article in an old "The Dance Chronicle" magazine discussing the development of pointe shoes! Did you know the first known pointe shoes were actually made by Marie Taglioni, one of ballet’s most celebrated stars? Talk about pioneering talent! You can see why she was so popular back in the 1800s, a true trailblazer, an absolute vision on the stage! I love learning all these interesting tidbits of ballet history, my darlings!
And, speaking of ballerinas, one last treat before I head off to dreamland: a quick mention of some of the incredible talents who graced the stage in 1981. The likes of Mikhail Baryshnikov, Sylvie Guillem, and Cynthia Gregory were captivating audiences worldwide with their amazing grace and talent. Their names continue to resonate with ballet lovers all over the world! These extraordinary artists remind us just how important it is to remember those who paved the way, those pioneers of ballet!
It was truly a remarkable time for ballet, full of inspiration and dedication to the art form. I must tell you, my dear readers, the experience was simply delightful. It reminded me how crucial it is to stay in touch with ballet history, learning from the past while celebrating the brilliance of today's amazing dancers.
And remember, darlings, whether you're watching a professional performance, enjoying ballet class, or simply dreaming of twirling in a beautiful pink tutu, embrace the joy and elegance that ballet brings. Remember, if I can time travel, you can dream big!
I shall return next month, my dear friends, with a new exciting adventure!
Until then, keep dancing!
XOXO
Emma www.pink-tutu.com
