Hello my darling dancers, and welcome to another edition of your favourite Pink Tutu Time Travel blog! As you know, I'm Emma, a Derbyshire girl with a passion for all things pink, ballet and of course, time travel! This month, my trusty pink sparkling shire horse, Magic Meg, and I have taken a leap back to September 1981 â a glorious decade for ballet! And wouldnât you know it, the world of dance was brimming with excitement!
This month's adventure had me stepping back into the world of leg warmers and neon leotards! What an amazing time! It feels like a dream â all that 80's glamour, with those amazing leg warmers! Theyâre so chic. The world of dance back then had it all! I spotted a few on a street performer in New York â it was the epitome of âStreet Danceâ!
A Grand Premiere at the Royal Opera House!
September 1981 was a particularly special time for ballet in the UK! You wouldn't believe the magical experience at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden! We witnessed the world premiere of "The Prince of the Pagodas," a fairytale ballet by John Cranko â truly spectacular! Set in a world of mythical creatures, the stunning choreography, the opulent costumes, it truly was the perfect evening of entertainment. Imagine being there! The dancers, the story, the music â a ballet loverâs dream come true. The grand ballroom scenes and those graceful dancers. Truly magnificent. Itâs amazing to think that this exquisite piece still enchants audiences today! I've been back a few times to catch its re-stagings, each one as captivating as the first!
The Rise of a Ballet Superstar!
Speaking of enchanting, this month saw a budding ballet superstar shine! You wouldnât believe it but Mikhail Baryshnikov â that name still makes my heart skip a beat! This Russian legend was simply captivating â his leaps, his turns, the pure joy of dance radiating from him! It was no surprise to find him receiving a standing ovation for his captivating performance in the American Ballet Theatreâs production of âThe Nutcrackerâ in New York! The passion in his dancing was electric. If only we could rewind time and witness the power and beauty of those performances in person.
Around the World with a Pink Tutu
This month, I also journeyed through time to Japan, landing in Tokyo, the hub of ballet in the land of the rising sun! Did you know that the ballet scene there was already booming? I was enthralled by the elegance and the finesse of Japanese ballet. Watching a performance of "Giselle" at the Tokyo Ballet was simply divine! It's such a treat seeing how ballet embraces so many different cultures around the globe. The way they combined Japanese tradition with ballet technique, it was so elegant!
My adventure through time took me to Paris next! A walk down the boulevards of Paris during the 80s is a fashionistaâs dream! In my bright pink tutu and vintage 80s style clothes, I certainly attracted a few glances! Imagine the vibrant fashion scene, and imagine those stunning couture designs â just what every tutu enthusiast dreams of.
The City of Lights was certainly brimming with excitement this month as Rudolf Nureyev's production of âThe Sleeping Beautyâ opened in a glittering grand gala at the Paris Opera. The choreography, the sets, the costumes⊠it was all so exquisite. It must have been a grand occasion. Just picturing that beautiful scene, the magnificent gowns and that timeless classic â it makes me wish I could go back in time and be there in person. Itâs all about the drama! And imagine the tutus they must have worn! Oh, they would have been absolute stunners!
Ballet's Unwavering Inspiration
Itâs inspiring to think that while decades may pass, the heart of ballet remains constant. Just seeing how the love of this art form is embraced all around the globe truly fills me with hope! If we can all carry a little bit of that grace, artistry, and passion in our lives, the world would be a much more beautiful place. Imagine us all twirling in our pink tutus, wouldn't it be the most glorious sight? I, for one, canât wait for the next ballet adventure! Who knows where my magical pink journey will lead me next. But one thing is certain: the spirit of dance and the sparkle of my pink tutu will carry me anywhere!
So, my fellow pink-tutu enthusiasts, as I conclude this journey back to 1981, I leave you with a little something special.
My pink-tutu.com pick of the month!
Youâll just love this piece from my collection! A shimmering pair of 80âs vintage ballet shoes â one sparkling pink and the other silver. I discovered them hidden amongst some other ballet memorabilia during one of my recent time travels, tucked away in an antique shop in Nottinghamshire. A bit dusty, a little scuffed, but so stunning! They take me right back to this fabulous decade. This piece will definitely make its way into my Pink Tutu museum. Who wouldnât want to own a part of ballet history! And of course, every true ballet fan loves a bit of nostalgia!
Iâm also putting out a call for your help! Iâm looking for any Pink Tutu Time Travellers with knowledge of this time in ballet history. Please share your experiences with me. I am searching for unique memories and treasures. If you have an amazing pink tutu that you would like to share, my mailbox is open for all of you! We are a community of tutu enthusiasts, united by our passion. So letâs all dance to a future brimming with colour and joy. Remember, every dancer has a tale to tell â let your voice be heard, darling dancers. Until next time! đ©°
Emma
PS: Do check out www.pink-tutu.com for all the latest updates, behind-the-scenes photos from my adventures and details of my next live performance. All the proceeds go towards keeping my pink time-traveling chariot - Magic Meg - running! It takes a lot of oats to keep her prancing through time! Plus, we all know pink sparkles need constant attention!
See you soon! xx
