Hello, darlings! It's your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back with another whirlwind adventure through the ballet archives! Today, we're whisking ourselves back to the glorious 8th of August, 1982. Imagine, my loves, the music, the excitement, the world of ballet waiting for us to explore!
This month, Magic Meg, my trusty pink-sparkling Shire steed with her golden hooves and white mane and tail, took us on a journey that began in the cobbled streets of Derby, just a hop, skip and jump from my humble abode in Derbyshire. This little slice of England always feels so welcoming, especially with the smell of freshly baked cakes drifting from the local bakeries!
But we weren't here for cakes today. We were on a mission! As you know, I love to find little hidden treasures for my collection back at my London flat. And guess what? Today we’re on the hunt for a rather rare, and absolutely fabulous, vintage tutu! I dreamt of one like it all week - all shimmering tulle with layers of tulle in the most heavenly shade of pink, edged with tiny pearl beads. Oh, darling, it is a vision!
Now, let’s delve into the world of ballet that existed on this day in 1982. What were they up to? I bet it’s fabulous!
Across the Atlantic in New York, the New York City Ballet was in the midst of their annual summer season at Lincoln Center. The air would have been electric, filled with the murmur of anticipation from the audience, as dancers in their shimmering costumes prepare for another glorious performance.
The London Ballet was in the midst of rehearsals for their upcoming production of Swan Lake. Their company was on fire, training intensely for this classic tale of love and betrayal, a favourite amongst both ballerinas and audience members alike.
As for Paris? Oh, darling! Can you even imagine? The Parisian ballet scene was booming. We can imagine ballerinas, with their graceful forms and beautiful movements, swirling across the stage, their pink tutus flowing as they perform.
My heart truly races for the stories unfolding across the globe. It’s all so fascinating! The way the art form evolves over time is magical, isn’t it?
Now, about this hunt for the pink tutu, darlings! The only clue I had was a handwritten letter in my rucksack from a previous ballet history excursion. In it, an old friend, a ballet master from the Royal Ballet in 1960, wrote about his encounter with a charming Parisian couturier who made the most stunning tutus imaginable - some for prestigious ballet companies. He recalled them being all about romanticism and grace - the type of look that is truly timeless!
My imagination was running wild as I arrived at the old Paris atelier, now a modest antique shop tucked away on a cobblestone street, its worn facade adorned with faded pastel floral patterns.
There was a lovely lady there, with warm brown eyes and kind wrinkles framing her lips, who remembered the story well. She led me down a twisting staircase, past dusty trunks filled with exquisite fabric swatches and the scent of lavender and old parchment, to the secret storeroom where the couturier's creations had been kept safe all these years!
As the musty air filled my nostrils and I peered into the storeroom, I almost let out a scream. There they were - the delicate pastel colours of the vintage tutus, each with its own unique style and grace. They whispered a silent promise of forgotten stories and elegance.
After what seemed like forever, my eyes landed on a pristine pink tutu nestled beneath the others, made of layers and layers of gauzy, iridescent tulle with the tiny pearl beads. It looked like it could float on a puff of air!
It was the one. My heart beat fast as I carefully lifted it, running my fingers along the fine material, imagining it swirling across a Parisian stage. A piece of history in my hands.
And let me tell you, this delicate masterpiece will be pride of place in my London apartment, displayed as a symbol of ballet’s rich heritage and a reminder of all the stories we continue to uncover in these time travels.
I am simply brimming with excitement over our adventure this month! Do you have any ballet stories to share from 8th of August, 1982, or even another day in time? Do let me know at www.pink-tutu.com! You’re all fabulous, darlings, and don't forget, keep those tutus in the spotlight. You know, if we all wore pink tutus, it would just be a better world! Until next month, my dears, I'm off to explore more stories with Magic Meg. Until then, dance like nobody's watching (though, it is best to check your surroundings first!)
Your truly,
Emma
xx
