Hello dears! Emma here, your very own Pink Tutu Time Traveller! This month I'm taking you all back to 1982 - a year that saw the rise of big hair, neon colours, and a lot of Michael Jackson! Let me tell you, darling, it was a pretty fabulous time for fashion! But of course, what I really wanted to find out was what was happening in the world of ballet, right? So, I saddled up Magic Meg - my trusty pink-sparkling shire horse with golden hooves and a flowing white mane - and set off for a grand adventure!
Magic Meg loves nothing more than galloping through time, and the wind in our pink tutus felt like a magnificent "ta da!" as we travelled through the years. This month's adventure took us to the USA, the home of such ballet greats as Mikhail Baryshnikov, who I believe is still rocking the tutus today (not literally - that's a bit too much even for me!), and of course, the fabulous Suzanne Farrell. Now, darling, Suzanne is one of my ballet heroines. You just have to watch her performance in Swan Lake - it's mesmerising.
The year 1982 was quite a significant one for American Ballet Theatre. They were getting ready to celebrate their 40th anniversary - can you believe it, darling? What a journey for one of the greatest ballet companies in the world! I found this rather fabulous flyer advertising a gala concert, featuring no fewer than twelve brilliant ballerinas including Cynthia Gregory, a star I had the pleasure of meeting earlier this year during my little trip to the 1980s - such a lovely lady! And speaking of lovely ladies, can you imagine dancing with Gelsey Kirkland? Oh my, darling, she was simply spectacular, so graceful, so strong. I wish I had seen her dance in the flesh, but luckily for me, the internet gave me a peek into the magic of her artistry - and I was mesmerized!
Oh, and before we head back to 1982, I must tell you about this fabulous ballet school I discovered in Minneapolis called The School of American Ballet. Now, this school is quite the place! They even have an internship program - how exciting is that? If you're a ballet enthusiast with a dream to be the next great ballerina, darling, I urge you to check them out! They are known for their strict discipline and incredible teaching methods. Imagine how amazing your technique would be if you trained with them.
Anyway, back to 1982! We're at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City - the hub of the dance world! It's just after September 9th and the stage is abuzz. Oh, darling, can you just picture this? The red velvet seats filled to bursting with excited patrons, the chandelier twinkling, the air buzzing with excitement!
A grand announcement echoes through the theatre – American Ballet Theatre will perform a mixed program of choreographed works! There's a premiere performance of a ballet piece by the talented (and charming, according to some whispers I picked up!) Kenneth MacMillan, and, oh my! The company is going to be performing a pas de deux (I just adore the sound of that!) by a truly inspiring choreographer, George Balanchine - a ballet legend! His pieces are full of joy and elegance - I cannot resist the elegant, effortless movement!
While we’re at the opera house, I popped into their amazing gift shop. Now, dears, it's absolutely full of treasures! There were stunning pointe shoes - all handcrafted by expert artisans, ballet-themed jewellery sparkling with the most delicate detail, and some beautiful books with the most breath-taking illustrations. I added a selection to my collection of ballet stories - I have a special pouch in my rucksack for these literary beauties!
Next, I ventured further into the big apple - just for the shopping of course, darling! The iconic boutiques are the most incredible mix of elegance and whimsy - the perfect combination for my Pink Tutu style! Oh, my! I fell in love with the fabulous clothing and accessories that matched my love for pink and frills. I had to buy a magnificent, bright-pink feather boa! It's absolutely perfect for a celebratory twirl at my next ballet class - I'm thinking I'll bring my classmates back to 1982 for an evening of fun!
You know, being a Time Traveller can be hard work - I have to stay on top of all the ballet news and fashions and it can be a bit exhausting, but, oh darling, it’s so much fun to be a part of the vibrant, exciting world of ballet!
Now, I hope you are ready for an exciting performance this evening, darling, I will be on stage at The Derby Playhouse - I think we are doing 'The Nutcracker', which is a seasonal favorite, although technically it’s not quite a traditional ballet. You’ve got to see the dancing sugar plums, darling, they are truly the stuff of ballet dreams!
Have fun twirling, dear friends, and don't forget to follow the Pink Tutu Time Traveller's journey on our website - www.pink-tutu.com!
Until next time! Emma xx
