Hello darling dears, and welcome to another jaunt through the shimmering world of ballet with your favourite pink tutu-wearing time traveller! This month, I'm whisking you away to a fabulous date: the 6th of June, 1983! Buckle up, my darlings, for a grand time. I've got an absolutely scrumptious lineup of ballet events and fabulous fashion from that incredible era. Oh, and don't forget your pink tutu - you never know where a little pink sparkle will lead you in this crazy world!
Meg's Journey
Now, you all know my trusty steed, the magnificent Magic Meg, is a shimmery pink Shire horse with a flowing white mane and tail and those dreamy, golden hooves. You know her heart's as big as a grand ballroom and she loves the feel of the wind in her mane, but oh darling, she also has a bit of a nose for a good show.
Sheās a whizz at these time hops, wouldn't you say? One moment we're at a rehearsal in the heart of Derbyshire, the next, sheās nuzzling my shoulder in a Victorian cobbled street, and then weāre bouncing along the Champs-Elysees under a dazzling Parisian sunset. She's absolutely phenomenal - a veritable Pink Tutu Princess on four hooves.
1983: The Year of the Ballet Belle
As we gallop through time to June 1983, the air shimmers with the magic of ballet. Imagine: shimmering pink tutus, sparkling sequined leotards and ballet shoes fit for royalty! Oh, it's truly breathtaking, darlings. This era was brimming with breathtaking choreography, incredible dancers, and enough beauty to dazzle even the most seasoned ballerina.
But we can't go full tilt into a time hop without stopping by my favourite spot ā The Royal Opera House!
A Peek into The Royal Opera House
The year 1983 saw The Royal Opera House thrumming with life! This June, the Royal Ballet was giving an utterly spectacular performance of āRomeo and Julietā. I just imagine the air thrumming with the beauty of Prokofiev's score. Can't you almost smell the roses? Imagine those dramatic costumes, the poignant steps of star-crossed lovers. This show, my darlings, was truly something to behold.
Of course, you know me, and I would never pass up a chance to step inside and enjoy a little rehearsal myself! My favourite part, though, was always the grand foyer with its gleaming chandeliers and bustling ballet goers, everyone dressed to the nines, ready to enjoy a little magic. The anticipation in the air was thick with excitement.
New York, New York!
You can't possibly think about ballet in 1983 without also thinking of New York City. It's bursting with talent and new ballet ventures, a bustling centre for artistic expression and breathtaking innovation. The New York City Ballet were performing a revival of the glorious āThe Sleeping Beautyā with stunning performances by ballerinas like Suzanne Farrell.
The costumes for the ballet were incredibly extravagant. Imagine layers of shimmering pink and turquoise fabrics cascading in swathes across the stage. Honestly, you could only be looking at the costumes alone and feel a surge of pure joy.
I simply must have a peek, and naturally, Meg knew where we had to go. We headed to the State Theatre. I squeezed myself into a little front-row seat and watched in pure bliss as ballerinas flew across the stage. Oh, and the finale with the full corps de ballet... simply spectacular.
Fashion Notes
My oh my! It seems that the pink tutu really wasnāt the most fashionable item back then. Sadly, in the 1980s, leotards were the craze! Now, Iām not against leotards, they have their place, I have plenty of lovely ones myself. Itās just not as fashionable and whimsical as my beloved pink tutus. But I must say, they really did the 1980s fashion, in terms of balletwear, so well! Imagine, leg warmers with big ribbons!
Speaking of fashion, we simply canāt pass up the opportunity to admire some fabulous outfits. I just can't help myself, a new skirt, a lovely hat, it's just irresistible! My little time-traveler rucksack has seen some extraordinary pieces from the past. Oh, the days of vibrant silk scarves, glittering sequins, and beautiful, full skirts are always my favorites! I could wander through an antique shop all day!
But the best part of fashion from the past, my darlings, is the elegance. Everything from that era has a certain panache, a sense of style that you just donāt see as much now. We tend to be a little bit too hurried, donāt we? Weāve forgotten how to dress for ourselves! And don't forget about the big hair, that's a bit of fun!
The Pink Tutu Movement is Everywhere!
But my love for this 1983 ballet scene doesn't stop there!
Across the globe, the dance world is bursting with talent, innovation, and boundless creativity. Itās simply a fantastic time to be a ballet lover!
I hear whispers that the famed choreographer Rudolf Nureyev is creating a spectacular new dance piece for the American Ballet Theatre. That alone, darlings, is worth the price of a time-hop. Nureyev's flair and theatricality are legend. I'm so eager to see it.
Speaking of grand visions, I've spotted a dazzling ballet showcase in Paris called 'Le Ballet de l'OpƩra National de Paris'! The performances were said to be incredibly magical with world-class ballerinas gracing the stage with breathtaking movements and artistry. Just a hint of a time-hop might be in order!
Of course, I wouldn't be a true time traveler if I didn't give a nod to all the aspiring dancers all over the world. Itās inspiring to see so much passion for ballet! We must nurture and cherish all the budding ballerinas. There's so much talent waiting to bloom, ready to dazzle the world with a swish of a skirt and the grace of a perfect pirouette. My heart bursts with pride when I see a new generation finding the magic of dance!
Pink Tutu Takeaways
The time hop to 6th June 1983 was full of excitement and magic! Iāve met so many inspiring ballet-lovers who've made me believe more strongly than ever that pink tutus should be a global trend! Itās about more than a tutu, darling, itās about grace, about dreaming big and dancing with your heart. And just like our journey, never underestimate the power of a little imagination and the wonder of taking a magical leap into a new adventure!
Well, it's time to put Magic Meg back into gear! Join me next month for more adventures in ballet! I have a feeling the next time-hop will take us to the most exciting placeā¦but donāt worry, itāll all be just as magical, and my dear, all things pink!
Do remember to keep checking out www.pink-tutu.com. Until next time! š
With love, Emma. xx
