Hello lovelies!
It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood time-travelling ballerina, and welcome to another exciting instalment of the Pink-Tutu blog. Today we're stepping back to the vibrant year of 1984, the year that felt like a technicolour explosion of colour and creativity, just like the tutu I'm sporting today. 😉
Magic Meg, my trusty pink-sparkling Shire horse with hooves like spun gold and a flowing white mane and tail, has brought me back to Derbyshire. Today, we're whisking back in time to see what the world of ballet was buzzing about on 1st January 1984. This year kicked off with a promise of something fabulous, and ballet wasn't going to miss out on the fun!
As I leap from Magic Meg's back, my pink leather rucksack – bursting with memories and memorabilia I've gathered from our adventures through time – is feeling quite heavy this month! We're stepping back into a period that felt full of optimism and bold new ideas, a time where the stage felt alive with a passionate desire to push boundaries and break the mould.
For my first order of business, it's off to the local library to delve into the vintage magazines of 1984. As I ruffle through yellowed pages, I'm drawn to a glossy article celebrating the achievements of Rudolf Nureyev, who had, just two weeks prior to my arrival, stepped onto the stage at London's Royal Opera House for the last time, his talent shining brighter than ever.
The ballet world was reeling at the announcement of his retirement, a truly remarkable chapter in the history of ballet coming to a close. I'm captivated by the images of Nureyev's artistry - his boundless energy and emotional depth truly captivating audiences, a dancer of breathtaking brilliance and charismatic charm, forever immortalised in ballet history.
My journey continues across Derbyshire, the local paper informing me that "The Nutcracker" was being staged by "The Derbyshire Ballet," and as a tutu-clad ballerina in a tutu of flamingo pink, I couldn’t miss it! It's always a pleasure to witness the sheer joy and dedication pouring forth from the dancers in these local companies - they make magic happen with their talent and unwavering enthusiasm!
After my little visit, it's off to a local vintage clothing store. There I’m presented with a delightful collection of 1984 fashion magazines, filled with the era’s vibrant styles. I can’t help but be swept away by the bold, bright, and unapologetically eye-catching colour schemes of the decade - all perfectly fitting for a true tutu enthusiast! Pink, of course, takes center stage in a multitude of hues – from neon to pastel to bubblegum pink. It’s an exciting kaleidoscope of possibilities that sparks ideas for my own future ballet fashion designs!
Now, I'm absolutely enthralled by 80's fashion – it has this incredible energy. I imagine what would happen if I were a ballet dancer at this time - I’d be dancing with such dramatic eye-catching colours. Would I opt for a dazzling lime green or fuchsia leotard? Would I dare to wear neon pink tights?! I think I might! It feels revolutionary in every way! The 80's was a truly bold, confident period, and the dancers of this time expressed this exuberance in everything they did, from the way they styled their hair to the way they moved on stage.
With my vintage magazines under my arm, I head off to explore Derbyshire on my own and I notice some familiar names – “Baryshnikov” “Nureyev” – their presence and influence is felt across the world! It’s inspiring to see how their names, along with a few other international ballerinas of the time like Mikhail Baryshnikov, Gelsey Kirkland, and Sylvie Guillem, have influenced young dancers across the globe to dream big! They have changed the course of the ballet world in some very important ways.
As I wander through a Derbyshire bookshop, I discover a dusty old ballet book from 1984. The worn, dog-eared pages reveal an array of wonderful photographs and articles about the era’s prominent ballet companies and choreographers, along with stories of upcoming talents, and fascinating essays on the history of the ballet form. It’s a beautiful testament to the artistry that was shaping the world of ballet.
Before I get carried away with all these treasures, I realise I’m starting to get hungry – time for a proper English breakfast! But even as I’m enjoying the sausage, bacon and eggs, my ballet-loving heart can't stop thinking about how inspiring this day in ballet history is. It is filled with so much passion, joy and celebration – a reminder that we can embrace and appreciate the world of ballet in every shape and form!
Now it's time for my favorite part of each ballet trip - to see how the locals dress! I am absolutely enthralled with how everyone embraces their unique fashion styles. And just for the fun of it, I give Magic Meg a spin – we can’t leave a village without making a fashionable impression!
And so, as I begin the next phase of my journey – back to the comfort of my own time – my pink tutu is sparkling with stories of ballet history, fashion and beautiful performances I have discovered today. I am excited to share them with all of you. And don't forget, readers – I'm always open to suggestions! If there's a particular date in ballet history you want to hear about, leave a comment on our website, www.pink-tutu.com, and we might just visit it in the next adventure!
Until next month,
Emma
P.S. Keep those ballet fashions flowing and embrace the power of a good pink tutu.
Love from your favorite time-traveling ballerina!
