Hello darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where ballet and time travel collide in a swirl of pink tulle and golden hoofbeats.
This month, my lovely Magic Meg (she's a real stunner, isn't she? - that pink sparkle shire with golden hooves and flowing mane - just picture it!) whisked us back to September 9th, 1984. Oh, the adventures we had! And, as always, I have my little leather rucksack strapped to my back, ready to collect the most beautiful ballet treasures of the time.
What's on in the World of Ballet?
In 1984, the world of ballet was buzzing with excitement. Just imagine it: a time when Rudolf Nureyev was gracing stages with his incomparable talent! And you wouldn't believe the fashion, oh, it was all so wonderfully dramatic.
That day, The Royal Ballet was holding a dazzling performance of "Swan Lake" at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, London. You could almost feel the history of that theatre in the air. I bet the dancers felt like they were part of something truly magical. It’s a true honour to witness this incredible company’s artistry through the decades.
Across the Atlantic, New York City was enjoying a fabulous run of the New York City Ballet’s "Symphony in C". Imagine the music filling the space – that iconic Jerome Robbins choreography – oh, I can feel it! The dancers must have been soaring through their routines with so much elegance and joy. I wouldn't be surprised if some of their stunning costumes have ended up in the most coveted museum collections!
Here in Derbyshire, England, the vibrant Derby Theatre hosted the captivating "Coppelia". Can you imagine the atmosphere, the set design, the costuming? My heart just swells thinking about it! It's moments like these that remind us of ballet's truly international allure – connecting people across the globe through artistry.
And then there’s my favourite part - fashion! Imagine the styles of 1984, so unique and exciting. Let's just say the leotards were bright, the tutus were grand, and everything was perfectly paired with a touch of vintage charm.
Tutu Tales and Vintage Threads
While in 1984, I couldn’t resist snagging a few delightful trinkets for my collection, remember that precious leather rucksack I mentioned? Well, inside, nestled between my sketches, are a couple of extraordinary finds.
A miniature ballerina doll: she’s clad in the most glorious, iridescent pink tutu (it’s even sparking, you just have to believe me!) and her tiny little pointe shoes have the most charming worn-out quality. I imagine her dancing on some long forgotten stage, captivating audiences just as the greats did.
A 1980s magazine with an interview about the iconic ballerina Sylvie Guillem: You won't believe it, darling, this article is practically dripping with ballet glamour. From the black and white photos to the insider details about rehearsals and performances – I felt like I was getting a glimpse behind the curtain. The magazine is so delicate now, with the pages turning brown at the edges. I’ve carefully placed it in a protective sleeve - a treasure to keep forever.
Oh, darling, this month's adventure has me so filled with joy. I truly believe that experiencing ballet through the lens of history, not just attending a performance here and there, adds a depth of appreciation and connection to this truly extraordinary art form. And don't forget - always have a pink tutu ready - you never know where our travels might take us!
To learn more, browse through the history books, explore archives online, or even take a trip to your local museum. Don't be shy to share your discoveries and observations with me, I’d love to hear what you find!
Until next month, when I'll whisk you off to another fascinating era,
Love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
