Welcome back, my lovely ballet bunnies! This is Emma, your friendly neighbourhood time-travelling ballerina, bringing you another tantalising tale from the pinkest and most exciting corners of ballet history. This month, my trusty steed, Magic Meg - that gorgeous pink sparkly Shire with golden hooves and flowing mane - has galloped us to the 9th of September, 1985. Get ready to prance through the glitz and glamour, darlings, because weâve got some fab finds for you today!
Itâs time for blog post number 3897, and my leather rucksack is brimming with treasures - all for your viewing pleasure, of course! (You can check out my pink tutu-tastic posts every month on www.pink-tutu.com). Speaking of, it's no surprise that funding my fabulous time travel is a whirlwind of ballet performances. But honestly, who needs to sit in an office when you can shimmy, shake, and swan through time? đ
Now, back to our fabulous day in history! The year is 1985 and weâre in for a real treat! The world of ballet is absolutely buzzing. Letâs go backstage and see whatâs sizzling in the limelight, shall we?
Ballet Buzz on 9th September, 1985:
- In Londonâs Royal Opera House, the legendary Mikhail Baryshnikov is starring as âDes Grieuxâ in âManon,â a romantic masterpiece by Kenneth MacMillan. Can you imagine seeing such a legendary dancer, you lucky Londoners! My backpack is already overflowing with details from this incredible performance - I might need a new one, honestly!
- Over in New York City, American Ballet Theatre is taking the stage, showcasing its iconic âGiselleâ with a stunning performance by the breathtaking Cynthia Gregory. Canât you picture the sheer elegance of the choreography and the captivating grace of Gregory as she pirouettes her way through the story? My Tutu Time Travel guide for this era has plenty of information on Gregory - she is a true inspiration!
- Meanwhile, the dance-loving folk in Paris are flocking to the Palais Garnier to catch the Paris Opera Ballet performing its legendary production of âThe Sleeping Beauty,â a fairy tale dream of dazzling costumes and elegant waltzes! The Parisian ballet fashion of this period is out of this world. My leather backpack is stuffed with drawings and swatches of costumes from this show! I can just see myself twirling in a magnificent tulle skirt!
- But the fun isn't confined to the grand stages. In Moscow, the Bolshoi Ballet is delighting audiences with their powerful âSwan Lakeâ production. Every tutu twirl, every graceful pas de deux - theyâre all transporting you into a world of pure enchantment! Who doesnât adore a good, classic ballet? The Bolshoi are some of the most powerful dancers Iâve had the pleasure of watching!
So much beauty, so much grace, so many tutus! 1985 is truly an unforgettable year in the world of ballet. It's enough to make a girl swoon!
Now, letâs talk a little fashion:
- Remember our lovely Cynthia Gregory? Well, her style is pure perfection. Weâre talking crisp leotards, classic tutus with a hint of shimmer, and sleek, timeless buns. Just look at those photographs, darlings, and take notes.
- This is the decade where dancewear got its dose of sparkle. Think rhinestones, strategically placed, to add just the right amount of bling. Honestly, I've already added a few sparkling accents to my very own collection back in Derbyshire! I even found a lovely ballet boutique in a Derbyshire market town, where we buy some fantastic pink tutus for my performances.
What I'm carrying in my rucksack: a Pink Tutu Treasure Trove:
- The gorgeous pink programme from a "Manon" performance.
- A photo of a tutu from the "Giselle" performance. Just beautiful, I must say!
- Some notes about the Bolshoi dancers' powerful technique.
- My little sketch book. My darling, you wonât believe it, Iâve actually doodled an idea for a new tutu design, inspired by a ballet costume in Paris. It's even in pink - naturally!
Ballet History Fun Facts:
- Did you know that this very date, the 9th of September in 1985, is the anniversary of the first ever professional ballet performance in Russia? A whole world of tutus and pirouettes all thanks to a single performance, isnât that remarkable?
Ballet history is a whirlwind of fascinating stories. Thatâs why I have my rucksack packed full, ready to share them all with you! Donât forget to join me for another adventure next month, darling. Keep the sparkle in your eyes, and maybe wear a little pink, you never know when magic might happen! đ
Sending you all my love and tutu-ful kisses,
Emma đ
