Hey lovelies,
Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where pink is the new black (but actually, pink is black! Or at least it's equally fabulous) and the only thing more dazzling than a perfect pirouette is a trip through time. This month, we're galloping back to May 5th, 1986, perched precariously on the back of Magic Meg, my sparkly pink Shire horse with hooves that glint like golden coins. (Sheās so lovely - I do have to dress her up in a pink satin rug for these journeys - but what else is a girl to do when time travel is your lifeās passion?!)
And this month, darlings, we're venturing into the vibrant world of ballet - it's practically bursting with exciting happenings, so get ready to put on your dancing shoes!
First, a little peek into what the world was wearing. Big hair? Check. Legwarmers? Absolutely! Think pastel shades and those amazing layered leotards, darling. They make my heart skip a beat every time. Back then, leotards were everything - all colours and sparkles! Oh, and neon was huge. Big hair, huge leotards... 1986 really knew how to make an entrance. And me, of course, Iām in a full pink tulle tutu - I wouldn't be caught dead in anything else! (Okay, I might wear a ballet-inspired fashion outfit, but who am I kidding? I live in my tutu - itās the lifeblood of the show.)
Speaking of lifeblood, ballet itself was truly thriving back in '86! Across the globe, iconic ballerinas were grace-ing the stage, leaving their mark on the world. Remember Margot Fonteyn? She was already a legend back then, a star of the Royal Ballet, her performances a tapestry woven with technical brilliance and poignant artistry. That same year, a new talent was lighting up the Paris Opera Ballet - Sylvie Guillem - a dancer with a breathtaking lightness and strength. I swear I watched her "Giselle" back then, it was just pure magic!
Now, darling, let's talk shows! There's no place better for a ballet lover than the Royal Opera House, a true palace of performance. On this day in history, the Royal Ballet were showcasing āRomeo and Julietā, the epitome of romantic storytelling through ballet, their graceful movements breathing life into Shakespeare's eternal tragedy. And, a little later in the month, they were scheduled to grace the stage with āManonā by Kenneth MacMillan - a dramatic masterpiece. The London theatre was also ablaze with activity: The Sadler's Wells Royal Ballet was performing "The Dream", a magical adaptation of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, infused with wit and wonder.
This, my darlings, was not only a flourishing time for London, but the ballet world was positively blooming! Across the pond in the United States, The American Ballet Theatre presented āGiselleā and "The Sleeping Beauty." And, on this side of the globe, a new generation of dancers were making their mark, like the delightful dancers of the Birmingham Royal Ballet - I have a particular fondness for those lovely folk - who would soon delight the world with their exquisite interpretations.
I've picked up some delightful treasures in my rucksack on this journey: A beautifully crafted vintage pointe shoe, a ballet poster depicting a stunningly powerful Giselle, and a program from the Royal Opera House's performance of āManonā. My heart skips a beat just looking at these. Ballet memorabilia!
Oh, and I even managed to snag a lovely silk scarf from the "Romeo and Juliet" production! Pink, of course! Can you believe I can get such lovely ballet items from these travels?! You just never know what youāll stumble across! (Besides, my life isnāt about stumbles. I dance. All the way.)
So, what are you waiting for? Whether itās a vintage piece of dance wear, a gorgeous vintage program, or just a few minutes watching a beautiful performance online, why not delve into the magical world of ballet, a world overflowing with grace, strength and, most importantly, sparkle?
And, while youāre at it, why not try on a pink tutu? Who knows, it might just inspire you to find your inner ballerina.
Until next time, my sweet lovelies, remember to dance with passion, to live with colour, and always, always embrace the pink!
Love and pirouettes,
Emma xx
P.S. I have just bought myself a gorgeous pair of antique ballet shoes. The colour is sublime!
P.P.S. This week's ballet lesson is about "Allegro," it's so much fun.
P.P.P.S I just had a fantastic lunch - Pink and cream coloured strawberries and pink iced coffee. My best kind of afternoon tea!
