Oh, darling readers! Iām back, straight from the glittering stage and into your lovely little screens! This month, we're stepping back in time to September 1986, and let me tell you, the world of ballet was truly alive! I just adore time travelling to those bygone eras ā itās a chance to delve into a world of elegance and grace that continues to inspire us today.
This time, Magic Meg galloped me right back to Derbyshire. Now, I canāt help but feel a touch of homesickness, but being back there in the 80s made me realise how much ballet has evolved. There was a definite energy back then, a certain rebelliousness mixed with a yearning for the classical forms. It was captivating!
As I settled onto the cobblestones of my little village, I felt a certain wistfulness for the simpler times. It seemed that ballet had a very real and raw energy about it back then, less polished and commercial, but full of heart. You know, sometimes you just miss the simple joy of it all!
My first stop, as always, was a grand tour of the local ballet studios. And oh, how things have changed! Ballet shoes, you see, they were a little bit different back then. No fancy new designs and funky brands! Just plain leather, beautifully handcrafted, but perhaps a little bit less forgiving on the toes!
A Trip to London
Now, off we went to the big city, London town! Thereās nothing quite like it, you know, for ballet history. We waltzed right into the Royal Opera House. You just canāt beat it! Itās simply bursting with magical moments.
To be honest, dear reader, there wasn't much ballet going on on this particular date in history! But that didnāt mean the London dance scene wasnāt buzzing with life! This was the time of bold artistic expressions, avant-garde dancers, and experimental works that questioned the very notion of ātraditionalā ballet.
The Dance Scene Was Hot!
You could sense a change in the air ā the traditional dance schools were still thriving, but a new generation of dancers was yearning for a bit more. They were ready to break the mould, experiment with new styles, and fuse dance with theatre, fashion, and even a bit of punk!
We strolled around the Covent Garden area ā and what a scene! You see, dear readers, even then there were dance performances in those amazing spaces above the market stalls. Imagine! They were just as creative, as colourful and as exciting as any fancy show! Itās really got me thinkingā¦ perhaps the real magic of ballet isn't always confined to the grand stage!
Back Home to Derbyshire!
My rucksack, by this time, was packed full of treasures ā worn out copies of Dance Magazine, photographs of experimental performances, and a few beautifully crafted dance shoes from that era. My heart just fluttered!
What to Wear
This era was truly a vibrant tapestry of fashion ā everything was a bit more colourful, with bright colours and bold prints taking centre stage. The whole look, darling, was one of free spirit and youthful energy! It wasn't just the dance style that was bold - ballet fashion embraced an attitude of rebellion.
The tutu had to stand out! They were definitely more extravagant - shorter and layered, and often decorated with sequins and ruffles. Remember, dear reader, ballet fashion is all about that "little bit extra"! I spotted a tutu so magnificent ā the kind that would truly set a stage alight! It was pink! Oh, yes, pink! The colour that always speaks to the ballerina in me! It had beautiful frills and lots and lots of tiny sparkling gems! So exquisite!
Oh, how I long for the day I get everyone wearing pink tutus! What a sight! I even collected some gorgeous, bright silk ribbons that you simply must incorporate into your own looks! It's all about that bold and fabulous edge!
Time for Another Dance!
It's been such an adventure this month, taking you back to my own dear Derbyshire, and a whirl through the exciting ballet scene in 1986 London! My head is still buzzing with the thrill of all that creative energy.
Before I go, I must share a secret! My time travel fund was truly boosted this month thanks to a very special performance I did at a little tea room right near my village! There's nothing like putting on a little show to spread some joy and earn some funding for those time travels.
Remember, my darlings, ballet isn't just about beautiful movements; it's a symphony of emotion, colour, and life! As I settle down for another night with my ballet stories, I just have one question ā how will we inspire future generations with the power of ballet? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
Love and twirls,
Emma xx
www.pink-tutu.com
