Hello my gorgeous ballet bunnies! Emma here, your pink-tutu-clad time-travelling blogger, and as you all know, October is a special time for me! October is the month for cobwebs, crackling fires, and oh-so-lovely ballet season! This year, dear friends, I’m taking you on a journey back to October 1995. Fasten your pink tiaras, dust off your dancing shoes, and let's gallop back in time on the back of my glorious Magic Meg – she's looking positively radiant today, don't you think? Her coat glistens with pink sparkles, and her golden hooves just catch the light, she's a true vision of grace and strength!
I've packed my trusty leather rucksack with some notebooks, my sketchpad (just in case a new ballet costume inspires me), and of course, a special sparkly pink feather for good luck – you never know when you might need to make a wish!
Now, back to our 1995 time jump.
Let's delve into the world of ballet! What was happening in October of 1995?
First off, let's head to London's Royal Opera House. The month was buzzing with The Nutcracker! The iconic festive ballet was already warming hearts and getting everyone into the festive spirit. A touch of magic in the air, and perhaps, a touch of snow - even though the skies were, according to the old-fashioned weather forecast I checked on the way, mostly clear! The London crowd loved it, and everyone from little ballerinas to distinguished ballet patrons were enthralled.
Speaking of little ballerinas – Darcey Bussell, a shining star, was in the midst of captivating audiences with her breathtaking performances! Such talent, such elegance. It's a real honour to be in the same time as such a ballet goddess. Did you know she'd danced with The Royal Ballet since 1988, already a long-standing presence!
Over in New York City, it's all about the New York City Ballet! This October, the company's dancers, always impeccably elegant and graceful, were giving audiences an incredible dose of their Balanchine* repertoire! You see, 1995 saw a major celebration of Mr. Balanchine's artistry. Now that's what I call a dance sensation! The sheer precision, the artistic skill, it’s a ballet dream!
I could never travel to any era without experiencing the magic of a ballet class! So of course, I found a studio – they called them dance studios back then, just a touch less sparkly! They seemed rather traditional compared to the modern dance studios in my time, but that just makes the vintage vibe even more charming. Oh, and did I mention, ballet tights were black? It feels strange not having pink tights under my tutu!
Anyway, I got to observe these fabulous dancers, full of enthusiasm and dedication! It’s always inspiring to see a dance class, that dedication, that passion. You see it in their faces, and in every step. Truly amazing, and it warms the cockles of my heart.
Let’s talk fashion, shall we? Because darling, what's a ballet time-travelling journey without some stylish finds?! My notebook's bursting with notes and sketches – I’m always inspired by ballet fashion! From the ballerina’s pointe shoes to their extravagant tutus, there’s always something magnificent and enchanting. In 1995, I discovered something fascinating: tutus were HUGE! Yes, darling, they were seriously voluminous, cascading with layers of fabric like magical clouds. You’ll find photos in my blog, they’re so grand, so regal, so perfect. Just a little different from the slightly more streamlined tutus we wear these days. Don’t worry though, I always manage to make the styles from the era look utterly amazing with a dash of my own pink flair. And remember, my ultimate mission: to get everyone wearing pink tutus! So many of my pink creations from this era, which is why I spent days studying ballet costumes! It really got my creative juices flowing!
Now, imagine this, dear friends. I’ve stumbled upon a real gem – a vintage ballet school. A true little treasure nestled away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Stepping inside felt like taking a journey back in time. It was beautiful – light flooded in from high, arched windows. Inside, rows upon rows of dancing shoes and tights filled the cupboards. The place smelled faintly of wood polish and powder. My pink tutu might not have been the usual attire for their lessons but you know me – I made an instant impact. Everyone was so kind and happy to see me! My imagination went into overdrive with every glance I cast over their worn wooden floors and faded pink posters, the very essence of graceful femininity.
And speaking of vintage – I came across the most incredible find in the world of ballet! A 1930s Ballet Shoes book tucked away on a bookshelf! This darling book had everything - from history to tutorials on how to make your own ballet shoes, it was full of precious details and wonderful advice for dancers!
Back in my own time, you’ll find me indulging in ballet shopping at my favourite shops in Derbyshire! Of course, it's only fair that I support our own fantastic ballet shops, right?! From gorgeous tutus in every colour imaginable – pink being my personal favourite, to glittering ballet shoes in all the hues you can dream of, these stores are my go-to destinations! I have a special soft spot for vintage dance stores too. It's all about finding a unique little gem in that shop full of musty tutus and old shoes - like the ones I found in 1995!
I hope you've enjoyed this trip through the enchanting month of October 1995. Don't forget to come back next month for more exciting adventures. Until then, remember – "dance like nobody's watching"! And darling, don’t forget, your dream starts with a single pink tutu.
Lots of love,
Emma xx
