Hello my darlings! It's Emma here, your pink tutu-loving time-travelling ballerina, back with another post from the glamorous depths of my magical world! This month, my darling Magic Meg, my sparkling pink Shire horse, whisked us all the way back to 1958! It's post number 4772, a rather large number I must admit, which shows just how long I've been traversing through time and spreading the joy of pink tutus!
This trip, my heart was set on seeing what ballet was like in the glorious 50s. And let me tell you, it was an absolute dream! The colours, the designs, the movements - everything was just so elegant and captivating! Oh, I had to restrain myself from getting up and twirling along! But I promise, I made up for it later in a private practice session, my lovely tutu swirling around me, filled with all the wonderful inspiration I had gleaned. 💖
Imagine this: It's the opening night of the Royal Ballet in Covent Garden. The theatre itself is a sight to behold, its grandeur oozing history and charm. All around me, people in glittering gowns and dashing suits are bustling, filled with the excitement of a night out at the ballet. The energy was so tangible, you could practically taste it!
As the music started, a hush fell over the crowd. Then, as the lights dimmed, the curtain rose, revealing the dancers in their breathtaking costumes. The costumes were exquisite, all beautifully tailored, with soft fabrics, lace, and a touch of colour, all beautifully enhancing the choreography. This was ballet as it was meant to be – a symphony of movements and colours, graceful and powerful, filled with passion and elegance.
You know I can't resist a good ballet shopping spree! I popped into a quaint little haberdashery nestled in the heart of London. It was bursting with an array of fabrics – silks, satins, velvets, and even a few shimmery sequined fabrics, perfect for creating my very own 50s-inspired pink tutu. This little gem of a shop is definitely going on my time-travel map! 💖
Oh, and what was on the world stage in ballet in August of 1958? Let me share some of the highlights!
- Margot Fonteyn: The iconic British ballerina graced the stages of Covent Garden and even embarked on a tour of the US, where she captivated audiences with her grace and artistry. It was an incredible privilege to see her in action, the very essence of grace and power combined.
- The Royal Ballet: This company was thriving, presenting some of the most influential works of the era. In August 1958, they premiered "Ondine," a masterpiece choreographed by Frederick Ashton with music by Hans Werner Henze. I couldn't resist taking a peak at this historic production! The story of the water nymph, the delicate movements of the dancers, it was truly magical!
- "The Sleeping Beauty" - The Ballet Classic: Yes, my darlings! The classic "Sleeping Beauty" by Marius Petipa is still captivating audiences with its enchanting story, spectacular sets and dazzling costumes. In 1958, the Royal Ballet presented "Sleeping Beauty," starring the iconic ballerina Margot Fonteyn! Oh, my darlings! I watched it with tears in my eyes – pure enchantment!
Oh, and wouldn't you know it, during this trip I met a lovely, young ballerina named Anne! She's a gifted dancer with a heart full of dreams and a passion for pink. Yes, she just happened to be wearing a lovely pink tutu when we met! So excited to see her perform, and oh, I bought her some of those beautiful 1958 fabrics! Maybe a bit of a mismatch but it was just so enchanting! She loved it!
The 50s were a golden age for ballet, and I felt so lucky to be able to experience it all! The energy, the beauty, the passion, it was like a dream come true. Oh, and you know I couldn't leave without adding a few bits and bobs to my collection! A beautiful hand-painted tutu sketch, a couple of exquisite vintage programmes, and a precious snippet of a ballet interview about a dancer called Margot. (A real legend, you know!). I simply love the ballet history and I can't wait to learn more on my next journey.
And you know what? My lovely pink tutu found a way into this trip as well! A new dress shop opened in 1958, and to my surprise, they were using pink tutu fabric to accentuate their glamorous designs! It's all coming together, you see? I really am going to get everyone wearing a pink tutu, one ballet trip at a time!
I'll be back next month with more time travel tales. Till then, happy dancing and spread the love for all things pink! And be sure to pop by www.pink-tutu.com! I love reading your comments and seeing you all wearing pink tutus! You’re just beautiful!💖
