Welcome back to my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog, my dearest tutu-lovers! This week, we're taking a trip back to a time when the ballet world was buzzing with excitement. It's the 18th of March 1952, and you know what that means?
It's the day the phenomenal, the dazzling, the utterly iconic Margot Fonteyn took to the stage! Can you believe it? We're talking about one of the most celebrated ballerinas of all time, the very definition of grace and elegance, and it's her birthday! Now, if that doesn't make you want to spin, I don't know what will.
Of course, I couldn't let this momentous occasion pass without giving you a little glimpse into Margot's incredible career. She began dancing at a tender age and, let me tell you, this little Derbyshire lass (me! 😊) is no stranger to the power of dreams and dedication, having travelled all this way on my tutu-powered train.
And while you might be thinking about how much a ballerina's life must be like dancing on clouds (which, I can't lie, is mostly true, though a bit more demanding!), Margot's life wasn't all sweetness and light. Her career was punctuated with incredible triumphs, but it also saw challenges, just like many dancers face even today. But like a true star, she battled on.
You see, the story of ballet is one of resilience, and just as we’re here today celebrating a birthday of a legend, we should also celebrate every step, every struggle, every dream made real, every time we raise those pink tutus and twirl our way through life.
What else happened on the 18th March 1952?
Besides the absolute wonder of Margot's arrival in this world, 1952 was an era of great change, so it wasn't just ballet captivating hearts and minds.
Remember "I Love Lucy?" The first episode aired that year! (Who knew Lucy would become such an icon for her chaotic escapades - talk about a perfect mix of slapstick and pure fun.) But you know what? I bet those costumes would have looked even better in pink, don't you think? 😜
And Elizabeth II became Queen the very same year! History! Let’s take a moment to acknowledge her majesty, but I bet we're all thinking: what about a Pink Coronation gown? A truly spectacular way to make a statement! Wouldn't that be a vision?
The Royal Ballet - where it all began!
Back to the ballet world, let's jump a little earlier in history to the year 1950 - This year, the Royal Ballet took the world by storm (or should I say the Covent Garden by storm!). They even got their very own royal title, can you believe that?! The Royal Ballet became a powerhouse, attracting some of the most incredible dancers of the century, and who could forget its amazing founder - Dame Ninette de Valois, a woman who quite frankly redefined dance for the nation!
But just think about how thrilling it would have been for someone in the audience, watching this history-making ballet! To feel that kind of energy and excitement… you just can't compare it to anything else. (That's why I make a point to get myself to every ballet show and performance I can - the thrill is absolutely exhilarating).
It is this sense of energy and passion, my darlings, that gets us all through the ups and downs of life. We learn about these ballet legends because they inspire us - to dance, to be bold, and, above all, to embrace that pink tutu-love that lives in each and every one of us!
I’ll see you next week for another trip into the glorious world of the tutu!
Till then, keep spinning, keep twirling, and remember - never underestimate the power of a little pink.
Lots of love, Emma.
TutuTuesday #BalletHistory #PinkPower #MargotFonteyn #RoyalBallet #PinkTutusForever 💕💖🩰