Hello, darlings! Emma here, your pink tutu-clad guide through the wonderful world of ballet history! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where every Tuesday is #TutuTuesday. It's the day we put on our most dazzling tutus and dance through the ages of this most graceful art form.
Now, strap on your dancing shoes and grab a cuppa, because today we're going on a right royal journey, taking us back toā¦ drumroll ā¦ 16th April 1963!
Before we begin, though, let me confess, this week's date isn't packed with tutus-tastic moments like some weeks are. You know, when legendary dancers were born or grand ballets premiered? This date, as fascinating as it is, isn't overflowing with that. But I find the lack of grand pronouncements fascinating!
So what did 16th April 1963 have to offer?
Well, if we are to be a little serious for a minuteā¦ on that date, the world of ballet felt the shockwaves of a major decision in Paris. The most renowned school in France, the Paris Opera Ballet School, closed its doors, undergoing a massive change! Imagine a world without the Paris Opera! For our world, the French tradition of ballet was a huge influence! They created the pointe shoes we know and love, they made so many gorgeous, romantic ballets ā they just have such a history! Imagine how that would have affected the world of ballet as we know it!
Think about all the wonderful French ballets we've enjoyed! From Giselle to La BayadĆØre, The Sleeping Beauty and beyond, all that historyā¦ they all have Parisian roots.
Thankfully, the closure wasn't a permanent one. The school reopened, rejuvenated and even better than before, continuing to contribute to the artistic fabric of ballet, so breathe a collective sigh of relief, my dears! But 16th April 1963 served as a stark reminder of the fragile nature of tradition and the impact even seemingly small events can have on this amazing world.
Right, onto brighter things! Let's talk about style! Where does 16th April 1963 take us on our fashion adventure? Think bouffant hairdos! I'm talking serious beehives and lots and lots of hairspray! Fashion was pretty dramatic at this time ā huge full skirts, cinched waists, lots of colorā¦ just divine.
Of course, tutus remained central to the dance world and that brings us to a special treat! There's this stunning photograph in The Times newspaper from the same date featuring ballerinas from the Royal Ballet, totally rocking their tutus. They're practising for a ballet called āThe Seven Deadly Sins.ā This picture, just overflowing with classic tutu loveliness, is a true treasure!
So, although 16th April 1963 wasnāt exactly overflowing with ballet history events - those grand, show-stopping momentsā¦ itās actually the absence of a "ballet-defining momentā that's so interesting. It helps us remember that ballet is, and has always been, an ever-changing form of art. Sometimes even seemingly small happenings can shape it's journey, and remind us to enjoy each performance like a gift, precious because it may not last forever!
But letās not end on such a sombre note. We are here to have fun and talk tutus. I'll be honest, darlings, I couldn't help myself.
A tutu story? It was impossible to resist, and what story isn't more entertaining than the one I discovered during my recent jaunt on the rails from Derby to London? My train was unexpectedly delayed, and boredom threatened to strike, when ā in a flash of tulle and inspiration, I popped into a fabric store right by the station. The owner, bless his soul, let me browse, and wow ā did I find some gorgeous fabrics! I picked up some gossamer-soft tulle thatās so dreamy it's practically begging to be twirled in, and Iām totally thinking up designs as we speak! Youāve been warned! Expect pictures next week.
Donāt forget, ballet, and pink tutus, are truly universal. They can connect people no matter their backgrounds, so letās all embrace their joy! Remember, there is a ballerina within each and every one of you ā waiting to burst into bloom. I hope you all enjoy your tutus, darling. Remember, it's never too late to start learning and enjoying the beauty and grace of this remarkable art. Until next Tuesday! And donāt forget, you can find me at www.pink-tutu.com, so donāt be shy!
Have a beautiful, dance-filled week, dears. Sending all my love,
Emma xx
