Bonjour, darling Tutu Twirlers!
It’s me, Emma, your favourite pink tutu-loving, time-travelling ballerina, back with another edition of #TutuTuesday!
This week's voyage takes us to a glorious, vibrant July 30th, 1963, smack-dab in the heart of the magical world of ballet!
I’m back in London town, the heart of the theatrical world and the perfect place to bask in all things tulle! Did you know, in 1963, London had the Royal Ballet, Sadler's Wells Ballet and the Ballet Rambert - they were truly making waves in the ballet world. I even snuck into Covent Garden to catch a show. The theatre was buzzing with anticipation, everyone swathed in their finest finery, ready for an evening of graceful pirouettes and leaps. It was pure magic!
*Speaking of magic… did you know that the very same day, a most amazing ballet production was premiering? * It was called "The Firebird" by the Royal Ballet! Now, picture this: a swirling, mystical tale of a firebird and the power of love, set against a stunning backdrop of fire and colour.
Oh my, my… I felt the energy of the show right down to my little pink toes!
This was an era of fabulous and intricate ballet costumes, and those ballet slippers were something to behold! Ballet clothing then was so refined. Those delicate ballerina skirts and beautiful bodices were so exquisite - so much artistry poured into them. This really sparks inspiration in a pink-tutu-loving gal like me, wouldn't you say?
As I pirouette through the London streets, it's impossible not to feel a thrill, to be right in the centre of it all, surrounded by all the vibrant excitement of the arts and creativity that defined London in 1963. The Londoners just exuded confidence, a feeling that's almost impossible to resist! They really know how to rock those tailored suits and smart dresses, and the ladies in London just oozed elegance - they had it going on! And a bold lip was the absolute key to pulling it all together, making them feel totally sassy.
Speaking of sass, I must tell you about my lovely escapade at a very unique department store called Harrods.
Oh my heavens, what a spectacle! Harrods had everything my heart could ever desire: the finest fashion, perfumes, accessories, and it seemed like all of London had the same idea. It was packed! There were gentlemen dressed in sharp, impeccably tailored suits, ladies clad in perfectly styled dresses, children whizzing through the aisles on a sugar high, and me... well, me in my adorable pink tutu and a massive grin, of course. I can honestly say, that department store had a most magnificent shoe department, which is certainly no surprise because they have such a big, international ballet crowd to please! They even had some exquisite, bespoke dance shoes from a company called ‘Frederick’s of Hollywood!’
Harrods was an explosion of creativity and I soaked up every last bit of fashion inspiration, making mental notes for all of my future costume ideas! And my goodness, you could find just about any ballet book there too - which was brilliant for an aspiring dancer like myself.
But let’s face it, a girl needs to keep moving and groove, right?
So, after a few hours in that glamorous Harrods heaven, I ventured out, a true whirlwind of twirling through the buzzing city of London. With the smell of freshly brewed tea lingering in the air, and Londoners of all shapes and sizes rushing about, there was so much vibrant life and energy to be found, all so completely charming, just like the fashion. I even witnessed some of the cutest vintage London double-decker buses I have ever laid eyes upon. It's amazing to be part of a place where fashion is always evolving and never stops dazzling.
But what really brings it home for me are those iconic images of all those gorgeous ballet ballerinas who inspired a generation and brought magic to the world of dance. Think about the famous ballerinas from the era like Margot Fonteyn, and the legendary, beautiful Svetlana Beriosova. Their style was always so elegant. And who can forget the charming British ballet dancer, Moira Shearer. She's a star! And what made it all the more fascinating was the mix of new dancers and the experienced ones – the sheer joy of a seamless collaboration brought to life with incredible technique and a kind of elegant magic you could only find in a beautiful ballet.
Let me tell you, a tutu-loving time-traveler can get very attached to the glamour and grace that defines ballet. Oh, it’s been such an adventure. As I make my way back to my own time, it feels like a bittersweet feeling leaving that era. But, never you fear, there are more stories, more vintage inspirations to be discovered in my blog. Stay tuned, darlings, for my next journey through time - because, the world of #TutuTuesday has got a lot of adventures in store!
Remember, the next time you see a ballet dancer grace the stage in their elegant tutu, remember these magical stories and the history behind those graceful moves. Every twist and turn tells a tale, every pirouette speaks a language we all understand - the language of love, grace and beauty, made perfect by tutus, the essence of dance!
See you next Tuesday! Don’t forget to keep your pink tutus ready and twirling, and let me know your thoughts!
**Love and twirls,
Emma xx**
*P.S. Keep an eye out for new blog posts, the #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History Blog is going to be so fun! *
*P.P.S. Have you caught the #PinkTutuFever yet? Get involved and share your favourite pink tutu adventures and memories on the www.pink-tutu.com website. *
*P.P.P.S. This post marks a milestone: number 6866 on my Ballet Tutu History blog - let's keep those #TutuTuesdays going! *
