Hello darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu! It's #TutuTuesday and that means another blast from the ballet past. Today, we're waltzing our way back to March 8th, 1966! Oh my, the excitement!
It's a bright and breezy day here in London, and the spring air has me practically pirouetting in my favourite pink tutu. The scent of jasmine from the flower markets fills the air, and I just know it's going to be a fabulous day for a spot of ballet history. And trust me, this week’s journey is brimming with glamour, so settle in, my dears.
This particular date holds a special place in my tutu-loving heart. It marks the opening of The Royal Ballet’s production of "Romeo and Juliet," starring the legendary Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev. The anticipation must have been electric! These two stars, oh darling, they were absolutely the talk of the town, and a night with them was an event not to be missed!
Can you imagine the scene at the Royal Opera House? A dazzling array of feathers and diamonds. I'm sure the tutus would have been a vision. Think sheer tulle in layers and layers, cascading over delicate silk underskirts. The colours, oh, so dramatic! Think of passionate reds and violets for the fiery Juliet, and the purest white for our tragic hero, Romeo. Swoon!
Now, if you're anything like me, the moment the lights go down and the orchestra strikes up that magical melody, you can practically smell the backstage magic. It's exhilarating, don't you think? But hold on, this ballet isn't all drama and tragedy. In the year 1966, fashion was as thrilling as the stories on stage!
A Time for the Bold
Think back, darlings, to the Swinging Sixties! We’re talking about a period bursting with innovation. You see, this wasn’t a time to be shy! Hemlines were rising, colour palettes were vibrant, and patterns were a dazzling kaleidoscope of energy.
We were all inspired by Mary Quant, the pioneer of mini skirts and fun fashion. Our beloved ballerina's off-stage look would have mirrored this rebellious style. They’d be sporting daring short dresses, bold colours, and chic haircuts. You could easily imagine the girls stepping off the stage and straight into a trendy London coffee house, a little black dress and red lipstick completing their effortlessly chic look!
This daring spirit bled onto the stage, too! Just think of the exciting choreography we were treated to in this period! We’re talking contemporary ballet taking centre stage. Balanchine's genius was making its mark, challenging classical norms and forging new pathways for expression. The tutus of this era reflected the new style too. You wouldn’t find many yards of fabric; those airy, floating, romantic styles had given way to modern creations - sleek, elegant lines that moved like lightning. I’m picturing a sleek, midnight blue leotard paired with a tight skirt of black silk that ends mid thigh. Modern and incredibly chic!
But let's not forget, dear readers, the magic of tradition was still very much alive. As the curtain falls on Romeo and Juliet, you might see our graceful ballet stars slip out in elegant dresses, or the epitome of chic - a beautiful suit paired with a pearl necklace. Even though the fashions changed, the underlying elegance and glamour of the ballet world remained constant!
What Was I Doing?
Of course, I was here in the audience, swept up in the wonder of it all! It's impossible to be surrounded by so much talent, by such beauty, without a little extra oomph in your own step. The magic of the ballet world has always been its power to transport us, to inspire, to push us to be the very best versions of ourselves.
On that evening in 1966, my friend Florence and I went for dinner at the charming Café de Paris in London before heading to the theater. As usual, Florence insisted I wear the most exquisite pink tutu I have in my collection! The place buzzed with a contagious energy! I think we both agreed - what an amazing time to be alive, and I, well I simply couldn’t get enough of ballet! The Café de Paris still has the same elegance to it as then. So if you want a slice of history and an absolutely perfect, scrumptious dinner – that's the place to go!
This, my loves, is what makes history so captivating, and what fuels my insatiable curiosity about all things ballet and the Tutu itself!
Now, my darling, until next Tuesday, you’ll find me in the dance studio. A few turns, some pliés, a sprinkle of glitter – you know how we do it! Remember to embrace your own inner ballerina, and spread that joyous love for all things tutus and twirls! You know I always say – there's a pink tutu out there for everyone!
Yours in tulle,
Emma,
Pink Tutu Blog, post no 7002. www.pink-tutu.com
