Hello, darlings! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com and another #TutuTuesday, where we delve into the fascinating history of the tutu. Today, we're hopping on a time-traveling train (did I tell you I'm utterly obsessed with those grand old carriages, especially the dining ones!) to land us in a particularly exciting moment for ballet, 16th August, 1966!
Now, you might be thinking "Emma, what could possibly be so special about August 1966?" Well, hold on to your pink pom-poms, my dears, because today we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of a true ballet masterpiece - "La Bayadere!"
Yes, yes, you're thinking of the famous "Kingdom of the Shades" scene, that stunning, ethereal ballet moment we all adore! Think long flowing white tutus, perfectly executed arabesques and a grand finale that just leaves us wanting more, more, more!
Oh, my dears! That "Kingdom of the Shades" scene, that glorious vision of white chiffon tutus with their sweeping lines and beautiful flow... it all started on this very date! "La Bayadère" was originally premiered in 1877 at the Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg, but its 50th anniversary revival in 1966 saw that legendary "Kingdom of the Shades" scene reach a whole new level of adoration! The ballerina Maya Plisetskaya, who I'm quite certain you all adore, brought the scene to life with breathtaking precision.
Oh, that "La Bayadere" revival... it truly cemented the tutu's place in history! The sheer magic, the drama, the grace... it just sets my tutu twirling heart aflutter! It's just proof that a little bit of tulle can truly go a long way.
And what's even more wonderful about this little blast from the past, is that we can all relive this magical moment! A visit to the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow would do the trick nicely - or better still, make a trip down to Covent Garden in London - I promise it's well worth the travel expenses. They always stage a spectacular performance!
Speaking of performances... what was on my list for August 16th, 1966? Well, my darlings, I must confess, the allure of seeing "La Bayadère" was too strong! A trip to St Petersburg - oh, those train journeys across Europe, the excitement of reaching a new destination...and who wouldn't want to be surrounded by those beautiful buildings, the rich history...
Just picture it, dear readers, the splendor, the spectacle, the grace...it makes me yearn for the past...
My day out began in style, of course. After all, it wouldn't be a proper trip to the ballet without a little wardrobe indulgence, right? So, I skipped off to the famous Harrods department store in London. They were truly a wonderland for a fashionable ballet enthusiast, a perfect place to get my outfit right.
Let's face it, what else was going to adorn this darling little body? I needed the absolute perfect tutu!
Oh, how those colours were dancing in front of my eyes! Such a beautiful selection... But you see, pink just does something to me - I just can't help myself! There it was, in the perfect shade of baby pink - the answer to all my tutu wishes! Not too frilly, but with the right touch of delicate romance.
With my ballet dream dress in hand, I grabbed a cab to Covent Garden - nothing says "theatre bound" more than a glamorous pink tutu, don't you think?
Imagine this scene, dear readers, if you will...
A flurry of activity, a symphony of sounds that were music to my ears...and I could barely take it all in, because there I was, standing amongst the crowds, mesmerized by the magic of ballet. And the tutu, my pink ballet friend? She held up perfectly in that grand theater, swaying to the rhythm of each dance, twirling along with my heart. It just makes me think - tutus can go anywhere, from Covent Garden to your very own living room, and still look every bit as glamorous! They truly make magic wherever they land.
Now, to get us all on the same wavelength, what better way to close our #TutuTuesday than with a little "La Bayadere" inspiration?
Just pop these keywords in your search bar, and prepare to have your breath taken away: La Bayadere, Maya Plisetskaya, Kingdom of the Shades, Bolshoi Theatre. I can assure you, you'll find plenty to marvel at, and get swept away in the romance of a good old fashioned ballet. And remember, don't forget the tulle, my darlings!
Until next time, keep on twirling!
Love, Emma.
