Hello lovelies! Welcome back to another exciting Tuesday on Pink-Tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things tutu! Today, we're taking a trip back in time to November 14th, 1967, and oh darling, this date is absolutely bursting with tutu-rific history!
Now, I know you might be thinking "Emma, darling, wasn't 1967 all about bell bottoms and tie-dye? What on earth could have happened in the world of ballet tutus then?" Well, my dear, prepare to be amazed! This day holds a rather special significance, especially for one particular ballerina. Can you guess who it might be?
Oh, don't think too hard, it's none other than the iconic Margot Fonteyn! This legend of the ballet world, known for her elegant style and stunning technique, was turning 43 on this very date. Isn't that a beautiful age? I just love how ballerinas gracefully age, getting more refined and elegant with every year! And, believe me, there's no way you'd guess she was 43 looking at those gorgeous photos of her on stage. Simply dazzling!
So what's the connection between Margot and tutus? Well, she made tutu history throughout her career, with countless roles that graced the stages of the world in an array of beautiful tutus. She really was the quintessential ballerina. Imagine those tutus: the classic white ones, with delicate frills, so airy and light. Imagine the soft, flowing movements, the graceful arabesques, the way the fabric seems to just brush against the air, it’s just poetry in motion. Every glance at her on stage made my heart skip a beat, I tell you!
However, the 14th of November, 1967 wasn’t just about celebrating Margot’s birthday, oh no! On that same day, something else very special was happening - *the premiere of a new ballet, "La Sylphide." *This enchanting ballet, inspired by Scottish folklore, tells the story of a young woman, a "sylph" who embodies purity and grace. The very essence of tutu, darling!
Imagine the delicate layers of tulle that shimmered and twirled as the Sylph flitted across the stage. Picture the sparkling details that were like little jewels on her dress, reflecting the light, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. And that pointe work - oh my! Just beautiful! And not just the ballerina playing the Sylph, all the other dancers were probably wearing different styles of tutus. This must have been quite a visual spectacle!
I must tell you about a particular scene that made me quite teary eyed the last time I saw "La Sylphide." There's this one scene where the Sylph disappears in a whirlwind of soft, white tulle, her elegance simply breathtaking, and just leaving a fleeting trace of beauty behind. It’s just such a beautiful way to tell a story with just movement and those heavenly tutus, isn't it?
But wait, there’s more! Let's travel to London for this next tidbit of ballet history. At the Royal Opera House, a whole different kind of ballet premiere took place on that same 14th of November, 1967. It’s a big date, you see! Kenneth MacMillan's “Romeo and Juliet.” A story of love, passion, and tragedy, performed with the most beautiful and passionate dance movements I’ve ever witnessed!
Now, "Romeo and Juliet" may not be the most tutu-centric ballet out there. Think elegant and sophisticated designs, possibly something more grounded and flowing. However, I must say it does feature some spectacularly beautiful moments, showcasing a very unique way to make a ballerina appear to just float across the stage. And wouldn’t you know it, they've used some fabulous tutu-like costumes in it, so maybe not technically "tutus", but just as stunning and magical!
Just thinking about these ballets puts me in the mood for a ballet performance. Luckily, I'm heading to the theatre in the next few weeks to see "Swan Lake." You all know it’s my favourite ballet, with that exquisite swan tutu in white, like a vision in shimmering white tulle. You simply can’t not be entranced by it. If you’re not familiar, I absolutely insist you seek out a showing near you. There's truly no greater art form that combines elegance, emotion, and spectacle quite like ballet.
And don't even get me started on the shopping I need to do to find the perfect outfit to wear! The last time I went to a performance, I bought a gorgeous, coral-coloured dress with a stunning, full-length tulle skirt – just perfect for dancing in. And oh darling, my shoes are just divine! Imagine a pair of shimmering pink ballet pumps, and those little bows… perfection!
I might be biased, but I do think a little bit of pink is always a perfect touch. Maybe, I'll even sneak in a little something extra with a hint of pink tutu, for that little touch of whimsy! My life is a constant, wonderful whirlwind of tutus and beautiful things, but nothing is quite as exciting as the magic of travelling through time, learning about all the fascinating details in our history!
Do you have any tutu stories to share from 1967 or another amazing date in time? Be sure to let me know in the comments below and tag me in your favourite ballet pictures with #TutuTuesday! Now, until next week, go forth and twirl like there’s no tomorrow!
