Hello darlings! It's Emma, your friendly neighbourhood tutu-loving time traveller, back with another #TutuTuesday journey into the wonderful world of ballet history. This week we're going all the way back to 14th January, 1969!
Now, I must admit, travelling to the 1960s wasn’t exactly my idea of a fashion dream. Thankfully, a little detour via Paris saw me decked out in a delicious lilac sequined tutu and my favourite pair of cherry red ballet flats (don’t you just love how colour always brings things together, darlings?). I mean, honestly, wouldn’t you? Who wouldn’t love to travel the world in a fluffy, pink, sequined masterpiece?!
But let's get back to the story. On this day, the ballet world was in full swing, though perhaps not in the flamboyant, shimmering style I prefer! For 14th January, 1969, saw the Bolshoi Ballet take to the stage in Moscow. And wouldn’t you know it, I was right there in the audience, swooning over every single twirl, arabesque, and jeté!
I do love a good ballet, don’t you? Nothing quite like seeing those beautifully-trained ballerinas gracefully moving across the stage, the lights reflecting off their dazzling costumes. It's magic, I tell you!
This time period, of course, saw the rise of modern ballet and the popularity of choreographers like George Balanchine. Now, while I do adore the artistry of modern ballet, there’s nothing that quite hits the spot like a classical performance, wouldn’t you say? And you know what they say about tradition…it’s what gives us those wonderfully grand costumes, the incredible sets, and the most awe-inspiring movements.
Of course, my dear readers, what really grabbed my attention was the fashion! (Naturally! What's a ballerina without a love for fashion?) The Bolshoi ballerinas wore traditional tutus in classic black or white. Now, I might be a tad partial to pink, but black and white can certainly look striking on stage! But in the audience, ladies wore a fascinating mixture of mod mini-skirts, bouffant hairstyles, and vibrant, bold coloured coats. Imagine! You could practically wear anything you wanted, and it would be considered fashionable! I certainly felt right at home!
And to think, it’s all because of the ballet! After all, what’s more inspiring than the incredible artistry, dedication and beauty on stage, from the dancers, the costumes, the sets, and the entire story they tell!
So there you have it, darling! A little bit of ballet history from 14th January 1969.
Now, I've got to dash! Time for me to hop onto a steam train back to Derbyshire and indulge in a little ballet class. And who knows where my next TutuTuesday adventure will take me? Perhaps a grand ball at Buckingham Palace? A spot on Broadway? You never know when I might pop up!
As always, thank you so much for reading my blog and, don’t forget to wear a pink tutu, if only for a moment or two! It's never too late for a touch of magic in your life, is it?!
Love, Emma, the Pink Tutu Queen!
Don’t forget to catch up with me at www.pink-tutu.com for a new #TutuTuesday ballet history post every week!
P.S. I’m just starting out as a time travelling ballerina! Do share your suggestions and ideas for my future adventures! Maybe you know about a particularly special event or performance that I should travel back in time to witness?!
