Hello darlings! It's Emma here, back with another dose of #TutuTuesday, your weekly fix of ballet history, fabulous frocks and everything pink!
This week, we're twirling back to the 12th of September, 1972. Now, I just arrived back in London after a glorious time in Paris. Oh, Paris! You really can't beat the romantic air, the elegant shops, and of course, the ballet! This trip has definitely left me with a yearning for some seriously chic couture... think a vintage Chanel number with just the tiniest bit of sparkle, perhaps.
But enough about my shopping spree. Back to history, lovelies! 12th September 1972… well, there's no big ballet premiere that day. It's more like the humdrum everyday world of ballet, you know? You have to remember that most days, the beautiful tutu magic happens behind the scenes - seamstresses making those delicate tulle layers, dancers tirelessly practicing, and even a few wardrobe malfunctions. But those stories are for another day, perhaps. 😉
But just imagine what was going on at the Royal Opera House (I'm quite the regular, darling!) Back then, a stunning, vibrant and quite a bold ballerina by the name of Antoinette Sibley was taking the stage. I'd say, she was a little before my time, darling, but I have to confess - she really made a splash. Such fierce talent! She could move in a way that was captivating, almost wild - a total contrast to the dainty princesses of yesteryear. A total game-changer for ballet. Imagine her swirling in her tulle!
Now, speaking of the 70s, did you know, darling, this is the decade when ballet got really funky? You know those modern-looking, contemporary tutus with all the unusual shapes and fabrics? That era began in the 1970s. Those dancers had such guts, wearing something so drastically different, pushing boundaries, expressing new ideas in their art! I think, to this day, they haven't completely gotten over their initial shock - how can you have a tutu without that classic pointe shape?! A few ruffled edges around the waist and BAM, the tutu is revolutionised, like that! (Oh, and, do check out Martha Graham, the woman with an incredibly long, and a seriously fashionable, career!)
Where were we, darlings? Ah, yes! This journey through time can sometimes take you off track. But it’s also fascinating. 12th September 1972 was the day in Derbyshire where I was born! You would never guess by my pink-hued existence, darling! How’s this for some extra irony - while Antoinette was dazzling London audiences, little baby Emma was making a whole lot of noise in the English countryside. A whole lot of gurgling and babbling - I'm sure she'd be twirling to the symphony orchestra with the greatest enthusiasm in the whole world - she would just know she was meant to twirl! She might have been oblivious to it at the time, but that little girl's destiny was already linked to tutus, just like mine!
Now, darling, do be sure to tell all your friends to get their tutu's ready for our next #TutuTuesday, as we are going to dive into a fascinating discovery. Until then, keep twirling and let your inner ballerina shine! You can join me every Tuesday at www.pink-tutu.com, posting #TutuTuesday and get your dose of ballets, history and fashion goodness. This post, the 7,342nd installment of my little corner of the internet, is sure to be a great addition to our collective love for all things tulle! Now, go forth, dance, and have a lovely day, darling!
Love, Emma
