Hey loves! Emma here, back from another time-traveling escapade, ready to sprinkle some Tutu magic all over your Tuesday. This week we're twirling back to December 12th, 1972, for a little ballet history adventure! Now, don't worry, darling, it won't be a stuffy old lecture. It'll be a glamorous, glittering peek into the past with your favourite pink tutu-wearing guide!
Firstly, let's talk about the big news of the day. Just a month earlier, the British public got to experience the thrill of watching the Royal Ballet performing Swan Lake at the Royal Opera House! Oh my gosh, imagine, the graceful swans, the dashing prince, the stunning choreography - I would have given anything to have been there! My dear friend Beatrice was lucky enough to go. She told me the performance was absolutely spectacular. I'm so envious of those lucky souls who witnessed such brilliance!
This is a great time for ballet in general, actually. It feels like the whole world is enthralled by the magic of movement, and we have the wonderful Rudolf Nureyev to thank for much of that. He was everywhere back then! You’d catch glimpses of his dashing good looks on the cover of every magazine, and his performances were talked about endlessly. He even helped set a world record on December 9th when he and Margot Fonteyn performed Swan Lake at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden - they had a mind-boggling 4,500 members of the audience!
I can just imagine the whole opera house buzzing with anticipation, everyone dressed up in their finest frocks, maybe even a little bit of pink peeking through (you know I'm always looking for an excuse to sport some of that divine colour!). Oh, how I long to be transported back to that exciting moment in time!
Now, let's talk about tutus themselves! In the 1970s, they really were a big statement, especially on the stage. Back then, ballet wasn’t quite the same as it is today, darling. While the movements are still divine, the fashion choices on the stage are a bit different. Gone are the sleek, contemporary styles, replaced with grand, romantic and classic lines. The tutu, as you know, is the cornerstone of the grand-jetee-all-day-long style that was so popular at the time. The more poofy the better, really!
What does the world look like out there in terms of tutus? I bet they are really pretty and fluffy on the ballet stage. And we wouldn't be talking about these beautiful creations without those amazing fabric shops! Have you seen those exquisite silks? Those velvety satins? These are the things that inspire a real tutu. It's not all about looking elegant though; you've got to be comfortable as you dance too, otherwise you’re bound to have a few disastrous performances! A great ballet tutu is one that’s both elegant and comfortable and moves as well as you do, trust me on this one!
For a good tutu to perform in you really have to have great skills, skills I’m always trying to refine! This week I'm getting back to my routine with lots of rehearsals and going to the classes of the National Ballet School in London. I simply have to see if I’ve made any progress!
It’s going to be great seeing what everyone is up to! All my friends know, there’s nothing I love more than catching a great ballet performance, followed by a nice afternoon tea - there's a lovely spot right near the National Ballet School that serves delicious scones. And, of course, all this is in a fantastic shop for all the latest ballet accessories! Nothing beats a spot of ballet-inspired retail therapy.
Until next week, darling! And remember, whether you're in a sparkly dress or a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, don't forget your most important accessory: confidence! Remember, if you've got a dream, a plan, and a heart full of pink tutu power, you can accomplish anything!
Happy Twirling!
Your Pink-Tutu-Wearing, Time-Travelling Guide, Emma x