Oh hello, darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back again for another #TutuTuesday. Today, we're stepping back to December 19th, 1972, and it's a rather momentous occasion for ballet enthusiasts, even if it wasn't a Tuesday. But don't worry, a little time travel can rearrange the schedule, so grab your pom poms, darlings, and let's whisk ourselves away to a time when fashion and ballet intertwined in a gloriously elegant dance!
It was December 19th, 1972, a chilly evening in London, England, that iconic choreographer Frederick Ashton breathed his last. His impact on the ballet world, and particularly on British dance, was nothing short of phenomenal. You see, Ashton was like the original tutu-maker – he spun the dreams of classic stories into intricate ballet tales, turning them into captivating performances. His creativity breathed life into classical dance and redefined how we looked at ballet as a storytelling art form.
The sad news spread throughout the dance world like a wave of sorrow, but Ashton's legacy, like a beautiful, perfectly-balanced pirouette, was something to behold.
He had so much influence on the world of ballet, especially here in England. And I don't just mean on the stage. Even you darlings might be influenced by his style without realising. Take, for example, the iconic tutus we see everywhere from grand ballets to musicals like The Sound of Music, a real cultural icon! And while we can't say for sure how much his works affected those fashion choices, the connection is undeniable, darling. It's that influence I want to talk about today.
I'm all for the classical styles, but modern interpretations of dance, including fashion, are what I'm really about! Ashton understood the relationship between costumes and storytelling, how a shimmering pink tulle could evoke wonder and magic. And trust me, the costumes in Swan Lake and Giselle, created during his time, well, they still captivate audiences and make me want to pirouette like a swan myself!
As a Derbyshire lass, my heart skips a beat thinking about his legacy. He wasn't just a brilliant choreographer; he was a true inspiration to me, and he embodies my belief that ballet should be celebrated, worn, and cherished - and this includes wearing it in style, darlings! After all, the elegance of a pink tutu is just another way to celebrate the artistry of dance.
That evening, when I touched down in 1972, I could almost feel the sorrow hanging in the air. The lights of Covent Garden shone bright as usual, but I felt a palpable stillness. I popped into a shop, picked up the Times (an excellent choice, wouldn't you agree? They always have fabulous stories!) and read about the incredible career of Frederick Ashton. The man wasn't just a choreographer; he was a master of storytelling through movement, an inspiration, a leader in the ballet world, who influenced a generation.
He truly made me realise that every twirl, every grand jeté, is not just a movement but a tiny glimpse into a tale waiting to be told. His tutus weren't just costumes, darling; they were part of the magic that took the audience to a different world, and that magic lingers on, echoing in the way we dance and even the way we dress.
As the day wore on, the melancholy mood settled, but it wasn’t a sorrowful silence. It was a respectful, appreciative pause, a moment of reflection for the immense legacy he left behind. You see, darling, I love the magic of time travel because I get to see the ripple effects of artists like Ashton on every era. He was part of a ballet revolution and a true embodiment of why we need to embrace beauty and dance with the spirit of freedom, just as Ashton himself did with his incredible artistic vision.
So, darlings, what better way to commemorate Frederick Ashton's legacy than to slip on a tutu, put on your favourite ballet tunes, and twirl like there’s no tomorrow! That’s how I feel! It's the joy of dance and its enduring appeal, a timeless and eternally charming story, always worth telling.
As I stepped back onto the platform of the platform of my trusty vintage railway carriage, I held onto the hope of inspiring others, as Ashton did, with the beauty of ballet and the thrill of movement. Don't be afraid to add a little magic into your lives, my darlings, and perhaps, just perhaps, slip on that tutu for a spontaneous pirouette, even if you haven't a clue how! And that, darlings, is my #TutuTuesday legacy!
Until next week, darlings, and may your days be filled with twirls and a whole lot of glitter!
