Hey beautiful people!
It's Emma, back again from the fabulous realm of pink tutus and shimmering stage lights, ready to take you on another enchanting journey through Christmas ballet history. Today, we're time-travelling to 1980!
The magic of Christmas Ballet
There’s something truly magical about a Christmas ballet. It's the warmth of the season mixed with the grace and elegance of ballet, all wrapped up in the spirit of festive cheer. Just picturing the shimmering snowflakes of 'The Nutcracker' falling onto a sparkling Christmas tree, or the delicate waltz of the sugarplum fairy... I could be transported right into the heart of that beautiful ballet scene in seconds!
This year we're celebrating 1980 – the year my beautiful tutu collection started growing in earnest! It was a vibrant time for ballet, with a mix of traditional classics and daring new interpretations that captivated audiences across the globe.
A Look Back at the Ballet World of 1980
Let’s delve a little deeper into the world of ballet fashion, shall we? In 1980, tutus were definitely having a moment. Ballet dancers were absolutely embracing the bold styles.
Ballet fashion: Remember those big, full tutus of the 60s? They were starting to be phased out. In 1980, the 'new' tutu style was coming in – more elegant, romantic and soft. This meant more fluidity and grace in movement, which was just stunning! There was also a rise in contemporary dance, with bold, free-flowing costumes reflecting this shift in style. It's no surprise the era brought us some absolutely incredible choreography. I can only imagine seeing Mikhail Baryshnikov dance 'The Nutcracker' with his famous blend of precision and athleticism. The image just has me absolutely starry-eyed!
Show time! The big draw of the year was the Royal Ballet's revival of 'Giselle' at Covent Garden. The dance world buzzed about this! Imagine – the legendary Margot Fonteyn sharing the stage with the emerging star, Natalia Makarova. That must have been a truly historic moment!
Across the pond, America was captivated by the 'Peter Martins Dance Company', where Balanchine's choreographic genius was really brought to life. Can you picture this - dancers in their beautiful costumes – so elegant, yet so modern – performing in a setting so breathtaking it would take your breath away.
Ballet at the Theatre Royal in Derby
Back in my home town of Derbyshire, England, life at the Theatre Royal in Derby was bursting with the magic of the Christmas ballet. They were staging the iconic 'Nutcracker' every year. I can just imagine those young ballet students, eyes sparkling, playing the mice and soldiers, with the seasoned professionals portraying the characters I fell in love with from the very beginning. Every time I think about those twinkling Christmas lights on the stage, the beauty and innocence of that performance still fills my heart.
My own Tutu Journey: 1980 & the Pink Tutu Era Begins
Now, you may be asking – "Emma, where was you in all this?"
I was a little girl with a love for ballet, already hooked on the world of tutus and shows, my little pink heart already brimming with love for ballet. But you know, in 1980 my love affair with pink tutus truly began. My dad surprised me with the most beautiful pink tutu. Oh, the memory makes me sigh with happy anticipation! I remember it was fluffy and sparkly with shimmering layers of delicate tulle that caught the light so beautifully.
Of course, I immediately wore that pink tutu absolutely everywhere! Dancing in the living room, practicing with my ballet teacher at the local school – the joy! It's that tutu, that joy I experienced that continues to fuel my desire to share my love of pink tutus with the world!
Pink tutus and Street Ballet: Bringing Christmas Magic to the Streets
Now, since we're celebrating Christmas, how can I resist bringing the magic of Christmas ballet to the streets? This year, you know what I'm doing? I'll be dancing outside the Royal Ballet in a shimmering pink tutu with my special Christmas routine.
You want a bit of pink magic in your Christmas this year? Come and join me! It’s the perfect way to share that magical spirit and create those joyful memories.
Looking to the Future of Christmas Ballet:
The world of ballet is a kaleidoscope of artistic talent and enduring tradition. Even though times have changed so much since 1980, the joy, wonder and pure artistry of ballet still continues to enchant generations of dancers, audiences and those dreamy little girls with their hearts full of tutus and pink magic.
I know this journey of Christmas ballet history continues for each one of us – especially now with online streams showing shows all over the world! This Christmas, let's embrace those cherished Christmas ballets and celebrate the joy of dance.
Now, off you go, my loves, and enjoy the Christmas ballet magic!
Lots of pink tutu love,
Emma
* www.pink-tutu.com*
PS. Remember – you're beautiful in a pink tutu! And you never know, maybe one day your own Christmas ballet magic will take you on a magical time-travel adventure, just like mine!
