Christmas Ballet in 1982

Oh my darlings, it’s that time of year again – the festive season! You know what that means… twinkling lights, festive feasts, and of course… CHRISTMAS BALLET! Every year, I like to travel back in time and take a peek at what Christmas ballet was like, and this year I’m stepping back to 1982. Hold onto your tiaras, my dears, as we step onto the glittering stage!

Think bright, bold colours, oversized bows and – dare I say it – a lot of legwarmers! 1982 was the height of the 80s fashion era and the ballet world was embracing all things colourful and eye-catching. Imagine glittering leotards paired with bold coloured tutus – a kaleidoscope of vibrant hues on stage!

A Quick Peek at the Fashion Scene

Speaking of fashion, I simply must take a moment to chat about some of the amazing outfits I’ve been admiring in 1982! Think leggings, legwarmers, bright headbands, and oversized sweaters… and that’s just my wardrobe!

Out in the fashion world, everyone was embracing colour. Neon shades, geometric prints, and bold colours adorned every catwalk. There were some real fashion icons on the scene – like Princess Diana and Grace Jones, rocking amazing looks that defined the decade.

While I haven’t yet discovered a specific Christmas ballet premiering in 1982 (keep reading because you might just find out!), we have so many exciting performances to choose from! I mean, I just had to go and see “Swan Lake” at the Royal Ballet in Covent Garden, and honestly, the choreography and costumes were simply divine! And let’s not forget the beautiful dancers!

Speaking of ballerinas, you've got to know about Margot Fonteyn! The epitome of grace and elegance! And just a little side note, she even choreographed a new work for the Royal Ballet this year called “Giselle”. So glamorous!

But ballet isn’t only about the grand stages, my darlings! Street performance was truly gaining traction back then, so I’ve been practicing my pirouettes with some fellow ballerinas on London's bustling streets. Honestly, the smiles and cheers we get are pure joy!

A Dash of 1982 Theatrical Delights

Just imagine! Back in 1982, I was probably seeing shows like Andrew Lloyd Webber's “Cats” on the London stage. I simply must make a point of getting to see a performance, and I’ll be sure to report back on all the fab details.

It’s not just musicals! We can’t forget those fantastic operatic performances – some of my all-time favourites debuted in 1982 like “Les Misérables”. Talk about an incredible experience!

And my darlings, it’s not just the big stage where the ballet magic happens! Every Christmas, my family gets together and we always have a festive dance party in my granddad’s ballroom (a story for another time!). My cousin and I are going to choreograph a ballet-themed holiday party this year, inspired by the elegance of 1982 and maybe even a touch of “Swan Lake”! After all, a little sparkle is just what we need!

And speaking of time travel, some of you are dying to know how I do it! Well, my dears, it's a little bit of a secret. But let me tell you, it all comes down to my trusty pink tutu! It grants me the power to flit between eras (just don't tell anyone!).

As a matter of fact, my pink tutus have played an integral part in all my time travel escapades! They always help me find the right attire for whatever era I’m visiting – it’s my secret weapon! And yes, they even make street dancing that much more fabulous, because let's be honest, pink tutus add a touch of whimsy to any occasion!

But that's not all…

To help with my travels, I often earn extra shillings through street ballet performances, which lets me indulge in a spot of 1982 shopping (those brightly coloured sweaters are calling!). I think that’s just so fitting, right? I find the ballet to be my key to magical journeys.

And what is more joyful and inspiring than seeing everyone dressed in their favorite tutus? It’s not about just looking pretty; it's about embracing your inner ballerina and the joy that ballet brings! So go on, add a touch of tutu to your life!

For next year’s blog post, I’m planning to travel back even further into time – perhaps the Victorian era or maybe even the Belle Époque period! I’ve been practicing some Victorian waltzes, and I’m planning on indulging in all those beautiful fashion pieces, especially the feathered hats! I’m also trying to design a brand new line of tutus inspired by the 1982 glamour scene. I'll keep you posted!

For now, Happy Holidays and may all your Christmas Ballet Dreams come true!

Yours in tulle and sparkle,

Emma

P.S. Don’t forget to leave a comment! Tell me about your favourite Christmas Ballet performance. And I just might include a sketch of your outfit idea in my next blog! Because remember, every ballerina deserves her moment to shine, and there’s nothing that brightens my day more than sharing our love of tutus!

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