Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, bringing you another installment from my extraordinary, tutu-tastic adventures. As always, you can find my fabulous blog posts at www.pink-tutu.com!
Today, I’m taking you back to the 6th of June, 1982. Buckle your leotards, ladies, as we journey back to the decade of neon, big hair, and – believe it or not – an explosion of ballet!
Now, some of you might be thinking: 1982? That's not exactly the Belle Époque of ballet history, is it? But you'd be surprised! This year was a turning point in dance, filled with incredible talent, fresh ideas, and the birth of some truly iconic dance styles. And believe me, with a splash of pink tutu and my darling Meg, any era is the perfect time for ballet magic.
Before we step through time, a little update on www.pink-tutu.com. My recent performances in Swan Lake at The Royal Opera House and the Giselle tour around Derbyshire were completely sold out! My beautiful, pink tutus were such a hit with the crowds; I even managed to get some local girls in the audience twirling! And of course, Magic Meg – the most stunning pink Shire horse with hooves of golden light – got a few pats from the audience, too! (Honestly, she’s a true celebrity, Meg.)
But let’s not dwell on the present too much, shall we? Time to travel! Magic Meg is pawing the ground, ready for the jump!
The Glitter of the 80s:
My oh my, the dance world in 1982 was simply pulsating. It was a time when the corps de ballet became truly spectacular, with a spotlight on athleticism and synchronised movement. Think sharp angles, dramatic jumps, and even a touch of athletic grace. And the music? From bouncy disco to heart-stopping synth, it gave the dancers energy and freedom unlike anything before!
My journey to the 80s started at the Ballet National de Marseille. Now, if there was a time for tutus, this was it! This company was pushing the boundaries of contemporary dance, with some daring performances that blended the elegance of ballet with the wild energy of the new age. My backpack bulged with drawings of a dancer soaring high on pointes in a bright, beautiful, tutu! And this was before the 80s really became huge for pink. You just know they're on their way.
Next, I galloped with Magic Meg across to New York City Ballet, home to one of my favourite choreographers, Peter Martins. Martins, a genius in ballet's form and technical brilliance, infused his works with bold, dramatic choreography and music that kept the energy bubbling! Think swirling pirouettes set to music that will make you want to dance. The audience was in raptures! I quickly stuffed my bag with a photograph of a group of ballerinas, every one of them wearing a gloriously stylish pink tutu!
Then, I popped over to The Royal Ballet in London – an institution of grace and talent. They were celebrating 50 years of artistic innovation at Covent Garden, and it was an evening full of magic, incredible stories, and truly breath-taking technical mastery. I collected a programme and the beautiful floral designs, and stuffed them into my rucksack for my collection!
But ballet wasn't just about the grand theatres!
The 80s saw ballet spreading its wings across the globe! There were street performances with young dancers, innovative productions at festivals, and smaller companies rising like phoenixes from across the world. It was a time for new perspectives on ballet!
My pink tutu and I even caught a glimpse of a young dancer's group in Birmingham. These girls were dancing with such energy and joy - in bright leotards and tights, of course, with a few colourful tutus thrown in. It made me think of the future! Ballet wasn't about a particular style, it was about telling stories with your body, and these young dancers had their own beautiful story to tell.
Why I Love Ballet's Journey
Every time I travel through time, it’s a journey of self-discovery. I’m so in awe of the dancers, the creators, and all the fashion. 1982, just like every other era, taught me a very special lesson. The history of ballet is about courage, dedication, and an unflinching belief in the beauty of dance, and you can see those qualities reflected in every time I visit.
My dearest friends, wherever your journey takes you in this lifetime, let's never stop remembering to express ourselves! Whether we're dancing in a grand theatre or in a classroom, whether it’s in a pink tutu or not, we can all make our mark in the beautiful world of dance.
Remember to pop by www.pink-tutu.com every month, and let me know where you want to visit next. Let’s go dancing through time!
Until next time, my darlings.
Yours in tutu-tastic time travels,
Emma x
