Hey loves! It's Emma here, back from another whirlwind ballet time travel adventure! You won't believe what I've seen this month. Grab a cuppa and settle in, this one's a doozy!
Post #2991: Back to the Roaring Twenties! (Sort of...)
This month, Magic Meg and I took a trip back to the glorious era of 1910! That's right, just a little dip into the past before those wild flapper dresses took over the world. But don't let that fool you – the world of ballet was already buzzing with excitement.
Imagine my delight when we found ourselves in Paris! Now, the Parisian ballet scene was practically bursting with talent. Sergei Diaghilev, the master impresario, was holding court, staging mind-blowing ballets that were simply revolutionary. The Ballets Russes had already captured hearts and imaginations across Europe with their vibrant colours, imaginative choreography, and groundbreaking collaborations with the likes of Igor Stravinsky, Leon Bakst and Nicholas Roerich. It was like a fever dream of stunning costumes and extraordinary dance!
I just HAD to try on a couple of those exquisite, beaded and feathered creations. I imagine Vaslav Nijinsky's leap through the air in his iconic Faun costume, and my heart melts just thinking about the breathtaking grace of Anna Pavlova in her white swan costume, gliding through the Swan Lake choreography. It's not hard to see why this was such an iconic period in ballet history, was it?
While the big names of ballet were taking the Parisian stage by storm, across the Atlantic, American audiences were flocking to see Isadora Duncan! Now, she wasn't a traditional ballerina. Isadora defied convention, and wore her own designs of loose flowing garments, moving freely like a Grecian goddess. Her performances were powerful and expressive, like poetry in motion! She really broke the mould and redefined what it meant to be a dancer.
I managed to catch a glimpse of one of her shows, and I have to admit, even I was a little smitten! Imagine, barefoot dancing in an ethereal, flowing dress, no corsets, no pointe shoes - simply movement that flowed from the soul. It was almost scandalous for the time, but incredibly moving.
It's incredible how the world of ballet was evolving. Every time I journey back, there’s something new and exciting to uncover.
But enough about the shows! What about fashion? Oh, let me tell you about the fashions in 1910! I practically squealed with joy. Imagine layers upon layers of luxurious silks and delicate lace. We're talking swirling, romantic dresses that reached all the way to the floor. A sea of pastel hues, exquisite craftsmanship, and feminine elegance. Sighs dreamily. It was absolutely captivating. I have to admit, even I am planning a pink-themed "Parisian Ballet Ball" this spring! Just imagine! Pink chiffon gowns and sequined tutus - divine!
Back in Derbyshire, things were a little quieter. But even there, the spirit of ballet was alive. I stopped by the local theatre where they were presenting a production of "The Sleeping Beauty". I can just picture the dainty ballerina gracefully spinning across the stage in a pale pink tutu, and the grand prince performing his valiant sword dance.
Even in these humble towns, you could see the love of ballet reflected in the hearts of the local audiences.
Ballet for All!
This is what I live for. Whether it’s the grand performances in Paris or the sweet, charming ballets back home, my mission remains the same - to get everyone dancing and everyone wearing pink tutus! After all, every little ballerina needs a beautiful, pink tutu. Right?
Don't forget to check back next month, lovelies! We'll be travelling back to 1911. Who knows what breathtaking, ballet wonders we'll find? Will I get my hands on a Russian ballerina's silk pointe shoe or a Stravinsky score? Or perhaps we’ll find a ballet shop selling fabulous, fluffy pink tutus! Whatever it may be, I’ll be here sharing every exciting detail, every step of the way!
Till next time! 💖✨
P.S. Want to see my collection of ballet items from 1910? Check out my "Tutu Treasures" blog post! You'll find photos of my new ballet book and a fabulous feather boa I picked up from a Parisian theatre. ✨
