Hello my darling ballet-loving friends! It's Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu wearing time traveller, back again with another whirl through the wonderous world of ballet history. This month we're twirling back to the 5th of May, 1911, and what a fascinating time it was for ballet! I must confess, the excitement for this trip started brewing the moment I dusted off the latest issue of the "Dance Illustrated" magazine I found on a recent trip to 1920s London. The gossip was a-buzz about Anna Pavlova, a name that will forever grace the hall of fame of ballet, you see, and it seems the glorious 5th of May had some exciting events in store!
With a flick of my wrist and a giggle of anticipation, I summoned my beautiful pink-sparkling steed, Magic Meg, from her shimmering stable nestled just behind my flat in Derbyshire. Her golden hooves barely touched the dew-kissed grass as she transported me, my trusty pink tutu and leather rucksack firmly strapped to my back, back in time to the beginning of the glorious era of the 20th century!
My heart did a happy pirouette as I reached 1911. The air hummed with a tangible buzz of anticipation for all things artistic! You wouldn't believe the amount of theatre and opera houses I spotted along the way, practically overflowing with posters of legendary performers like Enrico Caruso, and Sarah Bernhardt! I even caught a glimpse of the newest fad in London, the "cinema." I shall be sure to investigate its history further!
Now, let's talk ballet! The highlight of the 5th of May, for me at least, was the performance of Anna Pavlova herself! Imagine the grace! The elegance! She was literally performing in St. Petersburg, the birthplace of Russian ballet! The stage at the Mariinsky Theatre pulsed with magic under her dancing, her story in her steps a true treat to watch! I even overheard whispers that she was already known as a ballet legend in her home country. Can you imagine, having such renown at a young age? Her dedication is something I aspire to every time I feel tempted to skip ballet class. I, for one, would happily dance for years just to see a legend like her grace a stage!
But it wasn't all about Pavlova, darling! My rucksack is overflowing with amazing discoveries, tales of Parisian elegance and exciting ballets from across the world! A few other things I gathered from my little historical hop include:
The Ballets Russes was causing quite a stir in Paris. Imagine, travelling from Russia all the way to the French capital for their incredible ballet performances! I believe it even featured dancers like Vaslav Nijinsky, about whom I am going to dig a little deeper. Maybe even dedicate an entire blog post to his brilliance! He's a legend for a reason, darling!
"L'après-midi d'un faune", a ballet with music by the one and only Claude Debussy was being shown at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris! The critics were buzzing, everyone raving about the graceful, delicate ballet and how the dance perfectly translated Debussy's musical masterpiece into movement! I was practically leaping through time trying to see it myself!
Over in London, at the Royal Opera House, a magnificent version of "The Sleeping Beauty" was in its prime. Such a charming ballet! It truly embodies the wonder and elegance of the classical style and reminds me to practice those pointe shoes with extra dedication!
I'm already overflowing with new ideas for pink tutus, inspired by the beautiful costumes of 1911. Some are even more ethereal than those worn by Anna Pavlova! Can you believe that people are still finding creative and inspiring ways to use the beautiful fabrics, like velvet and silk? I think it's going to be a year full of experimentation with these historical finds. But I must get back to work before Magic Meg needs another nap! Until next month, darlings, keep dancing, keep dreaming, and of course, keep spreading the pink-tutu love!
Emma x
P.S Have you seen "The Sleeping Beauty"? What are your favourite costumes in classical ballet? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let's get that ballet conversation flowing!
