Hello, my darling tutu-loving friends! Emma here, your pink-tutu-clad time traveller, ready to whisk you away to a magical dance through history! It's the 2nd of February, 1912, and Magic Meg and I are pawing the cobblestones of...wait for it...London, my dears!
Now, as you all know, London is simply bursting with ballet magic. But even amidst all the glorious shows and beautiful dancers, it's quite the journey to travel through time, especially when you're pulling a pink-sparkling, golden-hooved Shire horse named Meg. Don't get me wrong, she's a total darling (and I adore her matching pink saddle, wouldn't you?), but she's a little… well, let's say dramatic. Think a galloping tutu, a whole lot of sparkly mane, and an unwavering enthusiasm for the "neigh"s of things.
Anyway, this month's adventure takes us back to 1912. As usual, the leather rucksack on my back is primed for collecting some exquisite stories and fascinating ballet bits. My, the 1912 fashion! Absolutely fabulous - you can just imagine the swirling silk tutus and shimmering lace bodices that would've graced the stage of London's ballet scene!
A Peek into Ballet in 1912
First stop on our time-hopping journey? The Royal Opera House! Can you believe it, darlings, back in 1912 it wasn't called the Royal Opera House – it was simply the Royal Theatre. Imagine the history these hallowed halls hold.
Well, guess what my dears? Sergei Diaghilev's legendary Ballets Russes company is about to bring a magnificent whirlwind of ballet brilliance to London! This isn't just any show, it's the premier of "Le Sacre du Printemps," by the daring choreographer Vaslav Nijinsky. They say it will be a controversial spectacle, one that may have you reaching for your pearls!
Don't you just love those bold and innovative dancers and choreographers from the Ballets Russes? It seems to be all about pushing boundaries and taking risks, even today. Think Nijinsky, Karsavina, Pavlova – they're not afraid to shake up the dance world. These ballet pioneers paved the way for all of us pink-tutu enthusiasts! I must confess I'll be sneaking into the Royal Opera House, a little peek backstage, if you know what I mean?
Oh, but wait, there's more! It's not just London bustling with ballet. The year 1912 also saw the inauguration of The Municipal Ballet in Barcelona, Spain. Isn't that thrilling? New companies springing up everywhere! They're breathing fresh life into the world of ballet, reminding us why we fall in love with it all over again.
But let's not forget those little-known ballet gems scattered throughout time. Did you know that a little ballet company in my beloved Derbyshire, England, is having a fundraising gala this month? They're holding a spectacular "White Swan" production at the Derby Hippodrome. My dears, my heart leaps! I absolutely must pay a visit to them. Just imagine: pink tutus, charming melodies, and those Derbyshire accents – oh my!
Time travel takes me to amazing fashion destinations, and ballet fashion has me utterly smitten! I just had to stop by Liberty, the magnificent department store that is a paradise for anyone with a taste for beauty, especially my taste for exquisite, colourful fabrics.
Liberty is like a dream come true for pink-tutu lovers, just overflowing with gorgeous laces, shimmering silk, and enough velvet to make even a quiet duchess shout for joy. The best part? This enchanting fabric wonderland was bursting with fresh ideas for a new range of ballet clothes – I can just see myself in a flowing silk tunic paired with a blush-pink tutu and feather-light shoes. Oh my! Imagine how I'll waltz into my next ballet performance with that dazzling combo!
But don't worry, my darlings, it’s not all tutus and swirling silks! The London stage in 1912 is full of variety: a little bit of dramatic Shakespeare, a sprinkle of comedy plays and even a dash of vaudeville for a healthy dose of laughter. Ballet wasn't the only thing sweeping across the nation; they were busy dancing with the sounds of gramophone records, too! Who would've thought dancing at home would become such a sensation?
And now for a peek into what's exciting my creative mind. This whole 1912 experience has got me dreaming of an elegant dance to the whimsical, enchanting music of Franz Liszt. Can you picture it: graceful movements, flowing tutus, a dash of drama, and Liszt's mesmerizing melodies woven throughout?
A Touch of Pink, a Whirl of Imagination
And for our final stop, before Magic Meg gallops us off into the time-travelling night, let's visit a little Parisian theatre, shall we? This month, they're staging a whimsical, delightful musical revue filled with flamboyant dancers. Can you picture it: glittering costumes, playful movements, and, oh, that joyous, carefree music!
As you know, dear ones, my pink tutus have been waltzing through centuries! I’m a strong believer that tutus can uplift spirits and inspire dreams, and even if 1912's ballet isn't precisely to your taste, there's something to be admired in the world of ballet: a vibrant energy, a love for artistry, and an enduring sense of joy that transcends time.
And that's all for this month's blog! Don't forget to check in on www.pink-tutu.com next month as I uncover another hidden corner of ballet history. In the meantime, remember: dance like nobody's watching (because sometimes they actually are)!
Oh, and most importantly, wear pink tutus! The world needs a bit more pink in its life.
Much love and sparkling twirls,
Emma
P.S. My dear readers, did you catch the enchanting images from my adventures in 1912? As always, I've captured the magical moments in photos – find them all on the Pink-Tutu blog page for February. * Don't forget to share your favourite photos with your fellow tutu lovers!*
