Hello darlings! Emma here, back from another whirlwind trip through time. You wouldn't believe what I found on August 8th, 1915! But before I tell you all about it, let's talk about something fabulous!
Do you all remember the "pink tutu campaign" I mentioned last month? Well, my dears, I've had the most amazing responses. Several ballet schools in Derby, not to mention some enthusiastic grannies and even a couple of blokes, are sporting pink tutus for the month. Honestly, you'd never think pink was such a revolutionary colour! I must say, it brings a whole new kind of glamour to the cobbled streets of Derby, a town that's already brimming with a lovely dose of charm.
Speaking of glamorous, my pink sparkly shire horse, Magic Meg, is just that – pure magic! I can't even tell you how much I love that majestic creature! With a mane like spun silk and hooves that glimmer like gold, Meg takes me galloping through history, a true princess and her steed, a symphony in pink.
Now, let's dive into August 8th, 1915. A lot had happened in the world, and Europe, particularly, was steeped in the sadness and drama of The Great War. But even amidst the tragic news and anxieties, ballet was keeping its vibrant spirit alive. In Paris, for example, at the famed Opera House, Serge Diaghilev and his Ballets Russes company were captivating audiences with their unique and captivating ballets. You could feel the energy of creativity and a touch of defiance, all wrapped in the delicate, stunning beauty of these artistic expressions.
Now, let me tell you about what I saw!
The first thing that caught my eye in Paris, besides the fashionably chic Parisian ladies sporting beautiful hats and stunning feathered boas, was the Parisian Opera House itself! It's truly a majestic place. I almost expected a giant sparkly pink tutu to burst out of its architectural grandeur!
That evening, I saw a performance of Le Sacre du Printemps, a revolutionary ballet by Igor Stravinsky and Vaslav Nijinsky. The costumes were dramatic, and the dancers were dynamic, with Nijinsky as a feral, earthy creature, embodying the primeval force of spring. Even in this turbulent time, art found a way to blossom, challenging traditional boundaries and exploring themes of the natural world, fertility, and the raw power of the human spirit.
It wasn't just in Paris where ballet was thriving. In Russia, even with the weight of war pressing down, ballet schools were still training the next generation of dancers, the very heartbeat of a nation keeping its spirit alive. I had the most wonderful experience at the Imperial Ballet School in St. Petersburg. Watching those young dancers, some only eight years old, train with incredible discipline and focus was breathtaking. Even their shoes – tiny satin slippers with intricate ribbons – were a vision of artistry. I almost forgot about the rucksack on my back as I watched these future stars practice, the magic of dance filling me with inspiration!
Now, remember my trusty rucksack, which I filled with interesting finds from different times? In Russia, I managed to secure an original score of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake – you know, the ballet where I’ve fallen in love with that famous sequence where the white swan turns into a black swan! What an absolute treat!
As the night descended over 1915 Paris, the beauty of the opera house remained etched in my mind, reminding me that even in times of war, humanity has a desire for beauty and creativity.
It’s a bit late, darlings, and Meg needs her beauty sleep. So, until next month, I bid you all adieu. Don’t forget to wear a pink tutu and spread the love of ballet! Remember, I can't time travel without the funds. My next ballet performance is on the 15th of September, at the Derby Town Hall, raising funds for a pink tutu for every little ballerina in Derby. Join me for an evening of exquisite artistry!
Stay stylish, darlings!
Until next time,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
