Hello, darling ballet bunnies! It's Emma, your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, and it's the first day of the year!
January always feels like a fresh start, a chance for a new beginning, and this year I decided to start it with a trip to the grand and glamorous 1916. It was a time of such upheaval and change in the world, yet ballet continued to flourish, and what a pleasure it was to experience that!
Now, you all know about my dear Magic Meg, my magnificent pink sparkling Shire horse with golden hooves and white mane and tail. Her glittering pink coat sparkles even in the gloomiest of weather, and she makes any time travel adventure simply magical. Today we set off from my humble abode in Derbyshire, her hooves echoing softly against the frost-covered cobblestone streets as we set our sights on the year 1916.
We arrived in a bustling London, with an air of wartime tension but a vibrant arts scene as well. People, both gentlemen and ladies, were resplendent in stylish, colourful, Edwardian outfits – a far cry from the dark hues of World War One!
My trusty leather rucksack, packed full of my trusty travel essentials, was ready for some vintage ballet discoveries.
What’s on? Ballet 1916 Style!
What was exciting about London ballet in 1916 was the variety!
I found myself immersed in a performance by The Diaghilev Ballets Russes - yes, that Diaghilev, a revolutionary artistic force in the ballet world. Their daring choreography and spectacular designs were captivating and still echo throughout ballet today. I was completely enchanted by their rendition of “The Rite of Spring”, it was a stunning display of vibrant costumes and primal movement, showcasing the talents of brilliant dancers like Vaslav Nijinsky.
Then, the Royal Opera House was hosting a very different kind of show – the Ballets Russes, directed by Sergei Diaghilev, performed “Parade”. With the backdrop of an amusing story, they introduced the bold work of avant-garde artists Picasso, Erik Satie and Jean Cocteau. Quite a change in tone! But that's what I love about this time - ballet is bursting with all sorts of creativity and artistic expression!
Of course, I was absolutely determined to indulge my love of fashion! The designs of Coco Chanel, so innovative and stylish for her time, were on full display. And even though ballet clothes in this era were still primarily the classic tutu and tights combination, there was a noticeable effort toward elegance and grace, and let's be honest, an added dose of that quintessential 1916 vintage glamour! And it was lovely seeing the gorgeous costumes worn in those shows!
Oh, how I would have loved to wear those gorgeous, luxurious, layered tulle tutus! They’d certainly look fabulous against the pale skin of my time travel uniform!
Memories and Musings
You know me, I love adding a touch of personal flair! My 1916 pink tutu was quite the sight - it shimmered and swayed like a pink cloud under the sparkling chandeliers of the theater. My outfit even caught the attention of a fellow ballet enthusiast! Imagine, a dapper gentleman, a seasoned connoisseur of the art form, asked if I was "an actual ballerina, madame?" His enthusiasm was delightful.
His story, of a young lady at the ballet school he had once run, sparked an interesting chat on ballet education and how it has evolved over time! Such a fascinating glimpse into the history of our beloved art!
After a delightful evening of captivating dance and delightful conversation, Magic Meg, in her brilliant pink coat, patiently waited. We were off to experience more of the magic that 1916 held!
Before leaving London, I spent some time in the archives of the Royal Opera House, rummaging through vintage ballet programs, photos and articles, finding a hidden treasure in the form of an original libretto for a long-forgotten ballet from the turn of the century. It's all nestled safely within my trusty leather rucksack now, another beautiful memento to add to my ever-growing ballet history collection.
Well, darling ballet bunnies, it’s time for me to take a little ballet break. My time travels for January have come to a lovely end, but remember, this blog is always brimming with exciting adventures from my travels across time! Stay tuned, there is so much more to come, and hopefully I can inspire you to embrace the beauty and magic of ballet in all its glorious forms.
Till next time, darlings! Keep your eyes on www.pink-tutu.com, for new adventures, stunning photos and the most exquisite tutu ideas! Remember, pink is the colour for life! And everyone looks fabulous in a tutu!
With lots of love and sparkly tutu kisses, Emma! 💖🩰✨
