Hello darlings!
It's Emma here, your pink-tutu-wearing, time-traveling ballerina blogger! March is always a magical month for ballet, don't you think? It's the perfect time for a trip back to a bygone era to find out what fabulous dance moves were lighting up the world.
This time, Magic Meg and I took a little jaunt back to March 3rd, 1916. I absolutely adored this era! It was a time when the ballet world was overflowing with creativity and innovation, much like our very own Pink Tutu family! And, of course, any time with beautiful, intricate, vintage costumes makes my heart sing!
What's On in the World of Ballet on 3rd March 1916
As we trotted into the world of 1916, I was struck by how bustling and vibrant London was. Everywhere we looked, we saw grand theaters glowing with light and promise!
There was such a buzz around the Covent Garden Opera House, my darling! The Royal Opera House had been celebrating a beautiful rendition of La Gioconda, and, ooh, the costume designs! Oh, the ruffles, the frills, the stunning detail! I absolutely fell in love with them! I'd love to know what the story is behind these masterpieces! It's my dream to own one of these lovely costumes.
This date in 1916 also saw a delightful, exciting program at The Alhambra Theatre. I spotted the amazing Anna Pavlova dancing her way into everyone's hearts. She was simply exquisite! And speaking of delightful, she was accompanied by Ida Rubinstein – truly the best of the best on the stage!
Across the pond in America, Anna Pavlova was busy enchanting audiences on the Orpheum Circuit with her signature dance - "The Dying Swan". Oh, to see such breathtaking performance would be a dream come true! I felt so lucky to see these iconic stars at the height of their careers!
A Day in the Life of a Time-Traveling Ballerina
Magic Meg carried me gracefully through the crowded streets. The bustle and chatter made it difficult to hear, so we pulled up beside the gorgeous building of The Albert Hall, the heart of music in London. My rucksack was laden with sketchbooks, a small camera to capture some fashion inspiration (oh, how I dream of owning those stunning hats! A perfect addition to a ballerina's wardrobe) and a notebook, eager to take notes on all the exciting developments in the dance world.
I spent the rest of the day with the most fascinating gentleman who works at the London Ballet Club. He shared all sorts of stories about their up-and-coming young ballet students – so talented!
Oh, and a quick detour to a quaint shop tucked away on Fleet Street that boasted some of the most exquisite dance shoes! It was so tempting to treat myself but unfortunately, I knew my dance card was already full with shows and rehearsals back in my own time! I did manage to snag a couple of the beautifully embellished shoe buckles, however – they are truly beautiful!
And as for Magic Meg? Well, let's just say she enjoyed a sugar cube or two at a local confectionery stall! A little indulgence for our dear pink shire!
My Outfit of the Day
Today's look was all about a chic, effortless vintage flair! I decided on a pale pink tutu with a soft lavender silk bodice. My hair is styled in a lovely ballerina bun, of course, with a single delicate pink ribbon weaving through my locks! It was just the right look for soaking up the atmosphere and feeling totally "at home" amongst all these wonderful vintage ballet styles. Oh, and naturally, my darling Pink Tutu is perfect for a bit of "show and tell" when I meet fellow dance enthusiasts. I can’t wait to get my feet on a dance floor and share some tips. I have a lovely tutorial lined up on a very beautiful variation that I learnt during my visit. It’s such a pleasure to see what new styles of dance were making their mark around the world during the war time period. It seems that creativity really does bloom during trying times.
And Finally...
As we prepare for our return home, I am so grateful for this journey. I've been inspired to research the fascinating history of the "Dying Swan". Such grace, elegance and passion – truly the best way to honour the past, embrace the present, and inspire our future in ballet!
Now, who's up for a twirl and a cuppa?
Until next month!
Love, Emma
*Pink Tutu & Co. *
www.pink-tutu.com
