Hello, darling ballet lovers! It’s Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-wearing time traveller, and this month I've whipped up a little something special for you. Buckle up, because we're soaring through time on the back of Magic Meg to a day back in 1916, April the 4th to be precise. Don't worry, we'll be wearing our pink tutus (they're wonderfully practical for a bit of a time travel tumble!).
Remember those glorious, sweeping layers of tulle we so admire in historical ballet costumes? Today we're travelling to the time of the Great War. Now, there's definitely a stark contrast between the grace and beauty of ballet and the harshness of a world at war, but art finds its way even in the most challenging times. Ballet was certainly no exception, and in the midst of all the darkness, it offered a precious escape, a beacon of hope, a reminder that beauty still existed.
The first thing I note is the charmingly ornate costumes. It's quite fascinating to see how fashion has evolved since 1916! While our current styles are far more minimalist and contemporary, the fashion back then was truly elegant, so full of embellishments and intricately layered textiles. Oh, the hats! Such divine hats they wore - and feathers! Feathers everywhere!
As I gallop through the streets on Meg's back, I spot a beautifully embellished little boutique, selling the latest dance shoes. Now, you all know I have a little obsession with dance shoes, but they really did take it to another level in the early 1900s. Silk ribbons, pointed toes and delicate straps - these are the shoe inspirations I can work with!
But on the topic of 1916 and war, what was going on in the world of ballet on this particular day? I found out that the war had quite an impact on the dance scene. You see, many ballerinas had to leave their beloved stage to help out with the war effort. So it seems like this specific date, the 4th of April 1916, wasn't particularly known for a specific ballet performance. Yet, amidst all the uncertainty, one dance troupe in London continued to enchant audiences. They had a show at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, featuring the grand ballets that graced the world's stages before the war broke out.
Now, there was another interesting historical detail that caught my attention. As you know, Derbyshire (where I call home, or at least my present day home) is very close to London. The Royal Ballet had its origins in this part of England - the ballet world here was strong, resilient.
Let me fill you in on one of my favourite discoveries in my travels: The Royal Ballet's very own Sir Frederick Ashton. He was born here in Derby and started out as a small-town dancer, so I just love to imagine this talented dancer twirling away with such elegant, captivating steps!
My, what a story we have today, darling! We've delved into the elegance of fashion during World War I, observed the impact of the war on ballet performances and discovered that beauty always shines through even during the toughest times.
It's also got me dreaming of those stunning dance shoes from 1916. I am on a mission to recreate a modern take on those delicate lace-ups. You see, even as we explore the past, it’s a constant source of inspiration for the future of dance. That's why I’ve decided to incorporate elements from my travels in 1916 into a special pink tutu that I'll debut at my upcoming performance.
Do make sure you catch me dancing with the other talented ballerinas this summer. We'll be raising money to support a very special ballet charity. Oh, I almost forgot! Don't miss out on my blog updates next month for another trip through time and lots of pretty, pretty pink!
And now, darling friends, it's time for me to bid you adieu, as I am off to whip up a new pink-tutu-themed cake for Magic Meg and myself! Oh, before you go, a little tip, darling! Always be kind. Always wear pink.
Till next time, Emma xoxo
