Hello my lovely ballet-loving darlings! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu-clad time traveller, reporting back from another dazzling adventure. This month, we're whisking back to August 1916! Grab your pinkest tutu (I'll be sporting a particularly divine number with shimmering pink sequins, naturally!) and hop on the back of my gorgeous steed, Magic Meg – our sparkling shire mare with the golden hooves and flowing mane! She's already snorting impatiently, ready for our journey to the past…
The World of Ballet in 1916
August 1916! Ah, it's hard to believe the world was caught in the midst of the First World War – can you even imagine? But ballet carried on! The ballet world was as captivating as ever, showcasing dazzling dancers and breathtaking performances, reminding everyone of the power of art and beauty even in the darkest of times.
Imagine, the exquisite Anna Pavlova, considered one of the most acclaimed ballerinas of all time, was performing her own choreography at that very moment! In 1916, she and her company were on tour, wowing audiences across the globe! She would've been in America for her August tour. Imagine seeing a legend like her! How thrilling!
Let’s imagine the ballets that would be gracing the stage. There might be productions of The Sleeping Beauty or Swan Lake, captivating audiences with their enchanting stories. It's exciting to think of how these classic ballets would be presented and performed, with the artistic flair of the time.
1916 Fashion Inspiration!
While we're time-travelling, I couldn't resist getting my fashion fix, darling! Oh, the exquisite ballet fashion back then! I simply must tell you all about it!
Ballet costumes in 1916, were beautifully ethereal. Delicate silks and tulle flowed, swirling and dancing with the dancers’ every move, their graceful shapes enhanced by the gentle drapery of the costumes. While many favoured romantic colours such as white, pale pink, and a touch of silver, they also made use of richer shades such as royal blue and even crimson. They weren't just beautiful but functional, too! These costumes allowed the dancers' exquisite movements to shine.
I can just imagine all the wonderful hats, hair styles and beautiful shoes, a delightful blend of femininity and elegance that perfectly complements the grace and power of ballet. What an inspiration! Just imagine the elegance of a pink tutu flowing with a flowing sash with your hair held up in a braided crown, oh my! Such loveliness!
The Ballerina Blogger’s Diary
On this journey, I am gathering stories and memories. Just for you, my lovelies! My leather rucksack is bursting with notes about performances, glimpses into the lives of dancers and snippets of enchanting fashion ideas.
Pink Tutu Inspiration:
Here’s a little secret: in the middle of this momentous, turbulent period, there was a ballet show in England - not for the general public, but for the soldiers stationed at Derby! This is so inspiring! These beautiful dancers kept up their performance work during this tumultuous period.
How much inspiration we can gain from these lovely ladies, persevering and inspiring joy through the arts, what a triumph! And here we are now, taking a leap through time together. So get those pink tutus on, my darlings!
This post has been so much fun for me. See you all soon for our next pink-tutu clad adventure! Till then, stay inspired!
With sparkly pink love,
Emma xoxo
* www.pink-tutu.com *
