Hello darling dears! Emma here, your very own pink tutu-wearing, time-travelling ballet blogger, back with another post from the dusty pages of history! It's been another absolutely whirlwind month filled with rehearsals, performances and of course, a good dose of time travel with my dear, magnificent steed, Magic Meg! This month, we're headed back to a glorious September day in 1916, just as the world was getting swept up in the tumultuous grip of the First World War. Now, even war couldn't stop the graceful twirls and powerful leaps of the ballet world. This September 9th was a beautiful reminder of the resilience and enduring magic of dance, no matter the world's challenges.
My journey started, as always, at the familiar Derbyshire farm where Magic Meg grazes with her golden hooves, glistening in the early morning sun. Her white mane and tail, flowing like a perfectly executed arabesque, made for a breathtaking sight. We saddled up, feeling the familiar thrill as the power of Magic Meg's pink, shimmering muscles sent us galloping into the mists of time. This time, however, the journey took us on a detour, a grand adventure if you will!
Remember my absolute obsession with beautiful ballet costumes? Imagine my delight when we landed right in the heart of London, smack-dab in the midst of a grand fashion house, filled with fabrics and silks, enough to create a dazzling array of tutus, and the most incredible footwear! I tell you, darling dears, the 1910s fashion scene was positively blooming with ideas. There was so much excitement for experimenting with fabrics and shapes, so much freedom for expression! Imagine my delight as I collected yards and yards of the most delicate silk chiffon and exquisite velvet - enough to outfit an entire ballet troupe!
However, I didn’t spend the entire day draped in chiffon, (although that temptation was strong). Instead, we set off for the theatre, oh my! It was just one of those spectacular nights where a true love of the art could be truly experienced. It was a truly immersive performance – the energy in the auditorium felt as captivating as the dancing itself. You know I love a good drama in my ballets and there was no shortage of that in the piece I witnessed on this magical 9th September, 1916. The London Opera House, a bastion of beauty and creativity, had presented a show based on Shakespeare's Othello - such a gripping and moving tale!
Oh, and what a production! This era was a true testament to the grandeur and artistry that reigned supreme in theatre and dance. The costumes, just stunning! All swirling velvets and luxurious embellishments – it really highlighted the strength and passion of the dancers, transporting the audience through each intricate move. As I collected bits and pieces of stories, and the faint scents of the production - from a delicate flower head dropped on stage to a forgotten pearl button from the costume – I was captivated. Imagine my delight! This beautiful era was all about romance and emotional intensity. I even managed to snag an original program for my collection, you'll see a photo of it on my website, dear dears!
My time with Magic Meg might have been short, but this fleeting glimpse into history once again proved why I do what I do. This trip brought back memories of what a privilege it is to experience this extraordinary form of art in its many eras and evolution. The ballet world is a living and breathing thing, forever adapting and changing - and yet, still holding onto the fundamental beauty of movement and storytelling through dance.
Speaking of the evolving art of ballet, dear dears, there’s so much excitement in the world of ballet right now. There are all sorts of incredible ballet productions on in theatres everywhere and so many stunning dance companies that are making such huge strides.
Don’t forget to pop over to my website, www.pink-tutu.com, for all the latest fashion and travel tips. Don't miss out on the photographs I captured while I was travelling - a real treat for all my tutu-loving followers!
Until next time, dear dears. Stay curious, stay inspired and above all, stay fabulous!
Emma
