Hello darlings! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com! Today we're whisking ourselves back to a rather chilly February 2nd, 1917, where, as you know, the world was in the throes of a dreadful conflict, but oh! The ballet scene was thriving.
My dear Magic Meg (that's my trusty pink sparkling Shire horse, you know, the one with the golden hooves and magnificent white mane and tail!), was positively snorting with excitement as we galloped across the snow-covered fields, her pink saddle gleaming in the sunshine.
It was time for a proper adventure, darlings, and 1917 was just begging to be explored! With my pink tutu fluttering in the breeze, and my trusty leather rucksack strapped on my back (ready to gather up some exquisite ballet ephemera, naturally), I felt a shiver of anticipation down my spine. The world was waiting!
Now, as we settled down in a rather delightful English country pub (all roaring fireplaces and crackling logs, you know, perfect for warming the toes), I realised what a fascinating time this was in ballet. Did you know that, at the time, Diaghilev's Ballets Russes was absolutely smashing it in the world of ballet? It was practically everywhere, dazzling audiences from Paris to New York.
On this very day, 102 years ago, a thrilling production of "The Sleeping Beauty" was taking place at the prestigious Opéra Garnier in Paris. Talk about glamorous, darlings! Now, you know I have a penchant for all things pink and fairytale-esque, and "The Sleeping Beauty" is a real gem. With all the swirly costumes and grand steps, it’s no surprise it was such a hit.
But it wasn’t just Paris, darling. Ballet was spreading like wildfire, and London was abuzz with excitement too! The legendary Adeline Genée was captivating audiences at the Royal Opera House. Now, this remarkable dancer was known for her delicate grace and her exquisite technique, a true inspiration. She was even nicknamed "the Little Fairy" - absolutely divine, wouldn't you agree?
Speaking of London, just think, darlings, that same evening in 1917, you could have witnessed a production of “Giselle” at the London Coliseum! It's practically the most iconic ballet in existence, and to think I could have seen it back then, makes my toes tap in delight! Just imagine, swirling skirts and graceful jumps against a backdrop of romance and tragedy - pure ballet magic, indeed.
What struck me, dear readers, is the incredible dedication and resilience of dancers during such turbulent times. They continued to perform, to create, to share their art. Their passion and love for the ballet is a truly inspiring sight, even across time.
Oh! And just before we left the pub (with a little warming toddy, naturally), I discovered something truly sensational! There was a new ballet school opening its doors in Birmingham on February 2nd, 1917. Imagine, just starting your ballet journey as a young girl, with dreams of taking to the stage.
It truly is such a special art form, and it's something we should all embrace! Remember, every twirl is a celebration, every leap a triumph.
So, my darlings, let's continue to support ballet and keep the art alive, just as these resilient artists did almost a century ago. Remember to join me again next month for another exhilarating adventure through time on Pink-Tutu.com.
Until then, I'm off to whip up a batch of my famous pink tutu cookies (yes, I have a recipe, just for you, dear readers!), And remember, the more pink tutus the merrier!
With all my love and pirouettes,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
