Hello lovelies! Emma here, your favourite Derbyshire-born ballerina, ready to whisk you away on another enchanting journey through time! This month, we’re venturing back to 11th November, 1917. Put on your most beautiful pink tutu (because honestly, there's no better time for it!), grab a cuppa, and let’s dive into the world of ballet!
This particular date marks the anniversary of a significant event, but we’ll get to that a little later. I was just getting settled in the stable, Magic Meg’s coat gleaming like spun sugar under the early morning light. She’s got her trusty saddle on, with its signature pink tassels (they match my boots!), ready to gallop through time! My leather rucksack was prepped and waiting.
For those of you who haven’t joined me before, I’m Emma, and I’m on a mission to bring the world of ballet to every corner of time. I fund my ballet adventures by performing, be it on stage or the local street (a quick pirouette here, a grand jeté there, and all eyes are on my twinkling pink tutu!). I've seen enough amazing performances to fill a thousand leather rucksacks, and collected stories to keep my imagination going until my next grand adventure.
A Pink Paradise in 1917
Landing in 1917, a whirlwind of history struck. The world was grappling with a major conflict, known as the Great War. It’s a sombre time, but we shouldn't forget the beautiful world still existed, even during these tumultuous years. People were finding joy and hope wherever they could, and the stage continued to shimmer with life.
One of my favourite things about time travel is getting to experience ballet fashion. 1917 saw a strong influence from the “belle époque” with soft feminine lines, and the emerging Roaring Twenties style with sleek, loose silhouettes. My fellow dancers at this time were moving away from the traditional long, layered tutus and opting for lighter, simpler tutus with beautiful satin bodices adorned with pearl buttons or diamante details. Imagine a flowing pink tutu with an elegant sweetheart neckline – just divine!
This particular date in history, however, isn’t just about beautiful clothes! 11th November is the day we celebrate the end of World War I, the day when nations laid down their arms and took a moment to mourn and to hope. As a performer, I can only imagine how powerful art must have been during these dark days – a way to escape, to find peace, to express joy in the face of grief.
Finding Magic on Stage and on Screen
I did a bit of exploring. The most talked-about ballet in 1917 was ‘La Boutique Fantastique’ by Leonide Massine and Igor Stravinsky. This ballet is truly something special - imagine a magical toyshop that comes to life. There are playful dancing toys, an adorable ballerina doll (my personal favourite), and, of course, a touch of romance! It's whimsical, exciting and pure ballet magic! I hear the sets and costumes are dazzling, all done in the style of a puppet show - just my cup of tea!
If you weren't in the mood for ballet on this particular 11th of November 1917, you could have enjoyed the latest cinema production, “The Little Colonel” a sweet story based on a beloved novel! The movie is light-hearted and full of life. Something a bit less dramatic after all the big events unfolding around the world.
Let's Dance to History's Rhythm!
As I make my way back through time with Magic Meg ( she has her pink saddle blanket carefully tucked in, and I have all my collected ballet treasures neatly placed inside my leather rucksack – stories, a ballet shoe from the 1917 show and a hand-stitched ballet costume with exquisite details), I want to remind you that ballet has always been about hope, resilience and beauty in the face of even the most challenging times.
Whether we are dancing under a pink tutu or taking a trip through time, let's remember that our journeys are what shape us, just as dance helps us express ourselves and share the story of our lives. Stay beautiful, and until next time!
Your always-dancing, Emma www.pink-tutu.com 💖🩰
