Hello darling dancers! Emma here, back from another thrilling journey through time on the back of my beloved Magic Meg, the pinkest, sparkliest shire horse you've ever seen! It's time for another fabulous #BalletHistory dive, this time landing us right in the heart of 1918, on September 9th. Get your tutus ready, ladies, because it's going to be a real corker!
We touched down in a whirlwind of change. It's a time when the world's still reeling from the First World War. But guess what, dear readers? Despite the hardship, ballet was still blooming. Yes, it was flourishing across the globe, spreading its elegant, magical wings like a delicate pink feather.
It seems that even in the toughest of times, art has the power to comfort and inspire. Just like now, there were audiences craving something beautiful, something joyful, something that made their hearts soar. Ballet provided that escape, a little touch of magic in a world yearning for light.
Speaking of escapes, my sweet Meg was already napping in the meadow behind our current time-travel portal (don't tell anyone where it is, it's a secret!) I spent the afternoon at a delightful tea room - all velvet armchairs and fragrant rosewater - listening to whispers of ballerinas who were captivating London audiences. I snagged a couple of rare photographs for my ballet memorabilia collection - I'm sure they'll be prized additions to my travelling ballet archive, which you all know is stored in my trusty leather rucksack!
Over afternoon tea, I heard all about how ballerinas were helping morale during the war years by performing in hospitals and camps, bringing cheer to the weary. They became little bundles of light in those tough times.
It's so inspiring, seeing how the ballet world continued to move, despite the conflict around it. It shows me how resilient, adaptable and powerful ballet truly is. A true reflection of the human spirit, you could say!
Speaking of resilient, let's chat about fashion! My pink tutu has a new companion this month - a fabulous new cream lace scarf, and a cute pair of rosebud earrings (yes, I picked them up for £1 from a little antique shop, bargain!).
The fashions of the 1918 ballet scene are seriously delightful! Think layers of chiffon, billowing tulle and shimmering embellishments, all perfectly accentuating those flowing, elegant movements.
Of course, being a fan of pink (aren't you all?!), I couldn't resist picking up a little rose-hued silk ribbon for my hair. A little sprinkle of that timeless pink goes a long way, don't you agree?
As the sun set over the countryside, we took a little canter over to London. The West End theatre district buzzed with anticipation. A wonderful new Russian ballerina, Vera Fokina, was about to take to the stage at the Coliseum.
Vera was already famous, her every movement said to be so expressive. She wasn’t only a beautiful ballerina but a pioneer of ballet's art. Vera's movements had incredible drama. And you know I love a bit of drama in my dancing!
We were a bit early for the show, so we snuck into the grand Covent Garden Opera House, it's a true gem of Victorian architecture. There was a buzz in the air, everyone in their most glamorous gowns.
I love it when I can share this history with you, I get a kick out of bringing you, my lovelies, a taste of ballet history. This ballet is a real treat. You can just feel the excitement and elegance pulsing in the air, as dancers pirouette through the spotlights and audiences roar with delight. It's just what I live for!
As a treat to my faithful pink-tutu loving readers, I even nabbed a sneaky peek backstage, you wouldn’t believe the gorgeous costumes! All hand-stitched silk and feathers. I'll try to post a sneaky peek next time.
That night, as I dreamed of leaping ballerinas, I reflected on the spirit of the ballet world, resilient, defiant and beautiful. My little pink tutu and I are going to continue celebrating these inspiring women who used art to fight through hardship. I truly hope they are all inspiring you too, darlings!
Until next month, when we explore another fabulous corner of ballet history, stay fabulous and keep twirling! 🩰❤️
