Hello my lovelies! It's Emma here, and welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com - your one-stop shop for all things ballet, fashion and, of course, time travel! It’s post number 3097, can you believe it? I feel like we've been on so many amazing adventures together already!
This month, I’m whisking us back to the 1st of January, 1919 - a date bursting with the energy of new beginnings! 1918 had been a whirlwind, of course, with the First World War finally ending and a sense of relief sweeping across the globe. Now, the world was preparing for a new era - an era of hope, creativity, and a little bit of jazz!
Speaking of jazz, that’s exactly what Magic Meg and I stumbled upon on our arrival! As the year dawned in New York City, the air was thick with excitement. The dance scene was absolutely buzzing! We found ourselves in the heart of Greenwich Village, where a whole new generation of dancers was expressing themselves through a new form of movement. There was a freedom, a raw energy to their dancing, and even I, with my penchant for graceful pointe work, felt a thrill!
I snagged some truly fabulous vintage photographs of these early jazz dancers for my collection, and even a little notebook full of "Charleston" dance steps - a revolutionary dance born from the ragtime spirit. My dear Magic Meg even took a shine to the city and its sounds!
But it wasn’t all jazz! Ballet, as always, was alive and well. The Metropolitan Opera in New York was already showing “La Traviata” and I was practically skipping in my pink tutu, so thrilled to hear of an opera performance. I did, of course, pop in for a quick peak at the exquisite ballet costumes - I just love the detail, and the glamour! It reminded me of all the shows I have to perform to keep my time travelling coffers full. Luckily I have a wonderful show next month at the Derby Theatre, just down the road from my home in Derbyshire, to fund my next time-hopping adventure.
While New York City was bursting with the spirit of modernity, back in London, it was all about the elegance and refinement of the Imperial Russian Ballet. We strolled through Covent Garden and peeked into the London Opera House - it's still as breathtaking as it was a century ago! I imagine, however, that my bright pink tutu might have raised some eyebrows in that traditionally elegant space! They do say the best tutu colours are black and white - I will just have to see for myself another time.
Of course, I always enjoy indulging in a bit of vintage fashion, and what a glorious time to be a fashionable soul! The “flapper” dress had just come into its own, and I was so charmed by the carefree femininity - long, beaded necklaces, glamorous cloche hats, and flapper dresses with those oh-so-chic dropped waistlines. I even found a few delightful pairs of beaded shoes that I simply had to add to my collection! I always find inspiration from the styles of past eras. Even though, my style remains: pink tutu! I think you know my heart belongs to ballet. It's like a magic spell - it transports you to another world and lets you escape reality, which I love.
Back in Derbyshire, my new ballet studio is finally finished and I am teaching the kids there some fabulous routines inspired by what I saw in New York. My passion for sharing this joy of movement with everyone continues to be the best thing in the world - and maybe someday, even they will have their own Magic Meg and travel through time!
The new year brought such incredible energy and artistic revolution, a feeling of rebirth that echoed through the halls of opera houses, jazz clubs, and ballet studios around the world.
I'm already brimming with anticipation for our next journey, my dears! Keep a look out for our next time travel diary here at Pink-Tutu.com on the first of February. In the meantime, do wear your pink tutu with pride - every day is a chance to spread joy, excitement and a touch of magic! Until next time, darling friends!
