Hello, my darling dancers! It's Emma here, back with another whirl through history, all wrapped up in my favourite pink tutu! This month, my trusty steed Magic Meg whisked me back to 10th October 1919 - oh, what a journey it was! Let me tell you all about it!
As I always do, I had a little flutter at the ballet theatre back home in Derbyshire before hopping onto Meg's sparkling back. It was opening night for Swan Lake, and my goodness, the costumes! Such elaborate tutus, feathers galore, and a most splendid Swan Queen, although, dear readers, I think the pink feather trim could have been a tad bolder!
Now, the moment Meg and I stepped into the shimmering light of 1919, it was as if a page had been turned in the ballet world! The streets were alive with the music and excitement of a touring troupe from Russia! Talk about a glamorous arrival, the Ballets Russes, they were! Headed up by that wonderfully theatrical, and dare I say a little dramatic, Serge Diaghilev, this company was a whirlwind of innovation. Forget the traditional, everyone! Here was modernism, with designs that shocked, enthralled and pushed the boundaries of ballet design!
Let me tell you, dear readers, this was the talk of the town! The costumes, oh the costumes! Imagine shimmering silk tunics in jewel tones, flowing robes adorned with gemstones, and even feathered headdresses. I, of course, found myself drawn to a rather lovely ballerina in a bright turquoise costume. It wasn't quite my pink, but a daring, modern shade I must admit! And did you know? Their performance was no mere imitation of classical ballet! It was an entire performance experience. It seemed each movement, each set design, and each costume had its own story to tell. It was utterly exhilarating. I could have sat for hours just observing!
This was definitely a highlight, and let's not forget my ballet bag brimming with exquisite souvenirs. A little silk scarf in a glorious shade of cobalt, a tiny programme with a drawing of a wonderfully modern dance, and of course, I even found a scrap of fabric - the turquoise! A perfect touch of 1919 fashion, and an exciting addition to my pink tutu collection.
There was more though! I bumped into the very elegant Vaslav Nijinsky, the darling of the dance world! Now, the mere mention of his name sent the London ballet scene into a tizzy. But here, standing right in front of me, he was… charming, with his fiery personality. He spoke so eloquently about the future of ballet and the evolution of its art. His vision of a modern ballet was so incredibly inspiring and really reminded me of the passion and fire in the Ballets Russes dancers!
Oh! And how can I forget the most fantastic thing?! You know how I adore a good tutu, and well, 1919 did not disappoint. There was a dazzling new style emerging that made even my pink tutu heart flutter with joy. The tutus were lighter and less voluminous, almost airy, designed for the graceful and free-flowing moves of this new Russian style. They were still made with that glorious tulle, but the cut was more form-fitting and allowed for far more dramatic, modern, movement. It was absolutely divine!
My journey to 10th October 1919 wasn’t just about grand productions and historical moments, though. I always like to take in the heart of everyday life. And the spirit of 1919, well, it was about reimagining, innovating, and reinventing! The energy in the streets reflected the dynamism of the Ballets Russes. Fashion, art, and literature all felt fresh and infused with the energy of the times.
In this vibrant atmosphere, you can almost sense a spirit of revolution in the air, both on stage and off. It’s no wonder the Ballets Russes became such a sensation! They dared to break with tradition, pushed the boundaries, and re-wrote the rules of dance. Just like I always do with my pink tutus!
Now, as you read this, darling readers, think about how 10th October 1919 sparked a revolution in the dance world! The Ballets Russes brought to London an innovation, style and spirit of artistry that forever changed the way we see dance. So, as you go about your day, whether you are twirling in the studio, admiring a tutu, or stepping out for a grand performance, remember the energy of this moment in time, and let it inspire your own unique journey! Don’t forget to grab your own little piece of ballet history, perhaps even a fabulous piece of turquoise silk! And don't forget to join me next month, for another incredible ballet journey through time! Until then, keep your tutus twirling!
xx Emma
