Hello my darlings! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink-tutu wearing ballerina time traveller! December's here, and you know what that means: twinkling lights, festive cheer, and a whole lotta ballet! Today, we're travelling back to the 12th of December, 1919.
Hold on tight, darling! Magic Meg is ready to whisk us back through time. Just like a twirling pirouette, our pink shimmering Shire horse will have us there in a jiffy! My rucksack's packed – all set for ballet history and, of course, some lovely fashion finds.
The world of ballet in 1919 was alive and kicking! Imagine: Paris, the birthplace of classical ballet, still reeling from the war. In London, the legendary Sadler's Wells Theatre, which would later be so important to British ballet, is getting ready for the festive season. Across the pond, New York City is witnessing the rise of the Metropolitan Opera, with ballets slotted in among the opera productions. And across Europe, smaller dance companies are working tirelessly to bring the beauty of dance to the masses.
Now, let’s get those pink tutu imaginations going… In December 1919, there’s so much going on! The Ballets Russes company, led by the flamboyant Sergei Diaghilev, is back on the road with their latest tour. Just imagine those dazzling costumes, the intoxicating music, and the sheer drama of the whole affair! I can practically feel the energy and hear the music.
Back home, my heart feels all a-flutter thinking of the London stage. In December 1919, there's plenty to see. There’s “The Sleeping Beauty” at the Alhambra Theatre in Leicester Square. Who doesn’t love a bit of classic fairy tale magic? Just a touch of magic and, who knows, maybe some tutu inspiration.
You know me – I’ve always got an eye for a bit of ballet fashion. I wonder what the ladies are wearing for these grand occasions. A touch of feather boa? Some lovely lace? Those gorgeous flapper dresses are all the rage, wouldn’t a pink one be simply divine? Imagine a swirl of pink lace dancing in the spotlight! My fingers are itching to write a ballet fashion article, a glimpse into the glitz and glamour of the past!
Speaking of glamour, what's a ballet time traveller to do? Of course, we’ll make a quick stop at Liberty’s – my absolute favourite shop in London, where they’ve got everything a budding ballerina could dream of. Imagine a stack of vintage tutus and ballet shoes! Now, darling, if you don’t mind, I’m going to go browse through those gorgeous, timeless ballet books in the art deco section. Just the smell of old paper and vintage ballet art makes me swoon!
Now, imagine the stories my rucksack will tell, packed full of fashion tips, backstage anecdotes, and those breathtaking sketches. Back to my little Derbyshire cottage – and straight to my desk. My time travel adventure is my greatest inspiration, the story I want to share. Every month, when the moon is high, I gather all those memories, and craft my stories for you!
So, darling, keep on twirling, keep on dancing, and remember: it's never too late to find your inner pink-tutu ballerina!
Love always,
Emma xx
