Hello my dearest readers, welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels, your portal to the history of ballet through the lens of a pink tutu wearing, time-travelling enthusiast. Today we're jetting back to November 11th, 1921. This particular date was extra special for me, as I had a particularly glamorous show lined up – and even managed to secure a fabulous pair of vintage shoes! This is my 3131st post on www.pink-tutu.com, so you know it's a real doozy!
Just imagine, it was 1921, the roaring 20s in full swing, a time when the world was embracing change, flapper dresses and, yes, even a touch of Jazz in their ballet! Donning my most dazzling pink tutu, complete with a splash of shimmering sequins and a delicate feather trim (donated to my collection by a charming lady in the 1920s!), I hopped on Magic Meg, my beautiful pink sparkling Shire horse. Her golden hooves were tapping with excitement as we sailed through the time stream to the bustling heart of Paris, France.
We arrived with a graceful twirl outside the legendary Palais Garnier. Imagine, that iconic building, still a masterpiece, and the ballet world humming with excitement about its new prodigy – the formidable Sergei Diaghilev, the revolutionary impresario! I was so lucky, not only to watch the Ballets Russes but even to snag a front-row seat! Can you imagine? Me, surrounded by a glamorous audience dressed to the nines! The spectacle itself was an assault on my senses! Stunning choreography, bold costumes and an incredibly diverse ensemble that challenged traditional ideas of what ballet could be. I must confess, I may have shed a happy tear or two when the final curtain fell, my head spinning with creativity and sheer wonder.
Speaking of wonder, a curious incident occurred that day! I, Emma, pink tutu princess extraordinaire, had decided it was time to shop for a new pair of shoes for my burgeoning collection! Paris in the 20s, a shopping paradise indeed! After perusing a vintage shop – all lace and ribbon, I unearthed a true treasure. A pair of ruby red, satin-finished slippers, designed for the world famous ballerina Anna Pavlova, signed with her own elegant inscription! My heart skipped a beat. Just imagine! Owning a pair of shoes that once belonged to a legend! It truly is magical how time and stories blend like a beautiful, lyrical pirouette!
As for my own ballet journey that day, I was fortunate enough to grace the Palais Garnier with a delightful impromptu performance! Yes, I'm not afraid to admit I danced! In my signature pink tutu, of course, surrounded by admiring stares, I brought my personal brand of pink magic to the legendary stage. I danced a lighthearted pas de deux with a dashing young ballet dancer who was studying in Paris. He even agreed to a twirl for the cameras, after his initial hesitation at my brightly coloured costume! Perhaps, he realised pink tutus truly are for everyone!
My leather rucksack, heavy with memorabilia and notes, reminded me that every moment in history contains a tale just waiting to be told. I'm talking about my favorite dance movements and costumes, stories from the ballets and, of course, snippets of the ballet community at the time – you know, the real life "ballet gossip!"
Speaking of ballet gossip, let's not forget the international scene on that day, November 11th, 1921! The American dancer, Anna Pavlova, was on a whirlwind tour in Argentina. Talk about inspiring, to tour the world! The world seemed to be catching "ballet fever," just as it is today, you know! The American Ballet, founded in 1919, was flourishing and the London Ballet Club was getting a solid foothold. I think this was a time when the dance world really stepped into the spotlight – not just in Europe but worldwide!
But my adventure wouldn't be complete without returning to my Derbyshire roots, where I left Magic Meg safely nestled in the stable of the village pub. Imagine, returning to the peaceful stillness of the English countryside, surrounded by rolling hills, after such an exhilarating journey into the dazzling past! A gentle touch on my cheek and the gentle thud of Meg's hooves reminded me that while times may change, the magic of dance remains. The thrill of seeing the beauty in every leap and pirouette is a constant across the centuries! And remember, pink tutus – they transcend all eras!
Do come back next month to join me on another Pink Tutu adventure! Let’s discover what dance treasures are hidden away in time!
With a swirling twirl,
Emma xx
