Welcome to my pink paradise, lovely readers! This is Emma, your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, bringing you another monthly instalment of my ballet-themed adventures! As you know, my trusty steed Magic Meg and I adore whisking ourselves back through history to discover the magic of ballet through the ages. Today, I’m excited to share my latest escapade, back to the glamorous year of 1923, a whirlwind of art deco glamour and dazzling dance.
(This is post number 3152 for my ballet time travel blog on www.pink-tutu.com. Please pop over and check it out for loads more fun stuff! 💕)
So, off we went, Magic Meg’s hooves clicking against cobblestone streets as we arrived in a bustling 1920s London. I had my trusty pink tutu on, naturally (I just couldn’t bear the thought of venturing through history without it!), and my leather rucksack, which I always fill with treasures I find from my time travels. In fact, this time I found a gorgeous vintage pair of ballet shoes! **(I may have spent the afternoon dancing in the streets, much to the delight of a curious group of children).
As it was the 8th of August 1923, it felt like stepping into a world straight from a movie. Flappers danced at lavish parties, women's bobbed hair was the height of fashion, and the music was bursting with jazz energy. I felt a tingle of excitement as I remembered the big ballet event taking place that night! The Royal Opera House was buzzing with anticipation for a special performance of "La Sylphide" featuring the iconic ballerina, Tamara Karsavina, who I’d been hearing whispers of all week. She was simply a marvel to behold, a graceful whirlwind of elegance in a stunning costume - truly a true ballet goddess! I was particularly taken by the intricate details in her headpiece - truly something to inspire any modern dancer, or in my case, pink tutu-clad time traveller. I simply had to snag a little piece of the history for my collection so I snagged a programme that was sitting by an usher’s desk (sorry, not sorry, dear history!), so I could treasure it forever.
Now, a lot was happening in the world of dance outside of the Opera House. Let me fill you in on the highlights, as captured through my own time-traveling perspective.
Paris was dancing with an enchanting premiere of "Les Biches", which showcased the vibrant choreography of Bronislava Nijinska. She's a name that pops up time and again when talking about innovative dance! Her choreography brought such a refreshing, modern twist to classical ballets, much to my delight! I found myself imagining what the dancers would have worn for this show, probably costumes just as bold and artistic as her vision!
Of course, I simply couldn’t resist a trip to the famed Russian ballet company, the Diaghilev Ballets Russes. It seemed that even back then, Diaghilev Ballets Russes was one of the most prestigious and talked about ballet troupes around, attracting international recognition and causing quite a stir wherever they went! Their latest venture was “Le Train Bleu,” set in the glamorous world of the French Riviera, a true vision of beauty, elegance, and a splash of artistic flamboyance. You’ll understand how inspiring it was for a pink tutu loving blogger like me!
You know I can’t travel back through time without soaking up the fashion scene, right? * I had a *most splendid time browsing shops brimming with beautiful frocks, beaded dresses and vibrant colours - everything a fashionable girl could want! **You bet I found a stunning silk pink scarf to match my tutu. It was like a vision of vintage romance in itself!
My dear readers, let me assure you that 1923 wasn’t just a time for exquisite ballet performances and chic fashion. *There was a sense of playful rebellion in the air, with dancers challenging tradition and seeking new artistic heights. *It's this kind of spirit that reminds me to always dance outside the lines, even if you wear a pink tutu!
I’m back in my Derbyshire cottage now, filled with inspiration and beautiful treasures from 1923. You can always find my favourite stories, photos, and memories on my blog! But the thing about time travel is it’s always just the beginning! My next adventure will be revealing itself soon... And I can’t wait to share it with you!
Until then, darling readers, remember to stay beautiful, be bold, and always embrace your inner pink tutu! 💕
P.S. Have you been to a ballet performance lately? Do you have a favourite ballet? I would love to hear all about it!
