Hello darling dancers, and welcome to another magical time-traveling escapade with yours truly, Emma! May the 5th, 1925, has been calling to me like a beautiful melody from a distant orchestra. You see, my pink tutu and I, alongside Magic Meg – the most dazzling pink-sparkling Shire with golden hooves and a white mane and tail – are about to take a trip back to a golden age of ballet, where fashion and movement danced in perfect harmony.
I’ve been so excited about this trip! This time period – the 1920s – is considered a sort of ballet renaissance! It's when the dance world blossomed like a perfect ballet rose.
You see, it's just before the era of the famous Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes, the legendary ballet troupe that took the world by storm! They were bold, flamboyant and filled with artistic beauty. It is this captivating troupe I aim to see – and let me tell you, I’m dying to get a glimpse of their revolutionary designs! The costumes were outlandishly spectacular - I am going to add some stunning pieces from this era to my ballet collection!
And if you can imagine my excitement, just picturing all the fabulous dancing in this period. Think elegant leaps, captivating turns, and innovative choreography. It’s enough to make any ballerina's heart skip a beat, don’t you think?
To say that the 1920s were a hotbed for ballet wouldn’t do it justice! It’s an era teeming with exciting movements, passionate artistic expression, and captivating artistry. I’m not just here to talk about history - I want to bring the era back to life for all of you!
A Parisian Whirlwind
This particular date – 5th May 1925 – was a remarkable day in the Parisian ballet scene. Imagine it! Picture bustling theatres, elegant Parisian women in their fashionable flapper dresses, and the intoxicating scent of perfume filling the air. A perfect backdrop for an exciting evening at the theatre!
And guess what else? The dazzlingly flamboyant ‘Ballets Russes’ were in Paris, with a brand new, revolutionary production by Erik Satie! I've been told that their dance to 'Parade' was one of their most innovative yet – all with its delightful score. It sounds right up my street!
They'd created the 'Parade' - a piece unlike any before. Its experimental music combined with imaginative sets, costumes that would leave you breathless, and bold dancing - I am eager to discover exactly how it pushed the boundaries of ballet and became a triumph of artistic freedom.
Now, the 'Parade' was a fascinating journey! They fused traditional ballet movements with everyday movement and jazz! It had an urban flair, and some might say, even a touch of cabaret - think shimmering fringe, glittery fabrics, and maybe a cheeky, flirty vibe - it's going to be truly exhilarating to see!
But let’s talk a little bit more about this time period! As a lover of ballet fashion, this is what truly excites me! They weren't afraid to embrace new trends! The ‘Flapper Dress’ became a symbol of their rebellious and free-spirited attitude.
Imagine! Think flowing skirts, daringly low necklines, and shimmering jewels, a touch of pink and even a sassy cloche hat on top - it's practically the ideal ballet fashion statement, wouldn’t you say?
And what about the music? The world was head over heels for the exhilarating jazz music and the famous ‘Charleston’ - everyone wanted to join in the dance craze! The dancing was incredibly spirited and energetic, and everyone, including the ballet dancers, couldn’t get enough! The ‘Charleston’ had a definite feel-good energy! And just you wait - Magic Meg and I are about to find a fabulous, swirling spot to practise the steps as we gallop to Paris!
The influence of the American ‘Charleston’ was a major part of the 20s’s artistic zeitgeist - it added to the dynamic movement in the ballet!
I believe this exciting dance form could potentially take the ballet world by storm. Why wouldn't ballet dancers embrace the spirit of this exciting trend and bring that ‘Charleston’ style into ballet?
That’s my mission for you, my fellow ballet dancers: let’s infuse a bit of Charleston fun into your next class - just you wait until you see how many twirls and turns we can squeeze in!
Beyond the Parisian Scene
Now, it's not all about Paris, my dears. The ballet scene was thriving around the world, including my favourite spot, Derbyshire! While my fellow dancers in the capital danced the night away in sparkling venues, here, dancers in the county were passionate about the art and kept the ballet scene vibrant, albeit in a smaller and more intimate setting.
You know what they say about a quiet little town, though: it can be surprisingly innovative! The dancers, though few, were bold in their approach, incorporating local influences into their performance – I can see some of my ancestors dancing their heart out right now.
If there was one key message I could leave you with, it is that the beauty of ballet isn't contained within grand theaters - it can exist anywhere, even in our beautiful county!
Now, my lovely dancers, the air is starting to call me. My pink tutu and I need to ride! We're about to embark on a journey to meet the most exquisite dancers, experience the magic of the Charleston, and discover why the ballet scene exploded into the thrilling world it is today. So until next time, remember – ballet is a universal language, and it's an art that can make us dream and dance, no matter where we are in time or the world!
I’m eager to find some treasures – I need to bring back some of that stunning ballet fashion – and perhaps even the secrets of these incredible dances, to my shop in Derby – why don’t you pop in and see me when I return?!
Remember to wear your pink tutus with pride, my loves, and follow along on our journey!
Until next month,
Emma xxx
