Hello, darling ballet bunnies! Itās Emma here, back from another whirlwind trip through time! I'm so excited to share my latest adventures with you, this month taking me right back to the vibrant, glamorous world of ballet on 2nd February, 1927.
As always, my trusty steed, the magical Meg, a magnificent pink shire horse with gleaming gold hooves, was patiently waiting outside my Derbyshire cottage, ready to carry me on this monthās historical ballet escapade.
Now, you might be thinking, February? Isnāt that a little chilly for a pink tutu? But you know me ā nothing can dampen my passion for ballet, not even a British winter! (Although Meg and I do pack extra blankets, just in case!)
So, letās rewind the clock and see what was happening in the ballet world back on that chilly February day.
First up, it's the season for spectacular Diaghilev's Ballets Russes. The company was on a triumphant tour, dazzling audiences across the globe with their avant-garde style and innovative performances. This season they were staging a sensational production of āLes Bichesā, a playful and vibrant ballet choreographed by the ever-inspiring Bronislava Nijinska. It was a show designed to make hearts flutter with its sparkling, fast-paced, witty dance style and bold, sensual costumes. I simply couldn't resist the urge to take in a performance myself, and as soon as I found my way backstage, the air buzzed with anticipation and excitement.
Can you imagine, darlings? Being surrounded by the dazzling colours and daring movements of Diaghilev's dancers? Youāve simply got to wear a pink tutu while taking it all in! (Luckily, I always have an extra in my bagā¦you know how I feel about backup tutus!)
From the opulent backstage of the London Coliseum, the heart of this ballet scene, it was then onwards to Vienna. Here, the stage belonged to Rudolf von Laban, a leading figure in the world of dance at the time. He was revolutionizing dance with his unique approach, using body movements as a means of expression. Seeing him move was nothing short of inspirational, and I was captivated by the labany* philosophy, so focused on natural movements and exploration. Iād highly recommend trying some labany* yourself ā a true workout for your soul and spirit.
But ballet wasnāt only a performance spectacle in those days. I stumbled upon an exciting new movement bubbling beneath the surface: āDance, Drama, and Cinema.ā
What a wonderful name for a movement, right?
It aimed to integrate dance and drama into the burgeoning world of cinema, and while watching a film in this style might sound unusual now, it was an ambitious and forward-thinking concept, truly pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. Think moving dance sequences intermingled with drama - very Black Swan vibes!
I made sure to take a peek at "The Mysterious Lady". Can you imagine, the stunning Greta Garbo as a dancer! It had to be amazing. Whatās fascinating is that dance was considered an integral part of storytelling on film at the time, a complete contrast to how film embraces dance today.
And for some pure artistic indulgence, I couldn't leave the month without a trip to see "Le Sacre du Printemps" by Igor Stravinsky, performed by the Russian Ballet in London. The iconic ballet with its revolutionary music, its captivating narrative, and its iconic dancingā¦It's a must-see for every ballet enthusiast. It is powerful, dynamic and truly unforgettable, just like the vibrant hues and exquisite movement of āThe Rite of Springā.
So, dear ballet lovers, that was a mere glimpse into my amazing trip to 1927!
Donāt forget, dear ballet lovers, there is nothing that can stop you from reaching for your dreams. And trust me, pink tutus are the key to unlocking the magic that awaits. So, what are you waiting for?
Keep your toes tapping and your tutus twirling, my darling ballet bunnies! Iāll be back next month with a new, sparkling historical ballet escapade! Until then, be sure to explore www.pink-tutu.com for more pink-tastic stories, tutorials, and inspirational snippets from the wonderful world of ballet.
