Hello my lovely pink tutu-loving friends! Welcome back to my monthly ballet-tastic journey through time! This month, Magic Meg, my fabulous pink-sparkling shire horse, and I are galloping all the way back to the roaring 20s - specifically 2nd February 1928! Can you believe it? It feels like a lifetime ago, doesn't it?
Now, let me tell you, even back then, the world of ballet was buzzing with excitement! We arrived in London just in time for a truly special treat - a performance of "Les Sylphides" at the Sadler's Wells Theatre! Now, this ballet, my dears, is a masterpiece of pure classical beauty, set to the exquisite music of Frédéric Chopin. The dancers, clad in ethereal white tutus (how I wish they were pink, but hey, we all have our style!), glided across the stage like celestial beings. The emotion and precision of their movement had me utterly entranced!
Dancing into the heart of the 20s
But our time travels didn't stop there! After "Les Sylphides" (and let me tell you, a performance at the Sadler's Wells never disappoints!), we ventured into the vibrant heart of 1920s London. The streets were brimming with life, jazz music pulsed from every corner, and ladies sported stunning flapper dresses that just oozed glamour. Imagine my delight, when I spotted a shop window showcasing exquisite pink sequined evening wear! Oh, to be a glamorous flapper with a love of all things pink, eh?
We couldn't resist indulging in the heady atmosphere of the era - stopping for a cuppa (always important for any good ballerina!) and then indulging in some scrumptious fish and chips. Just like today, it's clear that everyone has a love for a good classic!
Back at the hotel (we always like to travel in style), I couldn't resist trying on my new ballet shoes, adorned with the finest of 1920s-inspired embellishments. And then, wouldn't you know it, there I was, doing some ballet stretches while the city twinkled outside our window. It felt truly magical, just like those dreams of flying I get when I’m lost in a performance.
Ballet Across the Globe
You know I like to travel beyond the English shores! On our travels we visited Paris, the very heart of elegance and refinement. We popped into the iconic Opéra Garnier, which was simply breathtaking. You could just imagine all the great dancers who graced that stage! It's no wonder this opera house became synonymous with the beauty and artistry of French ballet.
In New York City, we found a very different vibe, one of thrilling, boundless energy! New York, it’s truly the heart of Broadway. I wandered along the city's dazzling streets, feeling a rush of excitement. It’s incredible what’s already here back in 1928 – and think of what it would be like a hundred years later, even now I can only imagine the dazzling world of theater!
Back in Derbyshire, we spent some time in a lovely local dance studio - and you know me, I couldn't help myself - I just had to pop on a tutu and get those dance steps flowing! They were just starting to learn a ballet piece inspired by “Les Sylphides,” set to a traditional Derbyshire folk song. How cute was that?
History in my Rucksack
But it wasn't all just about performances, my dears! You know how much I love my leather rucksack, and during our trip, it filled right up! This month, it holds a vintage programme from “Les Sylphides,” some shimmering flapper feathers from a 1920s hat, a delightful little photo from Paris featuring dancers at the Opéra Garnier, and a small ballet-themed handkerchief. (How romantic! Imagine wearing that to a show and losing it accidentally!) And of course, there’s my own journal entry with all my thoughts from my travels, with every anecdote about ballet that catches my eye, every historical note I pick up along the way.
I know you lovely ladies are already wondering about my next trip - Where will my journey through time take me? Perhaps it’ll be further into the 20th century or maybe I’ll take a little side trip into the 19th century. Whatever adventures lie ahead, I promise to keep you updated each month here at www.pink-tutu.com.
In the meantime, make sure to don your pink tutus, grab your favourite dance shoes, and join me in this beautiful dance of life. See you soon, darling friends! Until next time!
Love,
Emma xx
