Hello darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, back from another fabulous jaunt through the annals of ballet history! As you know, my heart beats for ballet in all its glory, and that includes delving into its past. This month, we're twirling back to November 11th, 1929, a date brimming with captivating ballet happenings!
Now, before we step onto the stage, let's have a moment for Magic Meg. Oh, my dear horse is simply the best! Her shimmering pink coat, those golden hooves, and her snow-white mane and tail... she's a true princess of the equine world! I swear she practically glows! You should have seen us trotting down the cobbled streets, a cloud of shimmering pink and magic trailing behind us, quite the spectacle. We always turn heads - it's a delight.
Today's ballet travels have landed me in New York City! Oh, it's just so glamorous, full of towering buildings and roaring motorcars. It's the 1920s, so it's naturally buzzing with a speakeasy spirit – jazz music spills from every door, the ladies are sporting flapper dresses, and there's a delicious whiff of smoky prohibition era gin lingering in the air. But for me, it's all about the ballet, darlings. I’m particularly fond of a new dance craze here in the US - the Charleston! You simply must try it, it's a vibrant and exciting way to swing!
As I explore this fascinating city, my eye is immediately drawn to the majestic, red brick building that is the Metropolitan Opera House. Such elegant curves, a theatre brimming with a history rich in ballet! On November 11th, 1929, the company premiered The Green Table, a dance drama that was an absolute sensation in Europe. Created by the brilliant Austrian choreographer Kurt Jooss, this work explores the devastating impact of war, with moving depictions of both loss and human resilience.
I just had to take a peek behind the scenes - my leather rucksack already filled with intriguing programmes and ticket stubs! I managed to steal a moment with the company’s star dancer, Doris Humphrey, she was absolutely lovely. A fierce woman with a passion for creating authentically expressive movement. She, like so many of the dancers at this time, are part of the growing wave of contemporary dance, exploring the power of dance to depict life in all its shades and emotions.
And then, just a quick hop and skip to Germany, a hop on the back of Meg of course! I’m here to see another exciting production taking centre stage, at the Dresden Opera: "Le Beau Danube" by Franz Xaver Wolfgang Mozart. It's an energetic and playful work, an utterly charming waltz! Oh, the dancing, darlings, just breathtaking!
So much history, so many inspiring moments. I can’t even tell you how invigorating this trip was, my toes are still tingling! And of course, I've been doing a bit of shopping – can’t leave a place without some souvenirs! Today's additions to my collection are some lovely flapper style accessories for my own wardrobe – you know, some fabulous pearls and sparkling clips for my hair! I always add a bit of 1920s flair to my ballet style!
But now I'm back in my studio, surrounded by the soothing rustle of tutus. I can already feel the excitement bubbling in my chest – I'm so eager to get back on the dance floor! Oh, the joy of ballet, it’s simply a way of life for me. My favourite pink tutu is gleaming in the corner, its delicate layers whispering promises of pirouettes and grand jetés. Perhaps I should take it for a whirl... after all, I do need some inspiration for my next ballet performance!
Now, I would love to know: What ballet history interests you the most, my lovely readers? Is there a particular era you'd like me to travel back to, a performance you'd love to experience, a ballerina whose story captivates you? Do share in the comments!
Remember, we are all ballerinas, no matter our size or style, with the potential to dance our way into the world! And, don’t forget - wear pink tutus - spread the love and magic of ballet! Until next time, twirl in happiness!
Lots of love, Emma
xxx
