Oh my darlings, Iâm back! It's time for another exciting trip through the annals of ballet history with your favourite pink tutu wearing time traveller. This month, I've set my sights on the 12th December 1930, a date brimming with fascinating ballet developments!
Magic Meg, my trusty pink-sparkling Shire with golden hooves and a mane and tail as white as fresh snow, was raring to go. The journey back to 1930 was as smooth as a dancer's arabesque, the air buzzing with the anticipation of all that awaited us. You see, my dears, it's my little mission to bring a sprinkle of pink tutu magic to every era and share it with you, from my little corner of Derbyshire. Itâs quite the life!
Now, the 12th December 1930, in the world of ballet, saw a plethora of activity! I found myself in London, and what a wonderful time it was to be a ballet enthusiast!
The London Scene:
Firstly, I dashed to Covent Garden, which was brimming with the excitement of the season. There, in the midst of the swirling snowflakes that adorned London's streets, the majestic Royal Opera House was staging âThe Sleeping Beautyâ starring the legendary Margot Fonteyn as the titular princess. I practically breathed in the sheer magic of the moment! To think I could see the young Fonteyn dance, such a prodigy! I slipped a precious keepsake from her ballet bag, into my rucksack - a beautiful silken pink ribbon that had graced her hair during a rehearsal - an exquisite piece of ballet history to treasure!
Across the Pond - America!
I couldn't resist hopping across the pond to see what was happening in the ballet world of America. In New York, I waltzed through the bright lights of Times Square to catch a performance by the famous Balanchine. Now, I know his choreography is revered across time - I am such a fan - and in this era, his "Concerto Barocco" had the American ballet world thrilled. Itâs quite the performance! It truly is something to experience. While there, I picked up an old theatre programme - it was worn, almost frayed around the edges, a little bit faded, but it held memories of such a magical evening. The memories and moments are a part of ballet's rich tapestry - I just adore it all, donât you darlings?
From Russia with Love
I felt an urge to travel further - you know, I always do. My next stop, in the frosty Russian capital - Moscow. Oh, what an inspiration this time was. The Bolâshoi Theatre, as resplendent as always, played host to some of Russia's most beloved ballet dancers, with performances that left me dazzled. In particular, Galina Ulanova, the queen of the Russian Ballet, was in fine form as she twirled and leaped across the stage, in Tchaikovsky's âSwan Lakeâ - an absolute masterpiece, of course. As if I hadn't gathered enough memories for one life, I managed to snatch an exquisitely embroidered, scarlet ballet shoe ribbon from Ulanovaâs dance bag. Oh, this truly is an historic treasure.
A Time For Ballet Fashion
While Iâm obsessed with the history of ballet, I also adore ballet fashion! It's not just about the graceful movement, the elegance, the captivating story lines; It's also about the fashion, and those sumptuous tutus and beautiful ballet shoes. My absolute passion!
From the glamorous tutus in London's grand theatres to the beautiful costumes worn in New York and Moscow, I was enchanted by the sheer beauty and artistry that adorned the dancers' bodies. The intricate embroidery on Ulanovaâs ribbon is just the perfect example. These beautiful creations were part of the whole theatre experience. They added a further dimension to the story told on stage and took you to a whole new world.
Oh, my dears, if you can find yourself near a ballet production, please, do go and soak up the enchantment of it all - the music, the graceful dancers, and those stunning, dazzling costumes!
The Ballet World in Pink Tutu Shades
As for my aim - yes, my dear readers, I hope to inspire the world to wear a pink tutu - oh, wouldnât that be the most marvellous sight. My dream is that you all embrace the sheer fun and whimsy of ballet! A pink tutu can transform the ordinary, make the mundane, magical. Imagine a world with pink tutus galore! Every day would be a joyous ballet of life, Wouldn't that be glorious?
Itâs an exciting journey I am on, dear readers. But even more exciting, is to share it with you!
Now, back to Derbyshire I go, leaving the magic of 1930 behind for a moment. Next month, I will reveal more secrets from the wonderful, ever evolving world of ballet, and take a peek at some incredible moments in ballet's history, with the help of Magic Meg of course, my ever-patient travel companion.
Do remember, my dears, keep your eye out for pink tutus, they really are everywhere.
I await your stories and your inspirations. Write to me on my blog at www.pink-tutu.com!
Until next time - keep the ballet spirit alive!
With love,
Emma.
