Hello darling! Emma here, back from another trip through time, my lovely pink tutu and I! Today I'm sharing my latest adventures from 6th June, 1932 - oh, such a delightful jaunt through ballet history. It’s amazing to think what an exciting and changing time it was. The world was truly abuzz with the wonders of dance, and I was thrilled to see first-hand what everyone was wearing and what they were loving. And believe me, my pink tutu made a very welcome and stylish entrance!
Remember to catch my blog every month on www.pink-tutu.com where I’ll be sharing the love and loveliness of ballet from across the ages! As always, I love seeing you all there – it feels like my very own ballet community.
So, this month I’ve found myself on the most fabulous trip to a 1932 June ballet gala. Can you believe it?! Magic Meg took us on the wildest ride through time and we ended up smack-bang in the middle of a ballet season where all of the world’s most amazing ballerinas were showcasing their incredible talent. Oh my, it was pure bliss!
And you know how I love a good ballet story - what better place to find one than amidst the glorious chaos of the London Coliseum? Let’s be honest, the sheer opulence was stunning. The entire space was decked out in dazzling, golden chandeliers that sparkled like a thousand little stars. There was also an orchestra, all suited up in those glorious tails that I’m rather fond of. It felt so… classical and beautiful, just like ballet. The energy, too - it was buzzing.
Now, I must share what I’ve discovered from my bag of goodies – I couldn’t resist adding a little memento from the performance, as always. There was something special about the whole evening that made me want to collect memories, like the scent of a long-ago flower.
There, amongst the plush red velvet seats, I was whisked away into the magic of the ballet world – and who should be gracing the stage? None other than the glorious Alicia Markova – a veritable icon of the time! I knew the name – we had been studying her in my Derbyshire ballet school – what an honour to finally witness her graceful moves in person! She’s not just any ballerina, she was the first dancer to take to the London stage as Giselle and now I completely understood why. She radiated grace, her delicate steps were flawless. But even better, I swear, there was an unmistakable glint of mischief in her eye as she danced. She was, and I can't emphasise this enough, pure artistry and just a tad daring… and it was truly mesmerizing.
To say I was in my element is a little like saying I adore wearing my tutu! To see history unfold in real-time - the artistry, the emotion - it truly transported me. There were smiles, tears and even the odd gasp of sheer delight. It was so exciting.
And there were all these stunning women who were simply delightful – dancers like Vera Nemchinova and the most beautiful Tatiana Riabouchinska were taking to the stage and I loved the intricate and challenging steps. All these phenomenal women… all dancing like dreams. It’s quite remarkable, really, to witness it.
Afterward, I made my way to the box where the ballerinas gather - the most delightful, exclusive, backstage club! You won't believe the fashion! You’d never guess these women were dancers at all because, while they danced so beautifully, off stage, they looked divine. It seems there was a certain elegance to everything. Such poise! And I mean, my dear, those gowns – full skirts, shimmering silks and a whole lot of glitz and glam.
One little beauty stopped me in my tracks - a dancer who must have been just sixteen years old – and let me tell you, her costume… Oh my! It was this extraordinary little number with such clever draping that made her look so modern – yet it still had a little air of the old. The fabrics felt lovely and the dance steps seemed effortlessly elegant, almost lyrical. The beauty of ballet just blew me away.
Even my trusty leather backpack couldn’t contain the sheer amount of loveliness – just wait till I unpack my treasures and share them with you! What I wouldn’t give to go back for another week or two. It would just be an endless pink tulle paradise.
Now, there was one other piece of news I gathered during my travels – one that has been on everyone’s lips. Oh, darling, did you hear the news about Serge Lifar? It seems the poor fellow was accused of ‘modernistic’ choreography and deemed scandalous – goodness knows why, it all seems perfectly innocent to me. You know how much I love a little avant-garde style - he really does have a special touch. It would seem that even today, ballet is full of excitement!
This entire trip left me buzzing with delight, with all the dancing and gorgeous tutus and beautiful ballets… the sheer excitement of seeing the world of ballet unfold before my eyes. It reminds me how vital ballet really is, a force of beauty and creativity, an art form that reaches across the ages and generations.
I can’t wait for the next time I travel through time on Magic Meg. I’m already plotting my next journey!
And remember - all my loves – get yourselves into a pink tutu! You just know how good you'll look in one – and as we have learned today - we'll all have the strength to travel to the world’s greatest stages and bring the magic of dance into our lives.
Talk soon, darling!
XOXO
Emma xx
[Photo caption: Emma poses on the pink stairs leading up to a London theater with the words "The London Coliseum" above her. Emma’s classic, elegant pink tutu is embellished with pale pink feather trim. The beautiful shire horse, Magic Meg, is also dressed in a pink feather trim halter that is decorated with pink sparkling crystals. ]
