Welcome back, fellow tutu enthusiasts! This is Emma from Pink-Tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things ballet and pink. Today, we're jetting off on another magical time travel adventure aboard Magic Meg, my trusty pink-sparkling shire steed with golden hooves and a flowing white mane. This month, we're taking a trip back to 4th April 1934, ready to embrace the dazzling world of ballet and gather stories for my trusty leather rucksack.
Post #3280
Magic Meg snorted and pawed the ground, a touch of impatience in her golden hooves. "Ready for another fabulous adventure, Emma?" she whinnied, her eyes sparkling like pink diamonds. I chuckled, adjusting my pink tutu with a little flourish. "Always ready, Magic Meg! The world of ballet awaits!"
As always, I like to take a peek at the ballet world in 1934. I rummaged through my collection of old programmes, magazines and books – anything to get a glimpse into what the dance world was buzzing about. Turns out, the legendary Bolshoi Ballet were touring the Soviet Union! Their programmes were full of spectacular performances featuring classics like Swan Lake and Giselle. I imagined those exquisite dancers on stage, twirling and leaping in their tulle gowns. Just lovely!
However, our first stop was London's esteemed Covent Garden Opera House, where the Sadler's Wells Ballet was celebrating its tenth anniversary. Founded by the esteemed Lilian Baylis, this company was known for its exciting repertoire of ballets, often featuring original works by the brilliant Frederick Ashton. Just imagine, I would be right there to watch those innovative steps and stunning costumes, possibly even spot Ashton himself. Maybe, I could even try out some of his dances. He always seemed like a wonderful chap – what an amazing time to be a ballet lover!
The energy in Covent Garden was electrifying, even though we had travelled back in time! The buzz in the air, the excited chatter, and the sound of music swirling from the theatre…oh, I could smell the excitement! And as I entered the majestic building, my eyes were drawn to the posters, which promised an extraordinary double bill: “Le Beau Danube” and "The Haunted Ballroom" – two exciting, romantic stories on the grand stage! It was almost time to see the show. I felt a delightful tingle of excitement, I could just feel my ballet slippers kicking.
Once settled into our comfy box seat, I grabbed a programme. You just can't get enough of those lovely colourful leaflets with photos of the performers! Looking at the dates and cast listings, my imagination went wild. Imagine being on that stage, the spotlight shining down on your beautiful tutu, the audience holding their breath! As I watched, I wished for a magical moment of being transported onto the stage myself.
However, we were just time travellers for the day, not part of the show, and after a beautiful performance and a standing ovation, the show ended. "Well done, ladies and gentlemen!" I applauded with all my heart,
Magic Meg pawed the ground with her sparkly hooves. "Come on Emma! We have some time travelling to do. Let's explore Covent Garden!"
We walked through the streets, buzzing with the thrill of the day's ballet performance. A handsome gent offered us some hot chestnuts in a little stall, which smelt heavenly! A group of glamorous women were talking animatedly, their fur coats looking fabulous against the chilly April night. Everything was so wonderfully vintage, just perfect for my little pink tutu!
It was a bustling night, and as we walked through the bustling, colourful market, I could see women shopping, giggling and buying fabric for their glamorous outfits! After all, 1934 was the time of opulent ball gowns and fabulous feathered hats – a real dream for any fashion-forward ballet aficionado! This was what inspired ballet outfits today – all those pretty fabrics!
We lingered at a fabric store where the finest silks and satins shimmered under the gaslights. Oh, if only I could buy them all, even the bold and flamboyant colours – imagine that beautiful emerald satin draped around a dance student's delicate frame! Oh, wouldn't it look glorious?
Our final stop before returning home was a chic tea room. Imagine - an elegant room full of ladies taking a leisurely break with beautiful afternoon tea sets. Tea and cake...it's enough to inspire some grand ballets of its own! I sipped a cup of strong, smoky tea (much nicer than those horrid paper cups!), nibbled on a decadent strawberry cake and took in the fascinating atmosphere.
But all good journeys have an end, and Magic Meg was getting restless to return home, and I had ballet lessons and a performance back in Derbyshire the following morning. I patted Meg on the neck, "Don't worry, Meg, our next adventure is just a hop away – our time travelling is never-ending!" Then with a magical flash, we were whisked back to my bedroom. I was in a daze – what a remarkable day, full of vibrant colours, graceful dance, and beautiful history.
Magic Meg whinnied and pawed the ground with her golden hooves, as though encouraging me to share my adventures. "Well, what are you waiting for?" she asked me with a soft but persuasive voice.
I quickly opened my laptop and began to write my post. You can check out our amazing adventure on my blog www.pink-tutu.com . I also write down notes in my leather rucksack to help me remember our adventures.
I finished the post, and went to bed early, with the beautiful memories of the day. I already felt ready for our next adventure, maybe the wonderful world of Russian Ballet!
What will we discover next month? Stay tuned for more pink tutu adventures and until then, remember: Life's a beautiful ballet, and a pink tutu always adds that extra touch of sparkle!
Happy dancing everyone! 💖✨
Emma xxx
