Hello my darling ballet bunnies! Welcome to another delightful delve into the world of dance with your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller! This month, Magic Meg (my trusty pink and sparkly Shire horse with the golden hooves and magnificent white mane and tail) and I have whisked ourselves back to 6th June 1935, a date bursting with balletic brilliance!
It’s a gloriously sunny morning here in Derbyshire and the air is buzzing with the anticipation of the day ahead. Magic Meg, sporting a perfectly coordinated pink ribbon in her mane (she’s just the best), is happily munching on a bale of hay while I get ready for the adventures ahead. Today’s destination: a fabulous world of ballet. We're on a mission to find some sparkling ballet inspiration and stories to add to my collection (not to mention some delicious tea and cake! It's a tough life, but someone's gotta do it!)
My pink leather rucksack is prepped and ready to hold all the fascinating ballet finds I come across, and you bet, my favourite pink tutu is on!
First stop: London's famed Royal Opera House. Now, 1935 was a fabulous year for ballet. The Sadler's Wells Ballet, under the creative leadership of the extraordinary Ninette de Valois, was already a sensation, presenting breathtaking productions like "The Sleeping Beauty," which, according to the papers, has become one of the most talked-about shows in London. Their next performance of the legendary ballet, on the 7th of June, promises to be another sell-out!
You wouldn't believe the incredible performances by Alicia Markova, Anton Dolin, and Frederick Ashton, all dancing at the peak of their talent! I managed to sneak backstage at the Opera House (with my charming "it's for a blog post" plea - works every time!), and oh my dear, the backstage buzz was absolutely electric. The anticipation, the energy, it was simply electrifying.
You see, back in 1935, the ballet world was at a turning point. Gone were the days of long, flowing, romantic ballerinas - the new era was all about sharp, strong, and powerful moves! It was truly revolutionary! It feels amazing to witness it firsthand. And wouldn’t you know it, even in the backstage chaos, the elegance and artistry of these incredible dancers shone through.
Now, wouldn't it be divine to be in a 1935 ballet studio? To be surrounded by aspiring dancers in their beautiful, shimmering outfits, all perfecting their leaps, turns, and grand jetés? Luckily, I’ve found just the spot, a quaint studio in the heart of London. There I watched, fascinated, as the future generation of ballet stars were sculpted, guided by experienced instructors who taught them the classic traditions while also hinting at the daring new style emerging in ballet.
The dance floor was a wonderland of flowing fabrics and carefully chosen shoes. Each move, every step, was an art form, each ballerina an artist. It's a moment frozen in time I'll forever treasure!
To say 1935 was a year for fashion would be a complete understatement, my darlings. From the opulent dresses to the hats that would make even the grandest duchess swoon, it was an absolute explosion of colours, textures, and designs! And oh, those ballet costumes... I spent a delicious afternoon in the heart of the West End, amongst the charming little boutiques, adorned with elegant mannequins in their stunning ballet costumes. You’ve never seen such beautifully flowing fabrics, delicately crafted tutus with just a touch of pink (even the shops seem to know my love!), and gorgeous silk shoes - every detail a piece of art!
Of course, my own personal pink tutu just begged for a spin under the gaze of those glorious 1935 mannequins! It’s all about feeling like a dancing queen! The sheer joy of dressing up in your favourite tutu, whether it’s a vintage piece or one of your own creations, is unparalleled! Let’s face it, life's too short for drab outfits. Just slip into a pink tutu and the world suddenly transforms into a stage!
Speaking of dancing queens, this wouldn't be a proper Pink Tutu Travel post without a mention of some absolutely delightful ballet shows. The Empire Theatre in Liverpool was host to an exquisite show, "Ballet In the Empire" by the Russian Ballet, an innovative company known for their groundbreaking choreography and the extraordinary artistry of their dancers.
Imagine, ladies, watching dancers glide through intricate patterns, creating masterpieces of movement that tell captivating stories. This is truly the magic of ballet, that universal language that transcends time and culture, speaking to the heart of every audience member.
Back in London, there was another wonderful event at The London Hippodrome, featuring a delightful ballet performance from the London Theatre Ballet Company. The performance was packed with breathtaking sets and an exquisite selection of ballets – every performance an art form!
And as for the theatre's elegant atmosphere, a dazzling display of Parisian-inspired fashion was seen in the audience. You see, my dear ladies, a ballet show is a world of pure artistry, a sanctuary of elegance where elegance reigns supreme and pink tutus make hearts soar. It’s like entering another world of glamour and beauty.
One of the most intriguing things I discovered in my historical escapade, however, was not the beautiful dance shows, but something altogether more personal: the diary of a young, aspiring ballerina. It was tucked away in an antique bookshop, its faded ink revealing a world of dreams, dedication, and sacrifices made for the love of ballet.
She wrote of late nights practicing her pirouettes and relentless stretches to improve her flexibility. Her diary detailed the anxieties and exhilaration of auditioning for the Royal Ballet School and her dream of dancing on the grand stage of the Covent Garden Theatre. Her passion for dance burned like a fire in her soul. I was struck by her unwavering spirit, her dream to rise above adversity and touch the hearts of others through dance. It reminded me, again, how deeply rooted ballet is in personal stories, dreams, and perseverance, a universal language that connects us all.
It's these little, personal discoveries that remind me of the extraordinary power of ballet – it’s not just about fancy footwork, it’s a world filled with personal stories, artistic expressions, and moments of true magic that resonate across time and cultures.
As the sun sets over the Derbyshire hills, I tuck my pink tutu away, filled with joy and wonder. It’s moments like these, when I journey into the past, discovering the world of ballet in its raw, beautiful essence, that fuel my passion to spread the joy of pink tutus and ballet's irresistible magic to everyone. Until next month, my ballet bunnies!
Keep on spinning and dreaming!
Your dearest Emma x
www.pink-tutu.com
