Hello, darling tutu enthusiasts! Emma here, back from another whimsical jaunt through the time-twisting tapestry of ballet history. I've been dancing, swirling, and spinning, all in my oh-so-stylish pink tutu (naturally) in the fabulous, flapper-filled year of 1937! My trusty steed, Magic Meg, my sparkling pink Shire horse with her glorious golden hooves and flowing white mane, brought me to this truly enchanting decade, a time bursting with bold artistic innovation and glamorous style.
October the 10th, 1937, my dears, what a glorious day to be in the world of ballet! It seems that everyone is in a real tutu-tastic mood! And while it wasn't exactly the same 'pink explosion' I'm usually surrounded by (those fashion icons need to catch up with my oh-so-fabulous pink vision!), there was still so much tutu-liciousness to soak in!
Imagine me, if you will, with my leather rucksack overflowing with precious ballet trinkets from the past, my heart overflowing with joy at the wonders around me. First, my visit took me to the glorious city of London! Right in the heart of Covent Garden, a place dear to any ballerina's soul, a sparkling, thrilling ballet production was gracing the stage of the Royal Opera House. This year, the programme is filled with incredible works: "The Sleeping Beauty" starring the renowned ballerinas of the day, and the mesmerising "Les Sylphides." I, naturally, had to join the queue, tutus a-swirling, for the post-performance "Ballet Box," that glorious collection of memorabilia from the shows, always so delightful for a tutu-obsessed collector like me.
Let's delve into some history, my darlings! In 1937, the ballet world was on fire! The Royal Ballet, back then known as Sadler's Wells Ballet, was becoming the ultimate symbol of English ballet, a bastion of the classical elegance that captivates hearts worldwide. But, excitingly, they weren't the only stars in town!
A Ballet Odyssey Through Europe
My magic pink steed, Meg, then whisked me away to the city of Paris – a ballet lover's paradise! I couldn't help but visit the famed Paris Opera Ballet, where some of the most breathtaking ballets of our time were born, a place brimming with talent and passion. Oh, and the fashion, oh my dears, the fashion! Paris was overflowing with sophisticated elegance – and of course, with my pink tutu in tow, I stood out (in the very best possible way)!
While Berlin in 1937 was a bit more muted, with political tension palpable in the air, its ballet scene offered a different kind of elegance, one imbued with both strength and sensitivity. My love of ballet knew no political boundaries - art can truly be the ultimate bridge builder!
And, of course, no tutu-venture would be complete without a jaunt to **New York! The American ballet scene was also buzzing with innovation and new voices, setting its own captivating rhythms. It was here I discovered "Concerto" by Balanchine, the famous ballet featuring the phenomenal choreographer's signature mix of artistry, technical prowess, and exhilarating speed, I've found many a ballet-lover from Derbyshire enjoying its grace and energy. It's no wonder this incredible show became a New York City Ballet mainstay.
Tutu-tastic Time Travel:
You know how I adore fashion, my darlings! It is an art in its own right! In 1937, the dresses were all about luxurious fabrics like silks, satins, and velvets. Oh, I so wish my time machine had space for an overflowing trunk of such gorgeous clothing! Imagine me, waltzing down Fifth Avenue in a glamorous pink silk gown! What a vision it would be, a testament to the elegance and artistry of the era, perhaps a "pinkification" of those classic outfits, like a graceful wave from the past to our future! But my rucksack is only big enough for precious ballet trinkets, unfortunately. However, one thing I am bringing home from 1937: an insatiable craving to add just a touch of Art Deco flair to my wardrobe - how I love the geometric lines and dramatic black-and-white contrasts! Imagine what fabulous fashion designs one could imagine, if only one were lucky enough to be blessed with the magic touch of Meg.
The dancers of 1937 were marvels of grace and agility. It was an era when a ballet dancer was not only an athlete but also an artist, a real "total package" my dears. Each pirouette, each leap, told a story, a whisper from their hearts to our very souls! It was a thrill to watch these beautiful creatures move on stage, bringing life to these magical, unforgettable tales, a real treat for a tutu-loving time traveller.
A pink world of Ballet dreams
Remember, my darlings, a pink tutu makes the world a better place. Don't be shy! Join me in this magnificent dance through time. Put on a tutu, twirl around, feel the magic, and imagine your very own tutu-tastic adventure!
I'm off, dearies, to explore new realms of ballet in the annals of history. My next destination: who knows! I’ll be back, as always, with more tales, more adventures, more magical pink tutus to share! Until then, remember to twirl, and to live every day like a ballerina – gracefully, gracefully.
Visit me again soon on my ballet-filled, time-traveling pink-tutu.com blog
XOXO Emma
