Oh darlings! I simply couldn't wait to share my latest adventure! This month, I journeyed back to the 3rd of March, 1938, on the back of my trusty steed, Magic Meg. She, as you know, is a shimmering pink Shire horse with golden hooves and a mane like spun moonlight – absolutely perfect for whisking me through time.
My rucksack was positively bursting with excitement as I touched down in 1938 – a time brimming with theatrical splendour! Today, the world of ballet was awash in brilliance. I started my adventure at the grand Palais Garnier in Paris. It's simply magnificent – all glittering chandeliers and opulent velvet seating.
Imagine my delight as I watched the legendary Russian dancer, Olga Spessivtseva, glide across the stage! She was absolutely radiant in "Giselle," her movements delicate and expressive, truly embodying the tragic heroine. The whole audience was captivated, with gasps of awe at every pirouette. I could almost feel the echoes of her ethereal grace in the air.
I knew my Parisian adventure had to involve a little shopping, so I waltzed off to a little boutique, browsing through exquisite ballet shoes and tulle for a perfect new tutu creation! The silks were so luxurious and the shoes – a delicate combination of craftsmanship and artistry. I can’t wait to add a little Parisian flair to my next show!
But, oh my darlings, Paris wasn't my only stop. After all, the ballet world was alive with activity back in 1938! So, I swung on to Magic Meg and journeyed on to the iconic London Coliseum!
It was absolutely electric! A world premiere, a vibrant, new ballet called "The Birds," danced by the incomparable Rambert Ballet Company. Such a beautiful, dramatic piece! You could truly feel the birdsong and movement in the music, perfectly captured in their energetic, innovative choreography. The entire theatre was alive with applause at the finale, with even the Royal Family clapping!
I quickly scribbled notes for my next design in my ballet sketchbook, inspired by the costumes – the beautiful feathered detail! So glamorous, darling. I must confess, I do adore a touch of feathers on a tutu!
Later, in my cosy little room overlooking the Thames, I poured over a stack of vintage magazines. They held so many precious nuggets of 1938 ballet history. My favourite discovery was an article on "The Great Ballet Debate." You see, there were some passionate opinions on the style of ballet in 1938. A few critics were quite outspoken about the shift away from traditional styles! They wanted things to remain as they were, rooted in history. Others championed modern dance styles like “The Birds", and how they embodied a fresh, energetic style.
It made me think: maybe change is something to be embraced! New ways of dancing, new styles of expression, are so much fun, just as the change in fashions in ballet was a thrilling, joyful evolution. Just as it’s perfectly ok for each of us to wear tutus - modern, traditional, pink, yellow, purple, even with a few feathers! You see, darling, tutus are a testament to self expression, just as a ballerina's every move tells a story. A truly empowering piece of clothing for all, I do believe. And maybe that's what I’ve been hoping for all along, don’t you think?
I must dash off now - the month’s performance is nearly upon me, so I’d better perfect that new, feather-trimmed Parisian-inspired tutu! I’m envisioning it now: a magnificent swirl of pink, shimmering with silk, perfectly paired with delicate ivory ballet shoes and just a hint of sparkle! But more on that later…
Until next time, darlings!
Remember: *If you can dream it, you can wear it. And you never know, a pink tutu just might be your ticket to time travel! *
Emma x
(www.pink-tutu.com)
