Hello my darling tutu-lovers! It’s Emma here, your pinkest-loving ballerina, and it's time for another delightful dive into ballet history. This month, we're travelling back to September 9th, 1938, and let me tell you, the ballet world was buzzing!
My trusty steed, Magic Meg - a glorious pink shimmering Shire horse with golden hooves, a white mane and tail that sparkles like spun sugar - was pawing impatiently as I prepped my trusty leather rucksack. You never know what treasures you'll unearth when travelling through time, and believe me, I've got my eyes peeled for anything ballet-related.
Today, my destination was Vienna, the city that pulsates with musical magic! It's a city that has always captivated dancers, from the elegant waltzes of the Strauss family to the groundbreaking work of the great Martha Graham. This month's blog post is about an incredibly exciting moment for the world of ballet.
Now, picture this - 1938. Europe was on edge, shadows of war looming, yet the dance world continued to shine brightly, with captivating performances showcasing talent, strength, and graceful beauty. I had to travel to Vienna, for on this day, the legendary Wiener Staats-Oper - Vienna State Opera - was playing host to none other than Giselle, the hauntingly romantic story of a peasant girl, betrayed and driven to madness. It was, and still is, a ballet classic that has inspired generations of dancers and captivated audiences for over a century!
I was fortunate to secure a seat in the magnificent Vienna State Opera House, with its opulent decor and acoustics that are like nothing you’ve ever experienced! The auditorium was overflowing with aristocrats, dignitaries, and discerning dance enthusiasts. As the curtain rose, I was absolutely captivated by the artistry, the technical prowess, the sheer power and emotion! The dancing was breathtaking, with every gesture telling a story of heartbreak and ethereal beauty.
After the performance, I had the honour of meeting a young dancer, the elegant and graceful Frau Hilda, who danced the role of Myrtha, the Queen of the Wilis, in the second act. She was incredibly charming, with twinkling eyes and a smile that could light up a room. She told me fascinating stories about the origins of the ballet, its premiere in 1841, and the importance of such classical ballets. She spoke passionately about the choreography, how each step held significance, telling a story with every movement, every pirouette, every graceful arabesque.
And, you’ll never guess what! Frau Hilda shared some truly remarkable tidbits about Giselle which you won’t find in the books! You know how much I love learning about the stories behind these iconic ballet works - how Giselle was inspired by the myth of the wilis, beautiful female spirits who seek revenge on men who betray them, the incredible artistry of the choreography and its tragic yet beautiful tale of love and heartbreak! You can almost feel the emotion pouring off the stage, even as you read the story! Frau Hilda gave me this incredible story about how the famous Giselle solo, where Giselle spins to the very brink of exhaustion, was inspired by the dance of a willow tree blowing in the wind. Now, how beautiful is that?!
After bidding farewell to Frau Hilda, I visited the charming Balletsschuhe - The Ballet Shoe shop. There, in a display case glittering with pink and silver, were some of the most delicate and exquisitely handcrafted pointe shoes you’ve ever seen! With a gasp of joy, I found myself rummaging through their shelves, and look what I managed to snag for my rucksack – an original dance journal, detailing the choreography of a new ballet to be premiered the following year. I simply couldn't resist bringing this treasure back through time for you, my lovelies. It’s an absolute treat to delve into such original documents, to peek into the backstage secrets of a bygone era!
On my way out, I saw some fabulous street dancers – boys and girls, their dancing moves a dazzling mix of playful jumps and gravity defying twists, perfectly mirroring the stories told by the great masters. Their energy was vibrant and captivating, with their tutus - yes, you guessed it! – pink and sparkling! There, my darlings, is the beauty of ballet – its ability to adapt and reinvent itself! You can see its evolution and beauty on every street corner, in every corner of the world.
So, that's a glimpse into our time travel escapade on this 9th September 1938.
The ballet world was vibrant, buzzing with stories of heartbreak, courage, passion and creativity. This magical world never ceases to surprise me! But before I say goodbye, I’d like to know about your favourite moments in ballet history. What dance moves leave you in awe, what stories on stage captivate your imagination? Tell me your favourites!
Oh, and remember - wear your tutus with pride!
With a graceful twirl and a sprinkle of pink glitter, Your dearest, Emma
P.S. I’ve got so many amazing adventures in store! Come visit my little website, www.pink-tutu.com, and stay tuned! You don’t want to miss next month’s journey through time! I might even give away one of my cherished finds from this incredible ballet time travel adventure - you know, for the biggest ballerina fan in my online community! Just let me know your favourite ballet moment, and you could be the lucky winner!
