Hello darlings, and welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where pink tutus reign supreme and time travel adventures are a regular affair! It's your girl Emma here, back with another peek into the glorious, twirling history of ballet! Today, we're waltzing back to 12th December 1938 - a date brimming with both exquisite artistry and the sobering shadows of impending war.
I’m perched on my darling Meg's saddle, her glistening pink coat reflecting the last golden rays of the Derbyshire sunset. Her mane, like a cascading waterfall of spun silk, whips gently in the crisp December air. As we journey back to the past, the aroma of freshly-baked mince pies and mulled wine drifts through the open carriage windows.
You wouldn't believe the wonderful ballet happenings taking place in London this evening!
A Night at The Royal Opera House
It's opening night for the beautiful “The Sleeping Beauty”, and it's an absolute delight to witness! The costumes are spectacular - layers upon layers of velvet and satin, a true feast for the eyes. I'm especially mesmerized by the delicate tulle and lavish embroidery on Princess Aurora's dress! This magnificent production truly epitomises the elegance of ballet at its peak, and the dancers' graceful movements leave me in awe.
The Theatre and The War
Even amongst the ethereal grace of the ballet world, the spectre of impending war is cast long and dark. The evening’s performance feels especially poignant with a backdrop of unease and anticipation, for Europe teeters on the brink of war. The mood is a bittersweet concoction - filled with fear but still infused with a profound appreciation for the art form that continues to weave magic through difficult times.
An Unexpected Discovery!
In my trusty leather rucksack, nestled amongst delicate hand-written theatre programs and an antique ballet shoe, I discover a fascinating program for the London Symphony Orchestra. I find the piece titled "The Children’s Games Suite" by Dmitri Shostakovich especially captivating. Its vibrant, colourful score mirrors the joyous exuberance of a child's imagination, yet also hints at underlying emotions - an unsettling mixture of innocence and fear.
From Ballroom to Ballet
Across the Channel in Paris, there’s a very different kind of dance going on! In a glamorous ballroom adorned with twinkling lights, Parisian socialites are swirling through a series of waltzes and foxtrots. It’s a grand display of Parisian chic, with elegant dresses, sharp tuxedos and a spirit of joyous decadence! There’s a feeling of anticipation and glamour in the air, and it's a reminder that the world isn't just about the gravity of world events, it’s about celebrating life, beauty, and all its dazzling complexities!
Bringing a Touch of Pink Everywhere I Go!
As always, I find myself weaving my own pink-hued threads into the tapestry of this historic evening. I can’t help but think, how delightful it would be to see all the dancers on stage in delightful pink tutus! Think of it - a cascade of pink swirling across the stage, a kaleidoscope of delicate elegance. Now wouldn't that be something truly special?!
So darlings, what are you doing to bring a touch of pink to your lives today? Let me know in the comments! Until next time, keep on dancing!
Don’t forget to join me next month on www.pink-tutu.com for more captivating journeys through time. Until then, embrace the beauty and wonder that surrounds you! ✨