Hello, darlings! Emma here, ready to take you on another whirlwind journey through time, all in the name of ballet! This month, we're going right back to January 1st, 1939. The air is crisp, my pink tutu is sparkling, and Magic Meg is pawing the ground with her golden hooves, eager for another adventure. As you all know, I love a good tutu – a true, full, romantic tutu with the perfect amount of sparkle. I can't resist a good twirl in one, and let's be honest, who doesn't feel like a princess in a pink tutu?
So, fasten your pink ribbons and hold onto your feather boas, because we're going back in time! This January 1st, 1939, the world of ballet was brimming with exciting news! A new year, a new start, and a whole lot of dancing ahead. Let's hop onto Magic Meg and take a look:
1. The Royal Ballet is born!
Firstly, in this very month of January, 1939, something monumental happened: The Vic-Wells Ballet, founded by the brilliant Dame Ninette de Valois in 1931, formally became known as The Royal Ballet! What a momentous occasion! Just imagine, darlings, dancing on that stage, feeling the majesty of the theatre, with the whole world watching, and being called "Royal!"
This exciting change really put British ballet on the map, showcasing our stunning talent to the world! Imagine the amazing dancers and ballets that came to life after this change – Margot Fonteyn, Frederick Ashton, the first performance of “The Sleeping Beauty.” I almost want to cry with joy – my tutu is actually vibrating with excitement!
2. Ballet Beyond London!
The ballet scene wasn't just about London in those days. In America, the Ballet Theatre, formed by a group of passionate dancers and choreographers in 1939, was about to shake things up. You know what they say: the bigger the city, the bigger the opportunity for a twirling ballerina!
And don't think I haven't packed my rucksack, dear reader! My collection from this era is so rich with tales and ballet trinkets: I already have the original ballet scores of Ashton's "The Sleeping Beauty" and the first edition of "A Book of Ballets," just perfect to browse between dance classes and dream about past performances. It's a must for any ballet enthusiast's collection.
3. The World's Stage:
I've been fortunate to travel all over the world, but what was going on back then on the world ballet scene? Well, for one, you wouldn’t believe it, but January 1st 1939, right here in England, at The Sadler's Wells Theatre, London (as it was known before the Vic Wells became The Royal Ballet!) , the world premiere of Ashton’s new ballet was being showcased! I am SO envious, darlings! The ballet's title: “Les Patineurs.” (Can you just imagine the costumes?!) You're getting this straight from the blog - this new ballet, created by Ashton, will be the most beloved ice-skating ballet of our time! It tells the story of an elegant ball, and I can almost see myself on the ice now, gliding through it, in a pink tutu, of course!
I imagine the excitement at Sadler’s Wells Theatre that evening! The roar of the audience, the hushed moments between dances, and the sheer spectacle of the choreography and the costumes!
My rucksack is getting full already, with programme notes, photographs, and even a delicate program card I managed to grab, although some may call it borrow.
4. Shopping and Shows:
So, my friends, not only was I lucky enough to experience those breathtaking events in history, but my darling Magic Meg and I went on a real shopping spree! Imagine, darling, a real shop dedicated to ballet. Back then, these ballet studios were in bloom, not just for classes but to buy everything a ballerina could possibly dream of, including my favourite things: gorgeous, fluffy tutus in every shade of pink, the most exquisite pointe shoes, silky leotards and dance wear. I found this beautiful hand-beaded headband that just shimmered with pink, the same shade as the new "Les Patineurs" ballet. And can we even talk about the luxurious ballet dresses – layers of delicate tulle, the most divine embroidery, all in the most stunning, softest colors! It truly was an age of ballet fashion and refinement.
5. Let's Discuss the Details, Darlings
I know what you're thinking, "Emma, how did you get to see all of these amazing things?!" The truth is, ballet performances were even more affordable then!
I often spend my days observing all those fantastic ballets, immersing myself in the stories they tell, and even trying my hand at choreography in my own studio, all dressed in a magnificent pink tutu, of course! I spend hours studying every detail of their tutus and their dance shoes. These amazing costumes and intricate pointe shoes - there's real history there! I even found an authentic program and a postcard in a beautiful vintage shop. The shop was overflowing with forgotten treasures: old ballets shoes, silk leotards, the original pointe shoe book by a Parisian shoemaker and… a beautiful handmade velvet costume box, oh how I wanted to take it home with me! It would have looked amazing in my little cottage bedroom.
Oh, and don’t worry, I always bring Magic Meg with me. She's very patient and she likes to wear her matching pink riding saddle. You might think it looks a little strange for a horse to be wearing pink, but I just say, it goes with the tutu and matches my mood!
6. The Future is Now
And that’s it for this month’s ballet adventure, darlings. I truly believe we have so much to learn from these pioneers, these dreamers and innovators. They're the ones who gave us the foundation of our ballet world! So next time you see a ballerina twirling in a full, romantic tutu, remember their stories! I, of course, wear my pink tutu with pride.
Do you think it's possible to travel through time in a tutu, or is that a bit silly? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
Until next time, keep your spirit of dance alive!
Love, Emma
Don't forget to visit my blog - www.pink-tutu.com and remember to wear a pink tutu every day!
