Oh darling! It’s Emma here, and my, oh my, has time travel been exciting this month! You wouldn’t believe the adventure Magic Meg and I had! Let me tell you all about it…
From Derbyshire to 1939
As you all know, this is my monthly trip into the captivating world of ballet history! This time, my little pink notebook landed on the date 11th November 1939, right at the heart of a war-torn world, a world seemingly light years away from the glamorous ballet world I adore. But as I always say, dear readers, ballet dances on, through peace and through war!
And, wouldn’t you know it, just as I stepped out of my little Derbyshire cottage with Magic Meg, our chariot for time travel (did you know she sparkles? Truly magical!) the air shimmered, the wind whistled, and poof! We landed smack-dab in the heart of London. A stark contrast to the bright pinks and sunshine-yellows of my everyday wardrobe! I just knew this was going to be a journey of intrigue, dear readers! And indeed it was. I could hardly believe my eyes…
A Time of Change
You see, on this particular date in history, it was just one year since war had been declared, casting a shadow over everything, including ballet, and the world as a whole, it seems! London, especially, was still buzzing with the constant fear and anxiety, and so, of course, I had to slip into something discreet. It just felt respectful to wear something a bit less flashy. You’ll understand. I kept the tutu, because after all, what is Emma without her tutu, and kept it sweet and simple – a pale shade of lilac with little ivory bows around the edges, and it was just the perfect touch for blending in amongst the war time gloom.
Now, despite all the trouble, the ballet world, like always, had found a way to adapt. Even though all the large ballet schools in London were closed and many ballerinas were finding new careers or were working for the war effort, ballet life still went on in a scaled down fashion.
Dance as a Light
I managed to slip into one of the London's last remaining ballets. Can you imagine, my dears? A ballet during wartime, held within the hushed intimacy of a tiny little theater – The Cambridge Theatre, to be exact. It was filled with a small audience, made up mostly of war-weary citizens. This beautiful ballet, ‘The Sleeping Beauty’, presented by the ‘London Theatre Ballet’, felt like a magical escape from the reality of the times.
Watching the graceful ballerinas, I saw hope in their every gesture, defiance in every leap. It reminded me of a time when the world seemed a little brighter, more innocent. And they danced, they moved with so much life and joy, reminding us all of the strength of the human spirit, that there was still beauty to be found, and a longing for joy. It truly was an inspiration, even in the darkest of times!
And a little Ballet History
Now, can you believe this? 11th November 1939 marked a special date for a young British ballerina who, as destiny would have it, made it to fame in the most dramatic of times – Dame Margot Fonteyn, who had been appointed the Principal Dancer at The Royal Ballet, previously the Vic Wells Ballet, just a year earlier, after having debuted as a dancer, all the way back in 1935. Talk about a dramatic life, a powerful force.
Can you imagine, dear readers? She’s a legend, even now, all these years later. To have such a star dancing for this smaller theater, in such an intimate space, must have been like magic, a real treat for those who were lucky enough to be in attendance!
I felt such a deep connection to those ballerinas, these graceful creatures on stage, moving like birds in a winter sky. My heart ached for them, knowing what their life would hold, all these challenges and obstacles. Ballet would become, to many of these women, a refuge. As it is for me, even when things get difficult. Ballet always finds a way to pick you up, give you that feeling of possibility.
Back to Reality
Well, after a whirlwind of excitement, Magic Meg and I bid a bittersweet farewell to London in 1939. I think about those dancers now, they will undoubtedly have stories, little moments that are now just faint echoes, in the mists of time. And it's my mission, my sweet readers, to make sure these stories never disappear! I filled my rucksack with souvenirs, like those beautiful worn down programs, and photos of the little theatre that somehow managed to continue during wartime.
What can I say, 11th November 1939 is now a favourite date on my time travel map. Even in wartime, there was still magic in the air!
Don’t Forget Your Tutu
But that's not all, dear readers, my travels always leave me with such wonderful inspiration! It’s made me realise, more than ever, that fashion is just as much about statement as it is about reflection. Ballet was there to bring joy to those war-torn citizens of London and what is more joyful than a pink tutu?! (Well, apart from maybe a trip to Paris for new ballet shoes…but that’s a whole other story for another day).
Oh, dear, readers, did I forget to tell you the good news? I have an online shop coming soon for all the stylish pink tutus you could ever imagine. Because we can all, in our own way, find beauty, even amidst challenges, and nothing brings more happiness to my heart than knowing that, with a swirl and twirl, you can too, in a pink tutu. And who knows, maybe one day, with your support, pink tutus will be all the rage worldwide? It is after all, a magnificent shade that says ‘be happy, be fabulous, be free’.
Till next time, darlings!
Much love,
Emma. xx
www.pink-tutu.com
(Remember, check out the next post on 11th December - I have something truly special in store! )
