Hello darling dears, it's your favourite pink tutu wearing time traveller, Emma, here! This month, we're hopping back to a very important date, 5th May 1940! It's the day after Germany's invasion of the Netherlands, and just one day before Winston Churchill uttered those iconic words: "We shall fight on the beaches..." But how do those events tie into the world of ballet, you ask? Well, darling, that's what I'm here to tell you!
As always, Magic Meg, my glorious, sparkling shire horse, is pawing the ground impatiently, eager to transport us back to this pivotal moment in history. But before we embark on our time travel escapade, I've got to confess - there's just something extra exciting about time travelling during a war. Imagine it, darling! Ballet amid the blitz! Such drama!
Now, while war raged on, the world of ballet did not stand still. Oh no! The show, quite literally, must go on!
A World at War
1940, as we know, was a year of great turmoil and uncertainty. The Blitz was in full swing across Britain, air raid sirens a constant reminder of the ever-present threat. Even so, people continued to seek out solace and escape, including through ballet!
London's Royal Opera House
Let's start with the heart of London's ballet scene: the Royal Opera House! They were bravely soldiering on, although their iconic home had fallen silent as the war intensified. With bombing raids a constant worry, performances were forced to move. Imagine, darling, watching ballet beneath the "silent, starry nights" of an underground shelter. Sounds absolutely dramatic, don't you think?
Even with the uncertainty of the times, some fantastic productions still made their way to the stage, like "Swan Lake." They brought moments of beautiful artistry to those undergoing hardship, reminding people of hope and beauty amid chaos.
The World Beyond London
Of course, the world of ballet wasn't confined to London, darling. Look at this exciting event from America! In May 1940, Martha Graham's company was presenting "Letter to the World." A movingly patriotic ballet showcasing America's spirit amidst global unrest!
Can you picture the emotions coursing through the theater that night? Such passion, such power. This was not just a performance, but a call to action, a demonstration of art's vital role even in times of fear and change.
My Time Travel Backdrop
Speaking of dramatic backdrops, dear ones! As we make our way to 5th May 1940, imagine the scene! We'd find ourselves in London, perhaps on our way to a hush-hush performance at the Royal Opera House, which had, thankfully, been spared any direct bomb damage, for now.
Imagine Magic Meg trotting through bombed out streets, her pink sparkly coat glittering like a beacon of hope. Our outfits are simple: elegant tea gowns, with my signature pink tutu, naturally, and our faithful leather rucksacks filled with those gorgeous vintage ballet programmes and dance shoes.
Collecting Memories, not just ballet trinkets!
You see, my dear readers, my ballet time travel isn't just about the shoes, although they are fabulous! It's about soaking up the atmosphere, hearing the music, feeling the emotion! That's why we bring our leather rucksacks with us – for collecting precious moments, and a touch of magic to take home!
Now, it’s time for our journey, darlings! Come, hop aboard Magic Meg! We've got an enchanting evening of ballet, history, and perhaps, a touch of drama, waiting for us!
Don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com next month for another captivating ballet time travel adventure. Until then, keep those pink tutus ready for spinning, and don't be afraid to take a leap of faith!
Yours in tutus and time travel, Emma
