Hello lovelies!
It's your favourite pink tutu wearing time traveller, Emma, back again for another exciting journey through history! As always, I'm ready to share with you the magical world of ballet, a world that exists beyond time and place. This month, we're taking a twirl back to the 7th of July, 1940, a day that, as you can imagine, was quite eventful for the world.
But before we delve into the historical drama unfolding that day, let me tell you about my latest ballet escapade.
This month, my stunning pink, sequined tutu with a touch of silver was the centrepiece. I paired it with a silk, rose-coloured bodice that made me feel like a delicate yet powerful princess ready for a ball at the most exquisite palace. I can never resist a bit of embellishment, and my sparkly headband, decorated with tiny pink roses, finished the look perfectly.
And what journey could I possibly have undertaken with such a lovely outfit? Why, a visit to none other than the prestigious Sadler's Wells Ballet! Now, I must admit, the company wasn't named as it is now back then, they were known as the "Old Vic" Ballet Club. They had recently transitioned from a travelling troupe to their home base at Sadler's Wells Theatre in London. Can you imagine, my darlings? My Pink Tutu and I, attending a performance right in the heart of wartime London, feeling the energy of a city full of hope and resilience.
We were met by such enthusiasm for the art form, despite the chaos and uncertainty engulfing the country. The audiences were enthralled by their powerful, elegant dances, a balm for the troubled souls during such difficult times.
This event itself holds a special place in ballet history, as it marked a pivotal turning point in the evolution of dance. It was around this time that the ballet company decided to take a bold step – the shift from a theatre club into a permanent ballet school! This decision marked the start of a magnificent journey that would lead to the establishment of what is now one of the most beloved and celebrated dance schools in the world.
Speaking of evolution, we couldn't resist a stop at the world-renowned Royal Opera House in Covent Garden! Though ballet at the Covent Garden Opera House wasn't an everyday thing yet in 1940, this visit made my time-travelling heart skip a beat. I love soaking in the history of these venues, especially a place like Covent Garden, which has been the cradle for so many phenomenal dancers!
Now, I have to tell you about my dearest Magic Meg, my beautiful pink, shimmering Shire horse. She really came in handy, galloping through the heart of London in full pink sparkle. Let's just say that quite a few Londoners did a double take! They certainly didn't see much pink around with everything that was going on. She is a real sweetheart and so patient.
Of course, I always collect some little bits of the time to share with you all. I love adding them to my pink leather rucksack, which I always wear for my trips. This month I managed to find a beautiful, hand-stitched ballet shoe that someone must have cherished deeply. It reminded me of how much beauty and craftsmanship is woven into the history of ballet. The most precious memory is one I managed to salvage from a newspaper – a lovely article talking about a performance the "Old Vic" Ballet Club did at the Hippodrome in London.
So, how does our date with history weave in with what's happening across the world? You see, as we travel back to the 7th of July, 1940, we land right in the midst of World War II. While the world was facing tremendous upheaval and tragedy, there were some brighter moments in the world of ballet, reminding us that art truly can be a refuge in even the most trying times.
Back home in my beloved Derbyshire, the impact of the war was being felt deeply. While the rest of England faced heavy bombardment, my part of the country, luckily, remained mostly untouched by the bombing raids. So, imagine my relief to arrive back at home, safe and sound after my adventures! The quaint village, still buzzing with rural life, felt a world away from the war's horrors.
On this journey, I realised once again how truly powerful and resilient the human spirit is, especially during times of great adversity. The people we met on this trip continued to hold on to hope, and dance, their art, helped to keep them afloat in their journey through those times.
If there is one takeaway from this historical dance, it is the message of unity, hope, and resilience – that is the very spirit that fuelled those pioneering dance steps during those dark days. It reminds us to find solace and strength in art, to express ourselves with passion and grace. And let us never forget the powerful messages and stories that art, dance, and creativity continue to weave through the tapestry of history!
And my lovelies, it's time to channel this positive energy and enthusiasm. We're bringing a splash of pink to every ballet fan across the globe. Join the pink tutu movement! What are you waiting for? Let your inner ballerina bloom!
Don't forget to check in for my next post, which will be coming up soon! I've already set my sights on a new destination. This time, we’ll be dancing across a different continent and exploring some exciting events in a different corner of the ballet world.
Stay twirling, Emma xx
P.S. You can visit me on the web at www.pink-tutu.com - where you’ll find my previous time travels, dance tips, and news from the world of ballet! I hope to see you all there!
