Hello my lovely ballet bunnies! 🩰💖 It's your favourite time traveller, Emma, here, ready to whisk you away on another magical journey through the history of ballet! This month, we're skipping back to August 8th, 1940!
The year 1940 was, of course, a turbulent one, marked by the horrors of the Second World War. But even in the midst of global conflict, the spirit of ballet continued to shine bright! It wasn't all about grand stages and dazzling costumes, you see, as many ballet companies performed for morale-boosting shows for the troops and those on the home front. Ballet became a beacon of hope and joy in difficult times, a beautiful escape from the harsh realities of war.
I, personally, wouldn't be caught dead in a drab military uniform! Luckily, thanks to Magic Meg, my gorgeous pink, sparkly shire horse with golden hooves, I can choose where and when to time-travel. 🎠 We flew across the skies above the war-torn lands of Europe, but Magic Meg can teleport us right onto a ballet stage! Just hop onto Meg’s saddle and you'll feel like you’re gliding through the air, as graceful and elegant as a dancer.
But where in the world of ballet should we be on this particular date? Let's go where ballet shone brightest even in these dark times – London, England!
London: A Ballet Oasis in WartimeThe bombs were falling, but ballet in London held firm.
The Sadler's Wells Ballet had begun the war at a theatre on the banks of the River Thames in East London. And wouldn’t you know it? I was absolutely charmed! As I entered the quaint and charming theatre on this historical evening, I felt like I'd walked into a bubble, a vibrant space filled with artistic joy, which stood in stark contrast to the grim reality outside. The audience seemed to hang onto every twirl and leap as if the performers were giving them hope, and that’s exactly what they were doing!
My rucksack was bursting at the seams with stories of bravery and resilience. I met a charming ballet dancer, who told me how her class continued even under threat of air raids. It warmed my heart to see such a dedication to art even during such a dire time.
In addition to performances for the troops, they had an evening show. It included the brilliant, and truly beautiful, 'Coppélia,' an utterly timeless tale of mistaken identity and enchanted dolls. I gasped when the dancing was truly breathtaking. The dancers moved with grace and passion, the tutus swirling with every leap and twirl – such a picture of elegance in such uncertain times! And they made sure to wear the most glorious pastel-coloured tutus – pink, of course, but also soft blues and peaches, such a lovely nod to springtime and innocence amidst the bleakness of war. I know some say that the dancers, who stayed behind when so many others joined the forces, weren't contributing. However, the magic and wonder they created on stage, lifting spirits and bringing a touch of beauty to a war-torn world, is not to be ignored.
London, however, was not the only city celebrating the power of ballet. Across the Atlantic, a ballet story unfolds that would impact ballet in such a remarkable way:
The American Ballet Theatre - Finding its VoiceIn the USA, the American Ballet Theatre was just a few months old on this date, August 8th, 1940. Their debut had been in April, a ballet extravaganza, filled with passion, skill, and dedication! They were new to the world but, I know, destined to reach great heights! It's a bit like how a young, up-and-coming ballerina steps on to a stage and fills it with charisma and beauty - it’s all about potential, and a commitment to growth, to becoming the best. The American Ballet Theatre was, in essence, a baby ballerina of the ballet world, ready to learn, grow, and make its mark on the world!
So, what can we learn from this special day in ballet history? It reminds us that ballet is an incredible force of resilience and optimism. Even in times of extreme difficulty, the art of dance, with its elegant costumes and sweeping performances, continued to hold a place of great importance and was seen as a force for hope, a respite for both the soul and the mind. It showed that ballet can flourish even in the face of hardship and remind us of its enduring power, just as my own ballet passion has, despite challenges, only grown stronger! 🩰✨
And who could resist a splash of pink amongst such drabness? As we see these stories unfold, it makes me think: Can a pink tutu ever really be a bad idea?* If you ask me, absolutely not! It's a symbol of grace, optimism, and even strength! Just like a ballet dancer facing the challenges of their craft with strength, we too can embrace the beauty in life, no matter what hurdles we encounter. 💖
I hope this little glimpse into the history of ballet in 1940 has been as inspiring to you as it has been for me. Until next time, ballet bunnies, remember to dance with joy, keep a smile on your face, and be kind to your fellow dancers!
I want to know! What did YOU think about the impact of ballet on those who lived during wartime? Do you think ballet had the ability to bring some light into those darkest of days? Tell me all your thoughts below! And, of course, tell me all about your latest ballet adventures!
www.pink-tutu.com
And be sure to check out this week’s Pink Tutu challenge! This week I'm asking you all to create a simple, affordable tutu using household items or repurposed fabrics! Show us your fabulous creativity on Instagram, and remember to use the hashtag #PinkTutuChallenge so I can find you! 💖🩰
