Hello darling ballet lovers! It’s Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing time-travelling ballerina, and I’m so thrilled to be back for another thrilling adventure in the wonderful world of ballet. This month we’re taking a trip back to January 1st, 1941, and let me tell you, the ballet world was brimming with exciting things! As always, you can find my latest finds in my little leather rucksack, a treasure trove of stories and trinkets from this remarkable year.
So saddle up, darlings, because we're about to ride into the past on my trusty steed, Magic Meg, the most beautiful shire horse with sparkling pink coats and golden hooves you’ve ever seen! Her white mane and tail flow in the wind as we gallop through time, and she carries me gently and with such grace. Let's dive in, shall we?
(Picture: Emma riding Magic Meg in her pink tutu, a backdrop of swirling stars indicating time travel)
Now, as the New Year began in 1941, the world was bracing itself for the global conflict that was reshaping the world, but even amidst such unsettling times, ballet persevered, offering moments of beauty and hope. Ballet schools in Europe remained open, dancers were performing wherever they could, and new choreography was still being created, defying the harsh realities of the world outside.
(Picture: A collage of photographs showing dancers performing in various theatres and ballet schools, alongside snippets of news articles from the time)
What was particularly fascinating was the resilience of the ballet world. You wouldn't think with so much hardship and conflict, that the elegance and artistry of ballet would survive. But it did. The stage lights illuminated the world of beauty, providing escapism for the audiences, a haven of peace, grace and artistry that could touch the soul.
In New York, a little over a year earlier in November 1939, "Fantasia" a fantastic film made by Walt Disney, incorporated elements of ballet within its beautifully-crafted animation. A young, fresh-faced Gene Kelly took his first step on the silver screen, dancing his heart out to "The Sorcerer's Apprentice." He captured the audience with his powerful leaps and charismatic presence. Imagine, darlings! An animated ballet. It was revolutionary, enchanting audiences young and old. I’ve even managed to get my hands on a vintage record player and some 78s so that I can share some of the magical music with you in our next "Pink Tutu" gathering.
(Picture: An image of a framed Disney's Fantasia poster, and some ballet posters for upcoming shows. One being The Sorcerer's Apprentice)
The world of ballet wasn’t solely confined to grand theatres, darling. In Britain, during these years, the creation of the "Festival Ballet" brought a new kind of performance to the public. They would travel around the country by bus, performing in a smaller, more intimate setting. This was an absolutely marvellous new direction for ballet and truly accessible for people of all social classes, making it less elitist and bringing the art to a broader audience. Can you imagine, dear friends? Dancing on stages everywhere! I think that’s so wonderfully inspiring and has made ballet much more inclusive!
**(Picture: Emma wearing a colourful, vintage bus stop advertisement poster, designed for Festival Ballet's tour, with the bus in the background)
I'm absolutely obsessed with the fashions of the era, dear readers. I even snagged myself a lovely vintage beret at a fabulous antique market in Paris - don't worry, my time-travelling escapades allow me to travel across continents, finding these charming, little treasures! But as we delve further into the history of 1941, it was during this year that a famous costume designer, Eugene Berman had a hand in a new production for the American Ballet Theatre, “Bluebeard,” by Agnes De Mille. I just had to add a picture of it, darling, because it looks absolutely beautiful. A vintage photograph shows one of the dancers wearing an ethereal silver gown adorned with shimmering beads - the intricate details are divine. Imagine waltzing across the stage in a gown so exquisite! It would feel like a fairytale come alive, wouldn't it?
(Picture: A framed photo of Eugene Berman's costume design, showing the detailed dress in shimmering silver fabric)
These early years of the 20th century saw such momentous changes in the ballet world! New forms were emerging, captivating new audiences, and embracing new styles that broke from traditional patterns, forging a path towards the captivating contemporary ballets that we love today. The heart of ballet lies in its artistic soul, and it always finds a way to transcend any challenges it faces.
And that’s where we find ourselves, dear readers, at the heart of this adventure in pink tutus and time travel. My time travelling escapades with Magic Meg, discovering new treasures of the ballet world and sharing it all with you, is my passion, my drive, my mission! It's about spreading the joy of dance and the beauty of ballet across time, to every corner of the world!
(Picture: A collage of images with dancers of various nationalities and cultural backgrounds)
And speaking of the world, do you remember my life's mission, darling? That's right, my aim is to get everyone wearing a pink tutu. Why not join me? Embrace the beauty, embrace the joy of dance! So until next month, dear ballet lovers, stay fabulous, and dance on!
This post, 3361 on our lovely pink tutu website www.pink-tutu.com, marks a significant year in ballet history, 1941, as we’ve witnessed how the resilience of ballet danced on during these challenging times. I can’t wait to share another slice of our fantastic journey with you next month, darling. But for now, off to the Royal Opera House I go! The latest performance, a modern interpretation of a classic Russian ballet is a must see, I'll be sure to report back in our next pink tutu bulletin! Until then, dance your hearts out and embrace the beauty of this beautiful art form.
*(Picture: Emma in her pink tutu waving goodbye, Magic Meg in the background) *
This is Emma, your time-traveling ballerina signing off!
