Hello my lovely ballet bunnies! It's your favourite pink-tutu-wearing time traveller, Emma, back with another thrilling journey through the magical world of ballet history! This month, Magic Meg and I have landed in the exciting year of 1941 - a year full of captivating performances, beautiful costumes, and of course, plenty of pink tulle!
As I've mentioned before, time travel isn't easy. You can't just hop on a bus to the past, you see. Magic Meg - the most fabulous pink sparkly shire horse in all of history - takes me on each journey, carrying me safely to my chosen destination. This time, she was snorting excitedly with her white mane and tail streaming in the breeze as we arrived at a bustling Covent Garden in 1941!
I popped on my pinkest tutu, of course, and quickly started my journey to catch the latest ballet performance at the Royal Opera House! It was a Royal Ballet production, and can you believe, it was a choreographed ballet from our very own English national treasure - Frederick Ashton!
Frederick Ashton, of course, was a genius of dance, a master of choreography, a real trailblazer who helped elevate ballet in the UK to heights it had never seen before.
It was so wonderful to be back in the atmosphere of that historical venue! Every time I arrive, I always sneak into the archives - you never know what treasure you might find in the way of dance stories, and you know I absolutely adore gathering a bit of each time period for my ever-expanding ballet rucksack!
And on this date, 3rd March, 1941, it seems the entire world was enchanted by ballet. In New York, George Balanchine's 'Symphony in C' was taking centre stage, delighting audiences with its graceful choreography and captivating musicality. Meanwhile, Serge Diaghilev's legacy, the Ballets Russes was wowing audiences with the magical ‘Petrushka' - its puppet-like characters and brilliant costumes had audiences captivated across the globe!
Of course, you can never speak of ballet history without mentioning those magical dancers. You'll find me often studying photos from the time. I always want to get a peek into the beauty and skill of those legendary dancers. I find so much inspiration in their poses, their lines, and the strength of their expressions!
It is also essential to talk about ballet fashion during the 40s! My love for all things pink tulle would be a true disaster in that time period. They are so glamorous, don't you think? With delicate fabrics and gorgeous ornamentation, I would die for an embroidered costume from those days! And of course, let's not forget about the delicate dance shoes that they wore! Those dainty shoes made me so jealous, as they’d be able to perfectly encapsulate those grace and movement that only the time period's fashion could!
Speaking of fashion - I can't leave you without some shopping suggestions! Now is the time to pick up some stunning pieces that are inspired by the timeless charm of those past era's designs. Look for flowy fabrics and whimsical designs! And of course, let's all remember the essence of the dance by wearing some pink, some blush and some pretty peach, eh?! Think delicate laces, graceful lines and dainty bows! A perfect ensemble will evoke the sheer magic of this ballet time.
Remember to post a picture of you in your ensemble with a comment about your pink tutu for a chance to be featured on my page next month. Who knows, maybe I will pick a very special pink tutu wearing ballerina bunny from our wonderful community for my next blog to join me on my next time travelling adventure, in the future or the past!
So there you have it - 1941 - a time full of dancing magic and pink tulle galore! Thank you for joining me today - you know I can't wait to bring you more tales from the world of ballet, and Magic Meg and I look forward to hearing your ballet stories next month on www.pink-tutu.com!
Until then, don’t forget to wear pink, stay strong, be kind, and most importantly, dance your heart out! 🩰💕
