Hello darlings! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-clad time-traveller, back from another fabulous trip through the annals of ballet history. This month, I'm whisking us back to the 12th of December 1941. A little before the festive season kicked off, but big on ballet, darling! Now grab a cuppa, settle in with your favourite ballet book, and let's journey together, shall we?
Magic Meg, my trusty pink-sparkling shire horse, who by the way is absolutely radiant in this December light, trotted me right through the crisp December air, back to a very different London. It's amazing to think how much things have changed! Back then, ballet was still coming out of its World War II gloom, but thankfully the spark of the art form still shone through.
As we settled into the stalls at the Sadler's Wells Theatre, my trusty leather rucksack ā overflowing with pink silk scarves and my special notepad for capturing the magic ā ready by my side, I felt a palpable sense of anticipation in the air. I do adore that buzz of excitement before a show begins! And in those days, the thrill of a good ballet was particularly cherished.
On that particular December 12th, 1941, the Sadlerās Wells Ballet (now known as the Royal Ballet) showcased "Giselle" in all its heartbreaking, beautiful glory. You can't beat a good tragic heroine for a ballet, right? And I hear the production was filled with beautiful, intricate costumes, truly the stuff of ballerina dreams!
Oh, and I just have to tell you about the incredible fashion! You see, dear reader, back then ballet wear had its own unique glamour. They favoured elegant tulle tutus ā perfect for that romantic flair, and simple leotards, making the dancerās physique the focus. Oh, the glorious, delicate grace of these early ballerinas! I just adore the classic feel.
However, this isnāt a simple glimpse into history, darling. I wanted to see for myself, what it meant to dance through wartime. As I sat there amongst the hushed, but hopeful audience, it struck me that the theatre offered a wonderful refuge ā a place of escape from the troubles of the world. I think thatās why ballet truly captured peopleās imaginations during those difficult years. A glimmer of beauty and light.
And just when I thought the journey couldnāt get any more exciting, Magic Meg whisked us to New York, another exciting centre of the ballet world! At the Metropolitan Opera House, they were celebrating āThe Nutcrackerā with great fanfare! The Americans love a festive celebration, darling!
Now, I have to tell you, dear readers, even back in 1941, this was considered the most iconic ballet. Just think, the magical toys, the soaring Sugarplum Fairy! How incredibly exciting to see how this production first captivated hearts back then, just as it does today!
However, darling, we canāt only speak about big city ballets! I wanted to truly feel what was happening in the ballet world, right down to the local level. So, we travelled through Derbyshire, where I actually discovered the charming "Peak District Ballet". A little like me ā a bit quirky and with a real heart ā it was delightful to see how even in smaller areas, ballet was taking root. It was inspiring!
On our little adventure, we even discovered some beautiful shops where they sold pink tutus and pretty shoes for ballet class. Oh my, the temptation! Even then, people adored a little ballet fashion in their lives! I almost lost my own self-control buying everything in sight, but we had to leave that for another trip!
Back in London, I found myself surrounded by a real buzz about "The Sleeping Beauty." Now, donāt you know, itās just one of the most celebrated ballets of all time, and you just have to experience it for yourself! So, of course, I just had to check it out.
The magic and majesty of a traditional ballet never ceases to enchant, darling. Thereās nothing like the romance of Aurora, the sheer wonder of the fairies, and the power of Prince Charming. This, dear reader, is exactly why I keep travelling ā to feel the joy of these stories throughout the ages.
Well, darling, it's been a wild ride! This time I added some charming ballet books, a few pretty tutus and a delicate silk scarf to my rucksack. Who knows what other treasures the world of ballet holds? Remember, dear readers, life is a beautiful dance!
Until next month!
XOXO,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
