Hello darlings! Emma here, back with another blast from the past! This month's journey on Magic Meg's back takes us to a rather different time, right in the midst of the Second World War. But even in the most turbulent of times, the ballet world kept on twirling, and this month, we're going to be uncovering a fascinating chapter in ballet history, from 4th April 1942. Grab your favourite pink tutu (because a pink tutu is perfect for every occasion!), your ballet slippers and let's set off on our time-travelling escapade!
Now, before I go all pink and glittery on you, it's important to remember that 1942 wasn't a time for frivolous frolicking. The war was in full swing, and every nation was pulling together. This makes today's journey even more remarkable - it's a story of resilience, creativity and a shared love for dance, even when life was incredibly difficult.
Magic Meg galloped us through the familiar lanes of my home county, Derbyshire, to a little theatre nestled in the rolling hills. A war-time bill is fluttering in the breeze - "Ballet Rambert at the Chesterfield Hippodrome," it reads. Ballet Rambert? Why, this is exciting! And here in Derbyshire too, it shows that the spirit of dance wasn't extinguished, even in the midst of such dire circumstances. I carefully tuck this wartime poster into my rucksack for later contemplation.
The atmosphere inside was surprisingly buoyant. Wartime rationing hadn't touched the elegance of the performance. The audience, dressed in their best attire despite the wartime restrictions, was abuzz with anticipation. On stage, the dancers captivated us with their stories told through graceful movement and expressions. Even without extravagant sets or costumes (the shortage of fabric meant simple and resourceful designs), they managed to draw the audience into a world far away from bombs and rations, reminding everyone that life, in all its beauty, was still worth savouring. A ballerina I spoke to after the show called this the "ballet's true magic." How very poignant!
But what about the world of ballet elsewhere, you ask? It seems like the international community, too, embraced the power of dance to lift spirits. In London, The Sadler's Wells Theatre - an iconic ballet venue we'll visit together soon - was showing 'The Sleeping Beauty' to packed audiences. In New York, the world premiere of ‘Fancy Free’ by Jerome Robbins at the City Center Theatre created a stir with its vibrant American style. Imagine! The world of ballet was abuzz with activity, no matter the circumstances.
While those attending a show would have experienced an atmosphere of shared beauty and shared joy, some of the iconic names we see on the posters of that time had different experiences. Alicia Markova, whose graceful dance moved so many audiences, was even serving as a “Welfare Officer” during this period, providing a beacon of hope for war refugees. Ballet star and legend, Margot Fonteyn, was spending her wartime days travelling with The Sadler's Wells Ballet Company - imagine the miles those magnificent ladies travelled across the world. Talk about true devotion to their art. It goes to show you can travel the world - or even wartime Europe - as long as your passion is real.
So you see, darlings, even in the darkest of times, the world of ballet shines bright. The power of music and dance to uplift and inspire knows no bounds. I can't wait to delve deeper into the ballet archives to explore more about these fascinating periods - this blog post is just the beginning. But, it’s time for me to say goodbye. You know, all that history-hopping can be quite tiring. So, I'm off to find some bubbly and enjoy a cup of Earl Grey, the way the Brits always do. And maybe, if you’re feeling especially fancy, you could join me by putting on a pink tutu for the rest of the evening! Remember, I want everyone wearing a pink tutu - just picture how bright the world would be!
Until next month darlings!
P.S. Keep checking my website, www.pink-tutu.com for upcoming adventures and information on the amazing world of ballet. There is SO much to discover.
See you next time!
Emma xo
