Hello my dearest pink tutu lovers! Welcome back to www.pink-tutu.com, your monthly dose of ballet history and, of course, all things pink! I'm Emma, your time-travelling ballerina from the picturesque Derbyshire countryside, and today we're stepping back to 11th November 1943.
My, oh my, what a time for ballet! While the world outside is embroiled in war, ballet continues to offer solace, escapism, and beauty. I just adore how even in the darkest of times, art finds a way to shine. Today, my trusty pink sparkly Shire horse, Magic Meg, whisked me away to a time of great uncertainty and incredible strength of spirit. And trust me, there’s more to this era than wartime austerity. Buckle up, my fellow ballet fanatics, we're about to dive into a captivating glimpse of ballet’s vibrant world.
My travels brought me to New York, the heart of American ballet! The New York City Ballet, in its inaugural year, was showing off the daring choreography of George Balanchine and the effortless talent of dancers like Maria Tallchief and Tanaquil LeClercq. Their style, modern and dynamic, captivated the city's discerning audience. I must confess, my love for Balanchine's works just continues to grow, it's such a magnificent mix of technique, innovation and beauty. I got to witness this masterpiece up close! A magical feeling that still thrills me, all those years later. I’m going to have to recreate his steps next time I’m practicing in my pink tutu!
But let's not forget London! At Covent Garden, there was a captivating performance by the Royal Ballet. Imagine my excitement as I sat amidst a room buzzing with energy, eagerly awaiting a legendary work. I couldn't have been more thrilled! The company showcased their technical brilliance with a truly spectacular rendition of “The Sleeping Beauty,” choreographed by Marius Petipa. What an honour to watch it in such a historic venue!
I mean, how incredible that I could even imagine being transported to those dazzling settings? My leather rucksack was bulging with a handful of programmes and some sketches of dancers in fabulous tutus from the Royal Ballet archive! The delicate tulle, the carefully placed ribbons – pure artistic delight! You just wait until you see these gorgeous snippets of the time in my next blog!
Of course, no ballet time-travel adventure is complete without a visit to Paris, the birthplace of ballet! The Opéra Garnier buzzed with energy! I couldn't wait to experience the stunning production of "Giselle" with the formidable Alicia Markova, one of the leading ballerinas of the time! I even managed to grab a photograph of her backstage. Imagine! The exquisite beauty, the captivating performance, all the while in a captivating pink tutu.
The vibrant world of ballet, even back then, felt very familiar - much like it does now! It truly feels timeless. Ballet was a much-needed escape, a way to express emotion, and a powerful force in the arts!
My journey through 1943 wasn't just about the dazzling performances, though. I was equally thrilled by the everyday life of a ballet student during this time! Picture it - I ventured to the esteemed Sadler’s Wells Ballet School, one of the most renowned training grounds for budding ballerinas. I witnessed them train with immense dedication and fervor. Their commitment was simply awe-inspiring! It made me reflect on the passion that truly unites us - a passion for dance. I spent a delightful afternoon watching the pupils learning to master their moves with incredible poise and precision. It’s truly breathtaking. Imagine, it’s even inspired me to pick up a couple of vintage ballet textbooks from my last trip to the 1940’s – my new collection of rare books!
So my dearest readers, what else was making headlines on the ballet scene during 1943? The world of fashion was just as captivating as the ballet itself. The silhouette was changing; long flowing skirts and billowing fabrics gave way to more practical and fitted clothes. But still, my darlings, the pink tutu reigned supreme! In fact, the legendary designer Christian Dior was even using the colours pink and red in his 1947 collection which was revolutionary at the time, setting the stage for modern-day high fashion!
With its powerful message of hope and grace, ballet managed to brighten up even the darkest days.
Well, my fellow tutu enthusiasts, time for me to get back to my current era. You know the drill, until next month, continue dancing with gusto, stay fabulous, and most importantly, wear pink!
Until next month!
Emma xx
P.S. And remember to follow @EmmaOnThePinkTutu on Instagram for a glimpse into my weekly time travel adventures! Who knows where Magic Meg will take us next!
