Hello my darling tutu-loving friends! Welcome back to another instalment of Pink Tutu Travels! This month we're taking a whirl through history, all the way to 6th June 1945! Did you know this very date was a whirlwind of excitement in the ballet world? Don't worry, we'll unpack it all, petal by petal.
It's Emma here, your pink-tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina! You know how much I adore pink tutus – they make me feel like I could fly! (Oh, who am I kidding, I'm about to anyway – just as soon as Magic Meg gets her hooves moving!) And today, it's the 6th June, and I'm on my way back to 1945 to witness the ballet world emerging from the shadows of wartime. Imagine the joy, the dancing, the colours - it's simply electrifying!
Before we delve into the dazzling details, though, I need to tell you a little bit about Magic Meg. She's the absolute darlingest Shire horse, sparkling pink with golden hooves. She may look a little 'extra', but she's actually a whizz on the time travel front. We make such a glamorous duo! It's no surprise, she even knows my favourite spot for a cup of tea! And with my fabulous pink tutu bag filled with fresh goodies, I'm ready for this journey through ballet's exciting past!
1945: The Post-War Ballet Boom!Oh, the excitement, darling! Just imagine stepping into a world where everyone is buzzing about peace and getting back to their beloved arts. Ballet, my dears, was front and centre in the post-war era! With the dust settling after the conflict, the world was eager for escapism, and the ethereal grace of ballet was a balm for their weary souls.
In 1945, there were countless performances across the globe, and one that has left an indelible mark on my mind was La Sylphide performed by the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, on the 19th June at the London Coliseum! This company, a jewel of the ballet world, was on tour and captured the hearts of London audiences with their mesmerizing choreography. Their arrival brought with it an exhilarating energy and breathed life into a weary city still recovering from war. Can you imagine the cheers and applause, the dazzling costumes, the intricate footwork? It would be a sight to behold!
There was a sense of optimism, of hope for a brighter tomorrow, and this feeling radiated onto the stage, giving the ballet even greater depth and power. It wasn’t just La Sylphide in the spotlight. Ballet companies worldwide were reviving iconic works and presenting fresh and vibrant productions, reigniting the public's love for this graceful art.
Think, for instance, of the Royal Ballet in London, led by the illustrious Dame Ninette de Valois. In those glorious post-war years, she nurtured a remarkable generation of dancers, whose talent continues to inspire balletomanes to this very day.
One ballet that's close to my heart, Swan Lake, held a particular appeal in the wake of the war. Its romantic themes of transformation and love resonated with audiences desperate for a sense of renewal and beauty.
Oh darling, if you only saw the exquisite gowns and tutus! So stylish! I could talk all day about ballet fashion, but that's a story for another time. However, my tutu-lover instincts couldn't resist packing a few treasures into my leather satchel – some delicate dance shoes from that time period, an adorable dance book with an original 1940s design. Now my London bag is all ready to travel to the post-war ballet!
Back to The Real World, Until Next Time!Right, my dears, time to say 'au revoir' for now! I hope you loved our journey into the magical world of ballet in 1945. Let's not forget about the glorious performances of La Sylphide, Swan Lake, and the rise of many more breathtaking works! Ballet, my sweet dears, continues to enchant and captivate, just as it did on 6th June 1945!
But before you go, my darling, promise me one thing: always be brave enough to wear pink tutus wherever you go! It's about more than just a garment, it's a statement of your individuality, a beacon of joy, a celebration of your inner ballerina!
And my lovelies, until next month, be sure to visit www.pink-tutu.com! It's packed with my very own travel diary (number 3414! Yes, my blog has over 3400 posts now, how delightful!), exclusive interviews with the best ballet stars from the past and present, and some truly scrumptious ballet-themed fashion tips.
And never forget to dance! With love and glitter,
Emma. 💖
