Hello darling readers, and welcome to another dazzling adventure on the world stage of ballet with yours truly, Emma, and my fabulously fabulous pink steed, Magic Meg. August 8th, 1945…what a date, and what a day it was! Can you imagine being in London right now? What a wonderful feeling to be alive, to be watching history unfold! Oh, the excitement of the time…but let's not get carried away!
Right now, we're perched upon a pink-hued, sun-drenched meadow overlooking the London skyline. From up here, Magic Meg and I can see the bustling streets below, all crammed with life and the celebratory echoes of Victory in Europe Day! Today marks exactly three months since the war ended in Europe and you wouldn't believe the jubilation that’s pouring off every rooftop!
As we rode in, Magic Meg’s hooves practically skipped to the tune of victory and her silvery mane danced in the sunshine like an elegant dancer, making the other horses stop and gawk! Oh, but I’m digressing – where were we? Ah, yes, London!
Imagine the stories these cobblestones could tell! From grand waltzes in opulent ballrooms to the spirited jigging of street dances, these very streets are awash with memories of movement and grace, and every single one of them, my darlings, wearing the essence of the tutu!
Now, let me fill you in on the amazing world of ballet on this momentous 8th of August, 1945…
The world is still buzzing with excitement about the end of the war and it seems the ballet world is joining in the revelry! Imagine this – the Royal Opera House is open once again, after being dark for five long years! It is packed full with ecstatic audiences enjoying their favourite ballets after years of waiting. You can’t even get a ticket, darling! This year is extra special too because the Covent Garden Ballet is returning after touring the world, giving London audiences something to truly get excited about! You should have seen the smiles on the faces of those audiences. It was like a magical spell was broken!
The Royal Ballet, darling, is on fire! They’ve just launched a brand new season, brimming with classic ballets like “Giselle” and “Swan Lake,” but they are also showcasing breathtakingly new and daring works that are really turning heads. I hear the energy is electric and the stage practically vibrates with passion! A little birdie told me that the famous ballerina, Margot Fonteyn is being hailed as one of the brightest stars in the entire galaxy of ballet and you wouldn't believe how gracefully she dances across the stage – she's quite captivating, her moves, *oh, so elegant and expressive!
And as if all this excitement wasn't enough, London's Sadler's Wells Theatre is bursting at the seams with vibrant activity. The stage is ablaze with stories, movement, and heart-stopping beauty! The theatre is simply buzzing with a phenomenal energy, * and oh my, the tutu creations on display! *Stunning designs, so very dramatic and bold, they were magnificent! This truly is a period where innovation is alive and flourishing in every detail. The entire scene - from the lights, costumes, and dances – is a kaleidoscope of creativity, all designed to evoke a spectacularly captivating dance experience for all.
And while London is basking in its new-found liberty, the rest of the world is not to be outdone! Imagine this! There's a brilliant new ballet production brewing in Paris!, showcasing the works of Serge Lifar. He's making a name for himself with his dazzling and innovative ballet creations, and guess what – he's challenging the traditional norms! What an iconoclast! But that's what makes him so fantastic – he pushes the boundaries and allows creativity to flourish! And wouldn't you know it, this Paris production, it’s all the rage right now! The whole city is smitten!
As for me? I spent most of my day taking in the sights of this lively city, not to mention the *splendid shops, my darling! They've been stocking up on all the latest, trendiest creations in the world of dance. Imagine – tutu-inspired skirts for every day - from casual denim to beautiful, shimmering silks – they were all in shades of pink, of course, perfect for everyday wear, but elevating every look! Even the fashion world is succumbing to the magic of the tutu!
And here, nestled among all this vintage Parisian splendour, is a shop filled with old books. What I discovered is a book on the ballet and history with the most wonderful descriptions of the ballet’s growth during the last century, right through the challenging years of the Great War. And within the pages, my darling, was the story of a ballet originally written for the 1916 season in Paris, titled “Les Fêtes du Bœuf Gras.” Can you imagine the excitement? The theatre world in a whirlwind of creativity all over again, creating and showing all of this beautiful, breathtaking spectacle, and a new ballet created in times of trouble – that's just something, my darlings. And, if you can believe it, there are accounts of the story of ballet surviving even during the dark times of war – they weren’t quite ready to say goodbye to their artistry, and the ballet world continued to thrive even during these tumultuous years.
Isn't it extraordinarily inspiring to hear about the world's love affair with dance throughout all of history – it just proves that even in times of the greatest uncertainty – art thrives! It provides the space for beauty to blossom even amongst darkness.
This whole cultural explosion is exhilarating! And that's my lovely readers, why we need to continue spreading the love of tutu, ballet, and everything lovely!
The day has slipped away all too quickly, and already the glow of sunset is colouring the city a soft shade of peach, a delicious palette of pastel pink and magenta that's practically a mirror of the skies back home in Derbyshire. Magic Meg snorts contentedly, her golden hooves catching the setting sun, reminding me it’s time for another thrilling time-travel journey.
Until next time, dear readers, embrace your inner ballerina, dance your heart out and remember to wear pink!
Yours truly,
Emma.
