Hello my darling tutu-twirling lovelies! It’s your favourite pink-loving, time-traveling ballerina, Emma, back with another exciting journey through the wonderful world of ballet. This month, I’m whisking you back to September 1945, a pivotal moment in history, just after the end of World War II. As always, my faithful steed, Magic Meg, my stunning pink shire horse with a mane like spun gold, and a heart of glittering stardust, carried me through the portal!
As we trotted through the portal, I couldn't help but marvel at the bustling energy in the air. War was over, and the world was slowly rebuilding, filled with hope and a thirst for new beginnings. For us ballet enthusiasts, this era was brimming with change, excitement and a new era of dance emerging! I popped into a little boutique and snagged a gorgeous scarlet hat to match my pink tutu – can you ever really have too many hats, darlings? My leather rucksack, overflowing with notebooks and sparkly trinkets I collect from my travels, clinked gently against my back as I eagerly ventured out.
Let's dive into what the world of ballet was up to in this glorious month of September:
The New York City Ballet (NYCB) was still a babe in arms! In September of 1945, under the passionate and dedicated leadership of Lincoln Kirstein, the NYCB began its first season. What an era of brilliance! Kirstein had gathered an incredible group of dancers and choreographers, including the legendary George Balanchine! With his modern approach to classic ballet, Balanchine’s groundbreaking works transformed the dance world, adding a dazzling flair to each and every move. Can’t you just picture him on that New York stage, radiating creativity? My heart simply dances with joy!
Across the pond in England, things were quite different. As the war ended, the country was still reeling from its effects. Ballet companies, like the Royal Ballet, were slowly but surely finding their feet again. They were dealing with wartime hardships, including the loss of dancers and the lack of suitable venues, but despite it all, their spirits remained high!
I couldn’t resist stepping into a delightful little ballet school tucked away in London. It was brimming with hope and excitement – girls were learning their leaps, young boys were working on their leaps, all fueled by the promise of a brighter tomorrow. What a beautiful sight it was! Imagine, darling, tiny tots perfecting their bourrées in those quaint studios, dreaming of being the next prima ballerina. How precious, don’t you think?
On this particular September day, I also visited La Scala, the renowned opera house in Milan, which also hosts spectacular ballet performances! Oh, the stories this elegant, grand theatre has witnessed! Can you picture the opulence of the setting, the grandeur of the performers? It must have been dazzling! I spent a long time at La Scala, immersing myself in its rich history. It felt like stepping into a golden, storybook dream.
While the ballet world was finding its rhythm again, I just had to experience what everyone was talking about! In Paris, the most stylish city in the world, Roland Petit was revolutionising the dance scene. A rebellious artistic soul, Petit was crafting innovative ballets with daring costumes and themes that reflected the modern world! This creative genius just wanted the audience to fall head over heels for his ballets. What a perfect reflection of the vibrant, experimental energy of post-war France, wouldn’t you say? Oh, how I would love to be a fly on the wall in a Parisienne theatre, witnessing his unique style unfold before my very eyes!
One of my absolute favourite things about these time travels, is stepping into the ballet classes! In 1945, the Cecchetti method of ballet training, developed by the brilliant Enrico Cecchetti, was very much in vogue. This approach is known for its emphasis on meticulous technique and its strong connection to classical ballet. Even though I don’t practice this specific technique myself, I find it fascinating to see how the world of ballet adapts to different styles, ensuring a consistent, beautifully rigorous foundation.
As I continue to travel through the ages, it always fills my heart with such joy to see how ballet unites people around the world. The passion for the art of dance transcends boundaries and languages. From New York City to London, Paris, and Milan, the world of ballet pulsated with an energy of creation, hope and grace in September of 1945. As I packed up my souvenirs for this month, I thought about the legacy of those who had brought this artistry back from the ashes of war. Ballet had thrived despite adversity, a symbol of human resilience and creativity, forever reminding us that even in the face of darkness, there will always be beauty to find, just like a glimmer of sunshine shining through clouds.
Speaking of sunshine, my darlings, wouldn’t a little dose of tutu joy brighten up your day? What are you waiting for? Visit www.pink-tutu.com to share your passion for all things pink and twirly, and maybe even join my dance troupe! You know how much I love to see you all strutting your stuff in pink!
Until next month, my lovelies!
Emma xxx
