Hello darlings, and welcome to my monthly journey through ballet history! It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu-wearing time traveller, ready to whisk you back to a fabulous day in the past - 1st January 1947, to be precise!
Magic Meg, my beautiful pink sparkling Shire horse with those magnificent golden hooves, is already chomping on his carrots, all prepped for another fantastic journey through time! He's patiently waiting for me, just like the faithful, wonderful equine he is, as I make final adjustments to my trusty pink tutu – a vibrant magenta, my dears! Just a smidgen of diamanté sparkle to catch the historical light and, of course, my signature pink feather boa to match the tulle and silk ruffles.
And don’t forget my trusty leather rucksack, my trusty companion in time travel! Today’s rucksack will be packed with a brand new sketchpad for capturing the latest ballet styles, a notebook for jotting down historic ballet gossip, and a pair of good old fashioned felt tip pens (one pink, obviously!) to take some fab photos with my new disposable camera!
As you all know, the joy of time travel is that we can see what's happening in the world of ballet throughout history. Today, we are diving into the era of a blossoming post-war world, a world ready to celebrate the beautiful and graceful art of ballet.
What was on in the ballet world on this magical January day, you ask? Let’s delve into the historical records:
New York City Ballet's New Year's Eve gala was already making the news, filled with beautiful dancers and the elegance that epitomizes this legendary ballet company.
In Paris, Les Ballets des Champs-Elysées were putting on a show for audiences to witness, I imagine the city’s air was alive with the exciting buzz of dancers and costumes!
The Royal Ballet were presenting a vibrant mix of new and classical works, their performances captivating hearts and setting trends for the new year.
In London’s Sadler's Wells Theatre, the company (which became The Royal Ballet in 1956), were already making their mark. The energy of their performances is, I am certain, truly electrifying! I can practically feel the energy rippling through the history books to this day!
And closer to my home, back in Derbyshire, England, young aspiring ballerinas like me were taking their very first steps in this exciting world. Perhaps even someone who, right this very moment, is dreaming of gracing a stage in a magnificent pink tutu.
This date in time also brought about some of the biggest changes in the history of ballet. With war over, ballet became more than a mere luxury – it became an essential part of life. It brought communities together and offered hope in a world that had seen much hardship. The beauty of the art form helped the world heal and gave a renewed sense of possibility to people all around the world.
As I always say, dear friends, it’s all about those tiny details. As I sit in the saddle, about to time travel, I envision ballet performances bursting with energy and wonder in each of these historic locations, dancers gracefully expressing emotions with every gesture and every twirl. Can’t you imagine the exquisite artistry on stage, the gorgeous costumes and music that sweeps us all into a timeless world?
This date is also when one of my favourite ballerina's career skyrocketed – I’m sure many of you have heard of her! The iconic Margot Fonteyn, already captivating audiences with her extraordinary artistry and grace, was beginning to create history with her talent.
Don't forget the fascinating fashion scene of the time. Imagine ballerina-inspired styles! It is truly captivating, isn't it? We might not see full tutus for daywear yet, but the silhouettes, the flowing skirts and delicate feminine details, they’re all there, inspired by the beautiful elegance of the dancers. And what about ballet footwear? Oh my, it’s a masterpiece! A symphony of beautiful pointe shoes, velvet slippers, and dainty flats that were perfect for both day and night wear.
One of my favorite activities whilst on these time-travelling jaunts, is to look for clues of this influence on the everyday fashion of the day – whether a splash of pink, or the flutter of silk, it's always there, a homage to ballet. Perhaps a lovely silk blouse with puffed sleeves, just like a tutu, but made for daily wear. A pretty and practical touch for everyday life.
Time travel is all about embracing new possibilities, discovering hidden beauty in every time period, and spreading a little bit of pink tutu magic wherever I go. Just a sprinkle of that pink ballerina spirit on every single historical occasion. I really want to see every woman (and why not men, too!) embracing the spirit of ballet - that delicate sense of elegance and strength that shines through the fabric and tulle! I know you love a little bit of magic and wonder, darling readers, just as much as I do, so do wear your pink tutu, dance your heart out, and remember that you're all absolutely fabulous!
Remember, if you’ve got a tale about a time-travel adventure or your passion for pink tutus, don't be shy to share them! It would be a delight to hear all about your magical experiences on my pink-tutu.com website.
Until next month, darlings, let’s keep our pink tutus and dreams twirling ever so elegantly!
With love, and a touch of magic,
Emma
