Hello darlings! It's Emma here, and welcome to Post 3438 of my ballet time travel blog! It’s been another whirlwind month of hopping through history on Magic Meg's back. This month we’ve been whisked back to 1947, to a world where the scent of hope filled the air and the post-war ballet scene was flourishing!
Remember last month when I told you how I felt that all ladies should be twirling in pink tutus? Well, I believe my passion for pink tulle has landed me smack-dab in the middle of a truly remarkable ballet movement! June of 1947 witnessed the birth of a phenomenon: the post-war ballet boom!
As we trotted through the bustling streets of London, you could practically feel the air thrumming with the energy of the times. The war was over, people were eager for beauty and elegance, and, thankfully, ballet was the perfect prescription for both.
Imagine, my dears, this incredible scene: a little dance school in a quiet corner of the city, filled to bursting with girls and boys yearning to learn, to spin and leap! There was an undeniable, captivating magic to it all. The desire to express, to create, to soar above the daily grind… It’s truly the heart of ballet, isn't it?
Magic Meg and I didn't just stick to London, oh no! We took a detour to Paris, a city that's always held a special place in my heart. We went to see The Sleeping Beauty, a performance by the iconic Paris Opera Ballet at the Palais Garnier. I can’t even begin to tell you how wonderful it was to see the opulent costumes, the stunning sets, and the elegant artistry on display.
But Paris wasn’t the only place showcasing ballet magic. We flew over to New York, a city teeming with creativity, and even the street itself became a stage. We took in a captivating show, the Ballet Theatre's performance of Fancy Free, which premiered right here in the bustling city streets, just three years ago. The city’s heartbeat was pumping in harmony with the dancers' graceful moves, creating a magical rhythm, an absolute must-see for any ballet aficionado!
After New York, we made our way to the United States, where the ballet boom was hitting its peak. American Ballet Theatre, created by the brilliant Lucia Chase and the charming, dashing Oliver Smith, was reaching the pinnacles of fame. They even premiered their production of On Stage by Agnes de Mille in New York. I do love a good plot about the behind-the-scenes drama of a performance, especially when told in such a captivating dance form.
Let’s face it, you simply can’t talk about June 1947 without mentioning Giselle, my all-time favourite. Everywhere we went, from the stages of Covent Garden to the charming theaters of Paris, this classic story was taking centre stage, and rightfully so.
What makes this time so incredibly special? I think it's the spirit of the time itself. The post-war years brought a sense of hope and new beginnings. Ballet, with its graceful movements, its beautiful music, and its ability to transport us to another world, became the perfect symbol of that spirit. And of course, no period of time is complete without a splash of pink! The tutus of this era were something truly special, with delicate shades of blush, lavender, and even rose that seemed to whisper of the romantic spirit of the age.
Remember my rucksack? It's brimming with delightful finds from my time travels - a beautiful silk rose tucked away in a Parisian ballet poster, a vintage playbill from Fancy Free that's starting to feel a little old but is filled with vibrant colour, a piece of costume jewellery that looked exquisite on stage. Every piece reminds me of the beauty I have encountered.
But there's something more precious than trinkets that I have in my rucksack. There’s the essence of a vibrant community, of young talent, of the dedication to art in the wake of a challenging time, a desire to spread joy through art and performance.
It makes me want to shout from the rooftops that ballet is the language of the soul, that every woman (and gentleman!) should wear pink tutus to express their own graceful strength and beauty.
So, darling readers, go forth! Be bold, wear pink, and never lose sight of the magic that ballet brings into our lives. Remember to keep up with my adventures at www.pink-tutu.com. Until next month, twirl beautifully!
With Love and Lots of Pink,
Emma
