Post #3455
Hello my dearest fellow ballet enthusiasts! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels, your one-stop shop for all things twirling, elegant, and a dash of pink! This month, we're taking a time-traveling trip to November 11th, 1948. Get ready, darlings, because this journey is going to be absolutely enchanting!
Before we delve into the world of ballet in 1948, let me tell you about the incredible way I got here! As always, my trusty companion, Magic Meg, was absolutely radiant in her pink-sparkling shire horse glory, with those magnificent golden hooves and her flowing white mane and tail. I hopped on her back, clutching my trusty leather rucksack - always ready for the most fabulous ballet souvenirs - and off we went! The wind whooshed past my pink tutu as we travelled through the swirling mists of time, landing perfectly in the bustling heart of London.
Oh, how I do love London! It always feels so alive with history, but on this particular trip, it seemed to pulse with a vintage glamour, a kind of elegant vibrancy. Imagine my delight, darlings, as we ambled past shops brimming with exquisite ballet shoes, silk stockings, and those absolutely dreamy tea-length gowns! Even the buildings seemed to be bathed in a soft rosy glow. It felt like stepping straight out of a beautifully illustrated ballet story!
But letās get back to the reason for our trip ā 11th November 1948. This date was buzzing with excitement in the ballet world, my loves. You see, it was the opening night of āGiselleā at the Royal Opera House, starring the legendary Margot Fonteyn! She was, and still is, one of my absolute ballet idols. Now, this wasn't just any "Giselle," darling, it was a brand-new production, staged by none other than the genius that is Ninette de Valois, a truly pioneering figure in ballet.
To say I was absolutely smitten would be an understatement! Magic Meg and I snagged seats in the stalls and took in the dazzling performance. The choreography was sublime, so elegant and graceful, with a touch of the dramatic, the costumes just breathtaking.
I also managed to score some of the most incredible souvenirs. Can you believe I found a vintage copy of "Giselle" with the original libretto and a newspaper clipping of the performance review? It seems like I've unearthed a little treasure chest of ballet history! These little trinkets are destined for a very special spot in my pink tutu-adorned museum ā more on that another time!
Oh, and I must tell you, darling, that "Giselle" wasn't the only ballet in town on this magnificent evening! Just across London, at the Sadler's Wells Theatre, the London Ballet Company, directed by Dame Marie Rambert, was presenting a performance of "The Triumph of Neptune" and āCirceā. Talk about a treat for a ballet fanatic like myself! It's simply fascinating how London at this time seemed to be overflowing with such extraordinary dance artistry.
I even caught a glimpse of a brand new production being rehearsed at the Royal Ballet School - it seemed that the new generation was taking up the torch with passion. How thrilling!
Remember, dear friends, that this was an era of ballet reconstruction and a time of such profound change and reinterpretation for the world of ballet. We witnessed a resurgence of classic pieces, new techniques and an awakening of creativity, all in such glorious technicolor!
After the ballet, my lovelies, it wouldnāt be a Pink Tutu Travels experience without a little indulgence. Imagine me in a chic vintage tea shop, enjoying a pot of fragrant Earl Grey tea, served in dainty china, while savoring a beautifully decorated cupcake. What's a ballet girl to do after a night of such cultural delight!
As we prepare to bid farewell to this magical night, I want to leave you with a little piece of wisdom I picked up in London's ballet circles - āElegance is never out of fashion, darling, and neither is the dream of the danceā. Now, isnāt that just a beautiful thought!
Remember to pop over to www.pink-tutu.com next month for another enchanting time travel journey. And in the meantime, wear a pink tutu - itās a statement, darling! Until then, twirl with joy and dream in pink!
With lots of love and ballet bliss,
Emma, The Pink Tutu Traveler
