Hello darlings! Emma here, back from another whirl through time, and oh, my darlings, this month's journey has filled my rucksack with so many stories! This time, Magic Meg and I trotted back to June 1949. A magical moment in ballet history, I'm telling you!
Pink Tutu: 1949 Edition
Imagine, if you will, the glorious feeling of a full pink tulle skirt billowing out around you, the colour of a blushing sunset, with delicate pink ribbons fluttering in the breeze. This, my loves, was the look I went for as I entered the year 1949. I felt so in tune with the era's glamorous style! Picture sleek silhouettes, nipped waists, and graceful, flowing skirts, and then imagine those elements, but all in my beloved pink, of course!
Time-Traveling to London's West End
Now, wouldn't you know it, but my trip took me straight to London's West End, and guess what I saw? My absolute idol, Margot Fonteyn, the very embodiment of grace, took to the stage, dancing a glorious, exquisite, and utterly beautiful interpretation of âGiselleâ at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden! Can you believe it?! I nearly swooned! Imagine, the majesty of Fonteyn, with the grand orchestra swirling around her, the entire performance bathed in a kind of romantic, elegant light⌠Ah, pure magic!
My rucksack bulges with fascinating program notes from that evening, with Fonteyn's name in that gorgeous cursive, the very type you would find in antique books - itâs absolutely divine. It even mentions how she dedicated her performance to the esteemed ballet teacher and dancer, Nicholas Sergeyev, who played an absolutely vital part in shaping the ballet world in the 1900s. You simply must try and find a recording, my darlings! Trust me, itâs breathtaking!
Meeting Ballet Legends:
The energy in the theatre was electric! People were captivated by the entire production! Everyone, even those who wouldn't call themselves âballet loversâ, were spellbound by the art! I was thrilled to get a glimpse of several other prominent ballerinas, their names whispered through the crowd â the wonderful Alicia Markova, and Moira Shearer, the dancer everyone talked about, after seeing her star in "The Red Shoes"! It's safe to say that Londonâs West End truly buzzed with ballet fever during my time travel adventure.
* Ballet Fashion Through the Decades*
You know how much I adore fashion! 1949's ballet world was dripping with elegance. While I would absolutely never go against my own pink aesthetic, I did take inspiration from the long-sleeved, feminine styles, complete with intricate, elaborate details. Imagine, if you will, swirling velvet tops, a classic look with the elegance of black, navy, or deep purple â perfect for dancing, for dining, for everything! And for a final touch, letâs bring those flowing skirts back into the spotlight - imagine beautiful patterns or delicate floral embroidery. I mean, my loves, that's what they did in the late '40s and let me tell you - it looks fantastic!
Magic Meg and her pink mane:
Remember, youâve all got to treat your own horses, however magnificent or normal they might be, with a bit of love and respect. For Magic Meg, we indulged in the classic combination of sugar cubes and a gentle brushing of her white mane and tail! The sparkling glitter that she wears so beautifully does require an occasional check, so we sat under the willow tree as I gave her pink mane and tail a quick once-over. I find pink to be the perfect compliment to Magic Megâs golden hooves and white mane. And who could resist that cheeky, friendly twinkle in her big, brown eyes? No-one, my loves, not a single soul!
* Ballet on the Other Side of the Globe*
While my adventures took me across the ocean, I discovered so much on the other side of the world as well! Australia! Now that is a land teeming with ballet energy! I managed to slip into the National Theatre, Sydney and I caught the Sydney Dance Company as they premiered "Come and Gone", their interpretation of this American work. Theyâre the ones who brought modern ballet to the forefront â a real shake-up in the world of Australian dance! What a breath of fresh air that performance was, and so full of passion and modern dance styles. You might be tempted to imagine 1949 as strictly classic ballet, but oh my darlings, it's simply not true! Iâm certain that the modern-day dance world can still feel a huge influence from that era. It just makes you think, doesnât it? What will be the next dance craze? Will the dancers in the years to come learn from us? Who knows?!
Let's All Wear Pink Tutues!
That, my darlings, is all for this month's Time-Traveling adventures! Remember, let your inner ballerina shine, go forth, wear those pink tutus and let's keep ballet vibrant! It's an enchanting, creative and, dare I say, quite wonderful form of art! Be bold, have fun, dance like nobody's watching, and of course, keep your eyes peeled for my next Time Travel blog!
See you next month!
Love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
