Hello darling dears,
It’s Emma here, your very own pink tutu-clad time-travelling ballet blogger, ready to whisk you away on another adventure through the wonderful world of dance history! This month, we’re taking a leap back to 11th November 1949. My darling Magic Meg, the most beautiful pink-sparkling Shire with hooves of gold and a mane like spun white silk, is all prepped for our journey!
The air is a crisp autumnal scent of fallen leaves and bonfire smoke. As Magic Meg's hooves softly pound the cobblestone streets of a bustling London town, my heart is bursting with excitement for all the ballet wonders waiting to be discovered. Today’s adventure takes us to the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, the beating heart of British ballet!
And guess what, dearies? It’s The Sleeping Beauty on the programme! Just picture it - delicate ballerinas swirling across the stage, resplendent in vibrant, lavish costumes, while the orchestra fills the theatre with the most magical melodies! I simply adore this classic fairy tale ballet, with its grand spectacle and heartfelt story.
Oh, and imagine my delight when I found myself transported back in time right as the first performance of The Sleeping Beauty in 1946 took place! Now, there’s a sight to see.
Of course, my love of ballet fashion is also quite strong! I spotted a gorgeous satin ballet slipper shop window overflowing with colourful, pointy-toed treasures! The craftsmanship of those handmade shoes - exquisite! And the detail, my dearies, is just breathtaking. From elegant ribbons to exquisite embroideries, each slipper tells a silent story of skill and artistry. I just had to snatch one pair, and they're safely tucked away in my leather rucksack for future inspiration!
Now, let's take a quick peek at what else was happening in the world of ballet on that November day back in 1949.
Across the pond in the United States, the New York City Ballet was flourishing. In the very first years of the company’s formation, this visionary troupe led by George Balanchine, had been captivating audiences with groundbreaking choreography, bold artistry, and their beautiful, flowing, often minimal ballet costumes. It was quite revolutionary for its time and remains a driving force for the world of ballet still to this very day.
In Paris, the iconic Bolshoi Ballet, fresh off a triumphant tour through Italy and Great Britain, was receiving rave reviews from ballet fans worldwide for its technical mastery and expressive choreography. It is so exciting to think that the ballet scene, as we know it, was taking shape during this vibrant era of new, daring choreography and creative visions, and that my trip back to 1949 was just a snippet of the larger, broader movement of change within the world of dance.
As we approach our return journey, a warm and fuzzy feeling washes over me. Perhaps I'll try adding a touch of the old world elegance and intricate design detail of a 1949 ballerina shoe to my very own pink tutus for next month’s blog post.
But you know, even as we embrace the past, the most important thing is to live our passions and keep the world of ballet buzzing. Whether you're on stage, in a classroom, or just dancing in your living room, keep your love for dance alive and don't be afraid to express yourself.
Don't forget to pop over to www.pink-tutu.com, to read about my next dance-filled adventure. And remember, let's all dance like there's no tomorrow, and wear those tutus, ladies, wear them with pride!
Until next time, dearies!
Love always,
Emma
(And Magic Meg, who is patiently waiting for her sugar cubes)
