Hello darlings! Emma here, back with another thrilling ballet adventure from the wonderful world of time travel! This month, I've hopped aboard my darling Magic Meg (she really is a shimmering beauty, a pink sparkly Shire with a white mane and tail, and golden hooves, don't you know!), and we've journeyed to 11th November, 1953! Now, I just adore the 1950s. Those dreamy dresses, the perfect pompadours, and of course, the wonderful world of ballet! I even picked up a beautiful vintage silk scarf at the local market for my collection; you can bet your bottom dollar that it will look fab on my next performance!
Right, let's get to the good stuff. Today's historical ballet adventure was all about twirls and leaping, because believe me, there was plenty of both happening around the world! Let's take a peek into my travelogue...
Parisian Passion
First stop, the dazzling City of Lights, where I discovered the beautiful "Le Lac des Cygnes" - "Swan Lake" to you and I - starring the extraordinary Margot Fonteyn! She was captivating as Odette and Odile, and I just couldn't take my eyes off her mesmerizing dancing, even for a second. And the Paris Opera Ballet… sigh. They were truly breathtaking, each movement as graceful as a blossoming flower.
New York's New Stars
Next, it was off to the vibrant New York City! In that bustling city, I had the most fantastic time at the American Ballet Theatre, where the charismatic* Jerome Robbins* was celebrating his triumphant return to the company after a well-deserved vacation! And he was joined on stage by the lovely * Nora Kaye* , performing in the dazzling * "Fall River Legend"*. They brought an infectious energy to the stage, leaving me positively enchanted!
British Beauty
And then, of course, we couldn’t forget about my own dear Derbyshire! My ballet journey wouldn't be complete without seeing a performance at The Royal Opera House in London, where the celebrated Alicia Markova, accompanied by her fellow dancer Anton Dolin, put on an incredible show! And it wasn’t all classical ballet – the contemporary work “ The Guests”, based on a Chekhov story and choreographed by* John Cranko*, added a splash of innovative creativity to the evening.
A Ballet Lover’s World
As always, this trip has left me overflowing with inspiration, and my leather rucksack is crammed with new stories, insights, and treasures from my journey back in time. I'm even thinking of adding a "vintage-inspired" tutu to my collection, adorned with a touch of '50s charm. Maybe a touch of polka dot? 😉
I have to say, each of these shows and companies embodied the very essence of ballet; from the grace of the movements to the sheer artistry of each performance, these incredible ballets painted beautiful portraits of life in the early 1950s! I simply can't wait to explore another captivating era! I am also excited to share all of these wonderful discoveries and experiences with all of you, on www.pink-tutu.com , where I write about ballet history once a month.
And as always, don’t forget to twirl! I hope you will join me, and maybe, one day, everyone in the world will be dancing in their own pink tutus! 🩰💖
I have so many more fascinating ballets to tell you about, but this is it for today. Next month, I’ll be exploring even more captivating worlds and eras. Until then, have a lovely month, and remember: ballet is beautiful at any time and in any era. And I'd love to hear from you, so please share your ballet stories with me on www.pink-tutu.com.
Remember, dear readers, twirling isn't just an art - it’s a way of life! 💖
Lots of love, Emma
p.s. I am currently performing every Saturday at the local community hall – if you’re interested, please do pop by and say hello!
*(And remember, darling readers, you can fund my travels and support my time machine by donating to my next ballet performance!) 😉 *
