A Pink Tutu's Guide to Ballet in the Roaring Twenties
Hello lovelies, and welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels! August 2012 was simply divine - filled with dazzling costumes, the most glorious new plays, and of course, my new favourite dress! I'm still beaming at the thought of my new lilac and silver dress, bought on the High Street in London, for the princely sum of five shillings! (Don't worry, darling, Magic Meg knows her way around the markets of the time.)
Now, let's get back to August 1920, shall we? This month, I galloped back to the roaring 20s, the era of flapper dresses, jazz music, and of course, the revolutionary dance styles that shook up the world of ballet!
As usual, my trusty sidekick Magic Meg took us there with a splash of sparkly pink and a wave of her golden hooves. It never fails to take my breath away – seeing the past unfold before me!
This month, my quest led me to a truly remarkable show - Diaghilev's Le Sacre du Printemps - performed by Serge Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes in London! Honestly, darling, it was a show-stopper! The music was unlike anything I’d heard before – intense, almost tribal – and the choreography by the revolutionary Vaslav Nijinsky was a wild and wondrous sight! Imagine, my lovelies, the ballet dancers moving like primitive creatures! This daring and scandalous choreography set the ballet world abuzz!
Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes were a sensation. I was mesmerised watching the dancers move with a newfound freedom and expression. They defied tradition, their bodies a language of passion and intensity. Imagine the impact on audiences who’d been used to the gentle, fluid movements of the Romantic era!
My favourite aspect? Well, the costumes were absolutely stunning, darling. Long gone were the days of tutus. The dancers moved in short, flowing skirts with wild headbands, reflecting the bold new trends of the day. Even in the ballet world, a daring, free spirit was flourishing!
Speaking of daring and revolutionary – this month, I learned about one of ballet’s boldest, most fascinating figures - Isadora Duncan. Now, this remarkable woman was all about defying tradition! She challenged the strict conventions of classical ballet with her flowing dresses and improvisational style.
Imagine, darlings, a ballerina moving with grace and passion, drawing inspiration from ancient Greek sculpture and the very essence of life itself! Isadora’s radical style, and her personal philosophy of free movement and self-expression, shocked and inspired audiences. It was truly the dawning of a new era in ballet, darling!
Oh, and did I tell you about the wonderful shop I found in London? It was bursting with exquisite ballet slippers and beautifully handcrafted ballet shoes! It was like stepping into a magical world of fabric, silk, and exquisite craftmanship. You simply have to see them in my ballet bag when I’m back home!
Now, darlings, as always, it wouldn't be a Pink Tutu Travels adventure without some fashion tips from the time! Remember those flowing, graceful lines I told you about? Well, let me give you a little glimpse into 20s fashion - think beaded headbands, drop-waist dresses with bold embroidery, and yes, *even a sprinkle of pink! * After all, a pink-loving ballerina can’t resist a little bit of colour.
Speaking of a sprinkle of pink, darling, my next ballet quest takes me to the home of the pink ballerina! The land of tutus, darling - France! I’m off to the Paris Opera Ballet to see some absolutely delightful pieces. The next post is going to be absolutely packed with the history of ballet in France, it's famous ballet schools and some beautiful photographs - I've just acquired a miniature vintage camera from a lovely old gentleman on my trip. I can't wait to use it and capture some of my travels in pink!
Until then, remember darling, never lose your love for the pink and embrace your inner ballerina - for the world is a much brighter and lovelier place with a touch of pink!
Always be inspired,
Emma
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