Hello darling! Emma here, ready to whisk you away to a dazzling December in 1919. This month, I’ve found a perfect excuse for a pink tutu! My magical steed, Meg (she’s a sparkling shire, all pink, white, and gold hooves, don’t you know!), took me all the way to Paris, the very heart of ballet. And wouldn’t you know it, December 1919 was quite the month for Parisian ballet. Let’s dive in, shall we?
But before we go back in time, let me introduce you to this month's ballet item in my travel collection! I found the most adorable little ballet shoe charm tucked away in an old Parisian market stall. It's all silver with tiny sparkles, just like a ballerina's dress. Oh, I think I'll add a delicate pink ribbon to it - wouldn't that just be divine?
Anyway, back to Paris!
You wouldn't believe what was happening at the Opera Garnier – that's the Parisian Opera House – they had Anna Pavlova, the famous Russian ballerina, gracing the stage. Anna, oh, how she epitomises the grace and beauty of the early 20th century! I was lucky to get a backstage pass and got to see her rehearse – she moved like a willow in the wind, pure magic! This was a year after she performed the infamous Swan Lake in the United States to much fanfare, so it's no surprise that she drew large crowds in Paris.
Speaking of "Swan Lake", imagine my delight when I found this old pamphlet! It features a gorgeous poster advertising a December performance of the full ballet by none other than the Russian Ballet. Oh, I'd give my right shoe to be back in 1919 to witness it. You simply cannot imagine the majesty of ballet from this era - so beautiful and graceful, with dancers so captivating!
And the ballet world was far from confined to just Paris! Across the English Channel, the Royal Opera House in London was hosting a new production of "Cinderella". That must have been a delightful spectacle, with those dazzling ballgowns and sparkly carriages. You simply can't deny that Cinderella is an eternal classic – timeless magic that never goes out of style!
There was another delightful performance happening that same night - the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company was putting on "The Mikado" in London! Though not exactly ballet, it was a musical theatre production, a charming form of entertainment, and the perfect evening outing for a lady in her pink tutu!
Oh! While in Paris, I couldn't help but fall in love with the city's stylish Parisian ballet wear. Those gorgeous leotards and tights, such vibrant shades of pink and rouge - so beautifully cut and made. And those tutu's! You could practically see the airiness of a fairy dancing within them!
In a world where women’s lives were evolving beyond their homes and families, these ballets offered a world of fantastical escape. A magical, yet graceful way to take a journey of beauty and movement. The elegant steps, the passionate storytelling, the joy of watching beautiful dancers on stage - all this contributed to a truly captivating experience, perfect for any occasion.
Even with all the lovely distractions in Paris, I managed to sneak off to my favourite bookstore to pick up some of those wonderful illustrated pamphlets from that period. It’s amazing to read about these famous ballerinas like Anna Pavlova, Tamara Karsavina, and Lydia Lopokova. They weren’t afraid to express their individuality, making bold fashion statements, wearing colours that screamed elegance. I always admire how women from that time were trailblazers in a sense! And who’s to say that the “modern girl” hadn’t fallen head over heels in love with the enchantment of a ballerina in a pink tutu?
As December 1919 fades into the background, I've learned so much from this month's travels! Not only did I rediscover my passion for classic ballet, but I’m inspired by the strength and courage of those ladies who lived a century ago. But the message remains the same: whether you're dancing on a grand stage or swirling through your own living room, remember the magic of movement. So grab your favourite pink tutu, put on some music, and spin until your heart's content!
As always,
Emma
Don’t forget to check back next month for more exciting pink tutu time travel adventures!
PS. This is post number 4308 on my blog, www.pink-tutu.com! Head on over and let me know your thoughts on the beautiful world of ballet history!
