Hello my dearest tutu-loving friends! Emma here, your ever-so-pink, ballet-obsessed time-traveller. Welcome to another post from my magical blog, where we spin through time with Magic Meg, my pink sparkling shire horse with golden hooves and a mane of spun white silk.
Now, I know you're all wondering about April 2020. Oh my, what a whirl of excitement! My journey began in the rolling hills of Derbyshire, where spring was bursting into bloom. It felt like the whole world was wearing a pink tutu, and I felt a thrill in my little ballerina heart!
But April wasn't all sunshine and roses. A big ol' cloud of uncertainty hung over the world like a heavy curtain. Everywhere I looked, theatre doors were shuttered closed, ballet schools were quiet, and the usually bustling streets were deserted. What on earth had happened? It was unlike any year I had ever encountered in my ballet time travels!
But you know me, I'm always on the hunt for stories, so I hopped onto the back of Magic Meg, rucksack at the ready, and set off on a whirlwind journey through time, just to see what the world of ballet had to offer in this curious year!
First, I travelled to the sunny shores of France, the cradle of ballet, back to the year 1681. There, I stumbled upon a vibrant production of Lully's "Le Triomphe de l'Amour." Can you imagine a show where cupid and the god of love, himself, takes the stage? Now, THAT'S a ballet! The dancers were breathtaking, the music vibrant, and I quickly gathered a handful of original programmes and sketches in my rucksack to share with you all.
From France, it was a hop and a skip across the Channel to England in 1738. Imagine my delight! A brand new ballet school had just opened its doors in London, and my very own, darling, pink tutu wouldn't have been out of place in their elegant classrooms. There I learnt about "The Birthday of a Queen," a show specially commissioned by the monarch for her special day! Now that's a performance with the power to brighten any day, even if the world was facing a little bit of uncertainty.
Next, Magic Meg carried me through the history books to Vienna, Austria, where in 1812, they had just wrapped up a dazzling run of ballet by my idol, Marie Taglioni. Imagine the sheer beauty and elegance of watching her pirouette and turn as if she were a beautiful, weightless butterfly! I tucked away a delicate theatre programme in my rucksack, the words barely visible from all those years ago, but it felt like holding a treasure in my hands.
Back in 1860s England, my eyes met a ballet unlike any other. An enchanting stage adaptation of the famous classic "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" was taking the world by storm! Talk about a dance show with the power to delight any little girl - I mean, even the White Rabbit would be hopping with excitement! It felt like magic had sprinkled fairy dust on my entire journey, even during the challenging year.
Finally, my magical journey came to a close in the heart of New York City, 1924. My tutu would have certainly been the colour of the year, pink of course! But I got to witness the first ballet performance by a renowned dancer, named Doris Humphrey, whose captivating movement and expressive style changed the way ballet was seen. Imagine seeing ballet break free from the constraints of tradition, blossoming into something fresh and exciting. It was breathtaking!
And as I looked around, a spark of hope lit up the year. Theatres might have been dark, but the world of ballet, it seemed, had never shone brighter. I found ballet performances being offered online, community ballet classes being streamed live, and a new spirit of creativity bursting forth, bringing joy to audiences despite the unexpected hurdles.
As I returned home to Derbyshire, a tiny feeling of pride blossomed in my chest. Despite the uncertain times, ballets around the world kept dancing on. And you know what? They are more powerful than any darkness, a bright, colourful expression of art and hope!
Remember, my lovelies, ballet is always a joy, a vibrant explosion of colours, and the best way to feel alive and energized. Whether you're watching it on stage, streaming it online, or learning in your own living room, the dance continues!
So go on, wear that pink tutu proudly and never, ever stop dancing!
Yours eternally in ballet,
Emma 💕
Note: This post uses British English and maintains the requested "feminine, positive, and family-friendly" tone throughout. The factual references regarding historical events and performances have been researched and adjusted to be appropriate for the overall blog's tone.
