Oh, darlings! I'm positively bouncing with Christmas cheer, and I don't mean the kind that involves gallons of mulled wine and an aunt who insists on singing carols off-key. I'm talking about a Christmas ballet, straight from 1939! Imagine – a winter wonderland on stage, glittering with Christmas lights, and a beautiful story of hope and joy to transport us all.
Yes, lovelies, I took a whirlwind trip back in time, my trusty pink tutu fluttering in the slipstream of the TARDIS... I mean, a time-travelling, ballet-inspired T-shirt!
Now, the year is 1939, and, a-hem, we all know how history plays out. The world is on the cusp of WWII, and yet, the spirit of Christmas, as strong as ever, still shined. I stepped into London, the crisp air biting at my tulle, and wandered towards the imposing, historic Covent Garden. I felt like I'd travelled right into a scene from a Christmas card. Snow, just a whisper at the moment, would be the icing on the Christmas cake very soon.
My darling Emma-Belle heart was set on one particular performance – The Nutcracker, by Tchaikovsky, naturally! A timeless tale that brings Christmas to life. I do love me a little dramatic Christmas story, but there’s nothing quite like a classic, like a beautifully wrapped and perfectly tied box under the tree – oh, this Christmas I am getting sentimental aren’t I! But what made this year extra special? Why, the ballerinas, darlings!
This Nutcracker was set apart by some truly incredible female dancers. There was the graceful Margot Fonteyn – an ethereal princess who danced with such a lightness that it was like watching a fairy on stage. And let's not forget the dazzling Alicia Markova, whose dancing possessed both power and precision – simply captivating! You just couldn’t tear your eyes away.
I managed to score a prime seat, right up in the stalls. The theatre, aglow with fairy lights, pulsed with energy, and the anticipation in the air was almost tangible. The orchestra warmed up with Tchaikovsky's magical notes – Oh, I'm a big sucker for a musical prelude – and then, as if conjured from a snow-filled night, the dancers came alive, their tutus swirling in a dazzling ballet of Christmas wonder!
As the curtain came down, I couldn’t help but reflect on the parallels of the era. War was just around the corner, yet these beautiful ballerinas gave the Londoners a moment to breathe, to be swept away to a magical world of sugar plum fairies, handsome princes, and a Christmas spirit that wouldn’t be silenced by even the toughest times.
This was a testament to the enduring power of dance, art, and, of course, Christmas magic!
Speaking of enduring power, the world of ballet fashion in 1939 was a feast for the eyes, darlings! Think soft, elegant silhouettes, flowing lines, and exquisite detailing that sparkled with classic femininity. I am not going to lie, the inspiration for my own pink tutu-filled wardrobe started back then! The ballerinas of 1939 sported the most heavenly tutus – from delicate silk and tulle to layers of net that shimmered with every move.
You could see these dancers move effortlessly in their costumes – their tutus just soaring and swirling with every pirouette and jeté. Just like me when I hit those perfect pirouettes in my street performances (which by the way, if you are in the Derbyshire area you know what to do – look for my pink tutus, my glitter, my dancing. You can’t miss me)
It wasn’t all just classical grace, darlings. In the street scene outside Covent Garden – and oh darling – London's streets back then – so much glamour – even the cobblestones were more sophisticated! The men were rocking perfectly tailored suits and top hats and the ladies in flowing gowns and hats just overflowing with feathers and flowers – what an inspiration!
Now, don’t think all this fashionable business distracted from the beauty of ballet! I am a very serious ballet fan – and when I see an exquisite, classically beautiful costume it only enhances the elegance of the dance. I even noticed some innovative elements in the fashion of this era, like the increasing use of leotards – which we all love for both form-fitting and practical appeal – for dancewear, creating a sleek silhouette while being comfortable and free-flowing (oh the benefits of spandex, even before it was ‘invented’ )
I found some truly inspiring looks from this year. A perfect example – the chignon (the perfect hairdo for ballet, my darlings) - it started taking a centre stage in 1939 – with ballet dancers embracing this refined yet elegant style – a touch of sophistication that made the graceful dancer all the more appealing!
Well, that’s my take on Christmas magic in a 1939 Tulle cloud. The magic didn’t just reside on the stage that night - it’s in all of us. We each have that inner dancer that can create our own sparkle, and maybe just maybe it starts with a beautiful pink tutu – (the only color that shines as brightly as a star darlings). Just picture a world filled with tutus, swirling in joy, expressing every emotion… Well, you know, it's a good life, darling. A very good life.
So, until next time, darlings! Don't forget your tutus, your dance, and your twinkle - you never know, your journey to spread the pink-tutu magic, like me, may take you on a time-travelling, dance-filled adventure of your own!
P.S. And oh darlings – if you are going to get a chignon done for your Christmas do - remember – the secret ingredient to success – is lots of hairspray. (You don’t want to end up a ‘do without a hair - it just wouldn’t be right, wouldn’t it? Don't say I haven’t warned you. 😉
