Welcome, lovelies!
August has finally arrived, and with it, a lovely, warm breeze blowing through my hair as Magic Meg and I take a break from our usual Derbyshire lanes to travel through time. I am SO excited to be visiting you today on the 8th of August, 1921, and, oh my, what a day it is! My pink tutu is positively sparkling under the sun and my leather rucksack is ready to burst with new treasures. Let’s go explore, shall we?
First things first: Fashion!
This is, of course, my favourite part. 1921 brought the flapper look - think loose dresses, beaded fringes, dropped waistlines, and bobbed hair. My tutus would certainly stand out as bold fashion choices back then! But just imagine the sparkle I could add to any event with my fabulous, fluffy skirt. I’d certainly try to influence the ladies of the day with some subtle pink tutus!
Now, about that ballet, darling. This particular day, 1921, was just buzzing with exciting things in the ballet world! Over in Moscow, the Bolshoi Theatre was a-twitter, showcasing a whole week dedicated to the artistry of Sergei Diaghilev and his iconic Ballets Russes. Just the thought of that makes my heart flutter, and imagine the costumes – I’d certainly be keen to see what the fashion gurus of the day created!
Did you know that Diaghilev’s Ballet Russes completely changed how the world saw ballet? Imagine ballet dancing alongside revolutionary designs – this company was the first to bring artists like Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse to design costumes and set designs for ballet productions, blending art and movement in the most enchanting way. Imagine the inspiration, my loves!
Speaking of designs, how can we forget about the ballet shoes? I must admit, while my pink tutus have always been a staple, these lovely ladies were likely wearing shoes crafted from soft satin. Their shoes weren’t exactly made for the kind of energetic leaps and twirls I do, but perhaps that would have inspired some wonderful shoe innovation – just like how Marie Camargo championed high heels and skirts that reached her ankles, sparking a revolution in the 1700s. Just think, my darlings, of what I could accomplish!
But it’s not just about shows and designs, you see!
The world of dance is buzzing with news! Anna Pavlova and her company have just completed a world tour, delighting audiences with poetic ballets that celebrated nature and emotions.
My word! Can you imagine touring the world as a ballet dancer? It must be magical! Of course, this wasn’t without its difficulties. Women’s rights were very different then. Even a star like Pavlova had to fight to be accepted. This certainly gives me some perspective when I think about all the challenges ballet faces even now.
I know you're probably wondering, dear readers, how did the people in 1921 actually move? It was a fascinating time for transport, you know. Trains, trams, and automobiles were just coming into their own, bringing the world closer and introducing new rhythms for the body to understand. Can you just imagine twirling on a train platform? It's a whole new take on the ballet world, and maybe even a dance routine!
One thing that's truly special is that the world, even in 1921, had its ballet community - the same as now. There were dance schools in towns and cities across the globe, each teaching tradition and innovation and passing on that passion for dancing. Even back then, you see, ballet had the power to connect and inspire, and the love of dance wasn’t confined by any one form or tradition.
And as my beloved Meg takes me back to the present, I can’t help but wonder, my lovelies, how you experience ballet. Is it something you cherish, or perhaps a form of art that you long to explore? No matter how you choose to engage with it, remember that the dance continues - with all its history, stories, and beautiful forms. It inspires us all, connecting generations in a world of delicate movements and inspiring grace.
And lastly, my darling readers, let's not forget why we're here. It's time to take the world by storm with a wave of pink tutus! Imagine a world where everyone dances with a smile on their face and a touch of pink magic! Now, THAT would be truly enchanting, don't you think?
Until next month!
**Love and twirls,
Emma**
www.pink-tutu.com
(P.S.) Do keep your eyes open for upcoming ballet performances! I might be taking Magic Meg on another trip to see them with you all.)
