Hello, darlings! It's Emma here, back from another adventure in time! This month, Magic Meg and I galloped back to June 6th, 1943. Now, you might be thinking, "Emma, World War II? Why on earth would you choose that date?" Well, my loves, even in the darkest of times, the human spirit finds solace in art. And ballet, my dears, is a testament to that spirit's resilience.
As we arrived, the air was thick with the scent of jasmine and honeysuckle. Wartime rationing meant there was less petrol around, so there was a stillness to the streets that was rather charming. I felt a distinct flutter in my pink tutu as we made our way to London, where a little gem of a ballet was being performed – the Sadler's Wells Ballet company, which would later become The Royal Ballet! They were staging "The Sleeping Beauty" at the Sadler's Wells Theatre. I must confess, even though my heart was set on getting to a performance, a touch of apprehension crept in. Would the audience be more preoccupied with the war effort? Would the ballet's beauty be overshadowed by the anxieties of the day?
I need not have worried, darlings! The theatre buzzed with excitement. Everyone was there - soldiers, nurses, and families - ready to escape into a world of enchantment for a few precious hours. Seeing those bright, shining eyes fixed on the dancers was a heart-warming sight. The air crackled with a quiet, joyous energy, a testament to the enduring power of beauty in even the toughest of times.
Oh, my darlings, the performance! It was magnificent! The choreography was simply breathtaking, a swirl of grace and emotion, captivating every heart in the audience. I was especially struck by Margot Fonteyn’s Aurora. Her dancing was so exquisite, her movements so effortless, like a feather carried on the wind.
After the show, I went backstage for a peek and was lucky enough to chat with the dancers themselves! What an inspiration they were! They told me of the challenges they faced, of practicing in dim lit rooms to save power, of performing with hearts heavy but spirits bright. Yet, they continued to spread beauty and hope through their art. They were truly shining examples of the ballerina spirit - steadfast, elegant, and full of heart.
My journey took me beyond the stage too. I visited the Dance and Movement section at the V&A, where I was fascinated to discover that even wartime rationing had its impact on ballet! They were experimenting with innovative materials for their costumes, and I even got a peek at some adorable tutus made from blackout fabrics, perfectly in keeping with the time’s spirit of austerity!
While this trip brought wartime hardship to light, I discovered a captivating layer to the history of ballet, one infused with a truly extraordinary spirit. These ballerinas, with their graceful movements and resilient spirits, brought beauty into a time when beauty seemed far away.
This whole adventure is just another reminder to keep the light of beauty shining brightly, always! It's a powerful reminder to never let go of the things that make life vibrant, colourful, and full of joy. Remember, dear reader, even in the most challenging of circumstances, the beauty of dance, of colour, of laughter – of the pink tutu - endures. Until next time, darlings!
Do remember to check out my website, www.pink-tutu.com, for more fabulous ballet history tales and my monthly adventures. Let’s keep spreading that pink tutu love!
Love and pirouettes,
Emma x
