History of Ballet in 1931

Hello, darlings! Emma here, your pink tutu-wearing guide to all things ballet! As always, I'm thrilled to whisk you back in time for another trip through ballet history. Today, we're travelling to the year 1931, a time of incredible change and excitement in the world of dance!

Oh my, 1931 was a dazzling year for ballet fashion! Imagine the most elegant gowns imaginable – flowing silks and satins in shades of soft rose, powder blue and delicate lavender, with intricate beading and lace that sparkled like starlight. The ladies of the stage wore their tutus with a grace that just made my heart skip a beat – long, flowing lines, sometimes with just a hint of colour for a touch of playful whimsy. Remember, it's all about finding that perfect balance between elegance and playfulness, right? And who could forget the glorious headdresses adorned with feathers and glittering jewels? Pure enchantment, my dears!

Now, while ballet costumes were all about elegance and flowing lines, the ladies in the audience embraced a bold and beautiful look! Imagine, dear readers, a symphony of feminine charm, complete with bright silk dresses with shimmering metallic details. I just imagine myself amongst them, wearing a pink tulle skirt that swishes as I take in the captivating performance!

This year was brimming with magnificent ballet performances! Let’s take a little trip around the world, shall we? From London to Moscow and Paris, the stage was set ablaze with brilliance.

The legendary Ballets Russes, founded by the captivating Serge Diaghilev, were a whirlwind of artistic flair, gracing audiences in Paris with exquisite performances, their every move a breathtaking symphony. They toured the world with iconic pieces like "The Rite of Spring" by Igor Stravinsky – imagine, darling, the raw energy and intensity of the dancers bringing this masterpiece to life! It's the perfect combination of passionate movement and enchanting music. And oh, the costumes! The bold and expressive designs were something special!

In Moscow, the Bolshoi Theatre held its audience in its grasp, with magnificent ballets like "Swan Lake" and "The Nutcracker." A classic pairing of graceful ballets and timeless stories that make my heart melt.

Back in London, the Royal Ballet, in its infancy as the Vic-Wells Ballet, was forging its own path. Led by the talented Ninette de Valois, it was shaping up to be a force to be reckoned with, producing inspiring performances of classics like "The Sleeping Beauty."

Can you imagine, darlings, being swept away by such magical performances, each telling a story, invoking emotion and inspiring dreams?

Even outside of grand theaters, the magic of ballet was being woven into the tapestry of life. This was the age of the “ballets in the street” - imagine! Dance not just in grand theatres but in open-air settings, showcasing their grace under the open skies! Street performances were like a delightful ballet in the most unexpected places! It brought ballet closer to the everyday life, reminding everyone that its magic wasn’t just found in grand theaters, but could flourish anywhere, captivating passersby and weaving its spell on a wider audience.

Honestly, darlings, the sheer energy and brilliance of this era in ballet just fills me with wonder! It's an inspiration, a reminder that ballet, even in its formative stages, holds so much potential.

The year 1931, you see, wasn't just about grand performances and shimmering gowns. It was about passion, innovation, and the unwavering pursuit of artistic expression. That spirit continues to inspire us, darlings!

So, don't be afraid to dance like no one is watching – and dare to wear a pink tutu, even when you're off the stage! Let your own inner ballerina shine. The world needs a little bit more pink, a little bit more glitter, a little bit more joy! And what better way to share it than through the magical language of ballet?

As always, darlings, don’t forget to share your own thoughts on ballet history in the comments below!

See you in the next post, darlings!

Stay fabulous, Emma. xx