History of Ballet in 1934

Hello darling dancers! Emma here, your pink tutu-clad guide to the wonderful world of ballet, and I’m absolutely delighted to be back with another installment of your favourite Pink Tutu News! This week, we’re taking a magical journey back in time to 1934, a year bursting with innovation, creativity, and oh, those delicious tutus!

Buckle up your pointe shoes, darling, because we’re about to dive into a world of choreographic marvels!

1934 was a truly exciting time in ballet, where new movements and styles emerged, leaving the traditional tutu fluttering in their wake! Yes, our darling tutu was already a timeless masterpiece, but this year, the spotlight shone brightly on other ballet stars.

Imagine my excitement! 1934 saw the birth of the Ballets Russes De Monte Carlo, a revolutionary ballet company that took the stage by storm with its audacious choreographies, lavish costumes, and dazzling dancers. Led by the renowned impresario Colonel de Basil, this company was a beacon of ballet brilliance, breathing new life into the art form.

Imagine, darlings, my own ballet company! A troupe of dancers wearing beautiful pink tutus, performing for appreciative audiences all over the world! Now that’s a dream I can truly embrace.

But there’s more! This year marked the dazzling debut of one of the greatest choreographers of our time – Mr. George Balanchine, known for his genius, for his unparalleled talent in sculpting graceful dance moves. I’m a huge admirer of Balanchine’s innovative work, his groundbreaking choreography that redefined ballet. It was a pure joy for me to see how his genius influenced and shaped ballet in 1934.

Now, you may be thinking, “What could have been so special about his ballet productions, Emma?” Oh, darlings, it wasn’t just his artistic brilliance but also his daring new styles! Forget those frilly Victorian tutus, Balanchine pushed boundaries with his sleek and minimalist designs. He showcased the strength and athleticism of dancers in innovative, captivating ballets!

1934 was not only a year of innovation on the stage but also on the streets! This year, fashion took a bolder and more playful turn! It was all about freedom of movement and bold lines. Just like in the world of ballet, we saw flowing fabrics, geometric patterns, and an appreciation for a modern, chic aesthetic. And who better to reflect the bold trends of the day than the dancers themselves?

Our tutu went through a magnificent makeover this year, darling!

Just imagine, sleek and minimalist designs that emphasized the dancers’ fluidity and agility! We saw shorter tutus, and even a daring new style: The tutu as a layer under an overlay! Just incredible! The design incorporated a full, classical skirt beneath an open tunic top that danced with the graceful steps. This bold and inventive style showcased a beautiful blend of classical and modern aesthetic. Imagine the magic of this design on stage, it would be stunning!

As for the stage, darling, you wouldn't want to miss these stunning shows that graced London's theatrical world in 1934.

• The legendary “The Sleeping Beauty” was back on the scene, bringing magic and wonder to every stage! I loved how they were still performing the classic works of ballet even in a time of innovative change.

• A daring performance of “Les Sylphides” captured everyone’s hearts. The sheer grace and delicacy of this masterpiece had the entire city enchanted!

• You could also find captivating productions of “Swan Lake”, another timeless treasure! Every single one of these performances would surely have had me captivated, yearning to be out on the stage and twirling in my own glorious tutu.

This year was brimming with wonderful ballet performances all across the UK! My home, Derbyshire, wasn't to be outdone! I heard there was a magnificent production of The Nutcracker taking place. My grandmother often talked about the magical world of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the wonder of the performance. Imagine how my family would feel, watching me perform that piece? It is certainly one of my all-time favourite performances!

So darlings, how does 1934 feel? An exciting whirlwind of new dance styles, innovative choreography, and ballet fashion that pushed boundaries, leaving a trail of captivating performances that continues to inspire. And let’s not forget those beautiful, graceful tutus! It was a truly wonderful year, a testament to the timeless power of ballet.

Do tell me, dear darlings, which tutu from 1934 have you set your heart on? Share your favourite dance stories from the era in the comments below, and let's twirl our way through history!

Until next time, remember to wear pink and keep on dancing!

XOXO

Emma

www.pink-tutu.com