Oh darling! Itās Emma here from www.pink-tutu.com, your favourite destination for all things ballet! You know I just adore a good time-travelling adventure. This week, I'm hopping on my trusty Time Twirling Machine to take you all the way back to 1938! š©°āØ
Grab your favourite pink tutu (Iām sporting my feather-boa-trimmed tulle wonder this week!), a cuppa, and get ready for some fabulous historical ballet insights. Buckle up, buttercup, itās going to be a whirlwind tour!
A World on Point: 1938 Ballet Highlights
Firstly, darling, let's talk about what was making waves on the ballet scene in 1938. Now, 1938 was a time of real innovation and creativity, and it was also a period when ballet was becoming more accessible to a wider audience. The dance was finding a home in theatres, schools, and even in the streets. (Imagine that - street dancing was all the rage back then! Like a very classy street dance battle - pure chic!)
Some of the ballet luminaries leading the way were:
Serge Diaghilev - the legendary Russian impresario whose Ballet Russes was still captivating audiences all over the globe. Sadly, he passed away in 1929, but his legacy lived on with many ballets being performed in 1938 by the Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo. Imagine the glitter, the opulence, the drama - it must have been exquisite! š
Leonide Massine ā an innovative choreographer known for his expressive and captivating works. One of my personal favourites - I just adore his innovative and artistic direction - and the dazzling costumes, they were pure show-stopping! š«
The legendary Margot Fonteyn! You simply cannot talk about 1938 without acknowledging the blossoming of this ballet icon. This year, Fonteyn (aged 19 at the time!) took her first big steps as a principal ballerina with Sadlerās Wells Ballet (later to be renamed The Royal Ballet). Talk about a star being born! Can you believe it - just a young lass dancing her way to becoming one of the most revered ballerinas of the century?! š
Now, onto something closer to our pink hearts!
Ballet Fashion of the Times
In 1938, ballets showcased some utterly fabulous fashion! The world of ballet costumes was just bursting with bold colours, dramatic shapes, and of course, some splendidly elaborate embellishments. Letās just say it was quite the show-stopping ensemble, my dears! Imagine billowing tulle skirts, shimmering sequins, feathers dancing in the airā¦ The romantic and fairytale aesthetics of ballet really took centre stage with gowns fit for a princess. Iām sure that even if you were watching the dance from the back row, the stunning detail and colour combinations would captivate your attention.
The style of tutu back then was all about the billowy, flowing look. Think lots of layered tulle with just a hint of shape. Itās no wonder ballerinas were soaring through the air in this floaty and airy design! š©°āØ
Whatās on Stage? (1938 Shows)
Oh, there were so many shows to catch in 1938!
- "Les Sylphides" was still enthralling audiences with its enchanting choreography and captivating spirit. It was, and still is, the epitome of ballet grace! This ethereal work set to Chopin is an all-time classic that never gets old!
"La Sylphide", that quintessential romantic ballet was making appearances too - always so graceful, beautiful, and captivating with its story of a Scottish peasant girl falling for a mythical creature. And those costumes, oh my! Fringed tutus with delicate embroidery - gorgeous! š
"CoppĆ©lia", the charming tale of a life-size doll and the lovesick Franz - such a timeless classic. Imagine watching the ballet back in 1938, just a glimpse into its world - you could practically feel the playful air and infectious humour. And I have to say - those beautiful doll-like costumes definitely make you feel the enchantment!āØ
- "Scheherazade" with its opulent design and evocative storyā¦ This was a ballet for true fashion lovers! The rich colour and opulent designs would surely have sent everyone into a frenzy of admiration back in 1938! Just think - a veritable masterpiece of ballet history!
- āConcerto Baroccoā, a pure masterpiece of modern ballet, a breath of fresh air at a time when ballet was often dominated by the traditional romantic repertoire. Choreographed by George Balanchine, this ballet was groundbreaking for its uncluttered and pure movement. A beautiful story about the beauty of simple movement that still holds so much artistry.
And let's not forget about the incredible dancing happening in Paris - the iconic Opera Garnier was truly a hub of ballet activity!
You know I adore catching a live show whenever I get the chance! (You canāt have enough sparkle and glitter in your life!). And you know, if you want a glimpse into ballet history, I recommend paying a visit to your local theatre or museum! There you might find exhibitions on these timeless shows - just imagine, walking through an exhibition on those incredible costumes. There's nothing like the sheer excitement and beauty of watching a live performance - or imagining those fabulous, flamboyant dancers from years gone by!
Letās keep those tutus twirling!
This weekās little trip to 1938 was a total dream. We explored a year in ballet that really made its mark in the history books - I just adore learning all about the history of the ballet world! I hope you enjoyed this trip back in time too. Donāt forget - remember those elegant and glamorous costumes, make sure you embrace your inner ballerina, channel those amazing ballet inspirations, and go on a pink tutu spree! You'll never regret making your own personal style statement with a sprinkle of that extra touch of magic!
And remember, every day can be a ballet. So go on, channel your inner ballerina and find your own spotlight!š
Keep those tutus twirling, darlings! I'll be back next week with another exciting historical adventure for you. Until then, rememberā¦ Life's a ballet! Make every moment a performance.āØ
