Hello, darling darlings! Emma here, your resident pink tutu enthusiast, bringing you the latest and greatest from the world of ballet – both past and present! Today, we're doing a little time travel back to 1939. Can you believe it? That’s a whole 84 years ago! Imagine, the world was still recovering from the Great War and looking ahead with nervous excitement at the world to come! We are so very lucky, in our little bubble of tutus and tiaras, to have been given such beautiful and incredible ballets in that era. Let’s dive in, shall we?
The year 1939, my darlings, was a real turning point in the ballet world. We’re talking big names, grand shows, and incredible, breathtakingly beautiful costumes – a true ballet lover’s dream!
Taking a Trip to the Theatre: London Calling!
Now, while London itself might not have been the ballet mecca that it is today, 1939 still boasted an array of absolutely incredible ballet companies! I hear whispers of ballets at the "Sadler’s Wells Ballet," which would later become "The Royal Ballet," no less. But before then, their repertoire included “The Sleeping Beauty,” “The Nutcracker,” “Swan Lake” and a new production of “Giselle.” This company, they were absolute legends! You see, these dancers were passionate about making ballet accessible, not just for the posh London folk, but for everyone. And their talent? Oh, it shines through to this day. You can practically still feel the fire, darling, watching these old films.
It was an absolutely magical era, with the legendary ballet stars, such as Alicia Markova and Anton Dolin, lighting up the stage with their phenomenal performances. Oh, I simply love a good history lesson, and imagine what incredible stories they must have! You could just picture those performances - a blur of movement, dazzling costumes, and pure artistry - giving you shivers! I’m absolutely going to catch those ballets the next time I get the chance to step into the time machine… but hush, my time travelling is top secret… we'll discuss this in a future blog.
Paris, My Parisian Darlings!
Now, if you’re talking about truly Parisian chic and romance, it's the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo! Oh, it was an absolute joy! It’s been said that the founder, Colonel de Basil, had an impeccable sense of fashion, and if we are discussing ballet fashion in 1939 – then this is a story we MUST tell! A dream in shades of black, cream and silver with stunning embellishment! Those intricate designs and the lavish detail! I can just imagine all the shimmering jewels and delicate fabrics, darling! And the dancing? Pure perfection.
Now, the Ballet Russe was well known for being, if we are going to be honest, rather scandalous! (We're talking scandalous for the time, darling.) Just imagine! There were whispers of some truly incredible dance interpretations, choreographed by legendary masters like Serge Diaghilev and Léonide Massine – quite literally legends! We can practically imagine those dance scenes, my darlings! It would have been just as fabulous as those grand gowns and dresses, so utterly stunning and elegant. These iconic dance troupes had huge cultural influence - bringing in a new way to look at ballet with these more bold choreographies and avant-garde designs, creating a lasting legacy on the art of dance and the world of fashion. And darling, we simply adore a little scandal!
Shopping For a New Pink Tutu in the City!
Oh, my darling, did you ever consider the wonderful ballet fashion? Imagine! Beautiful tutus that might have had a more romantic feel, maybe with cascading skirts in flowing chiffon and silk. Let's take a moment to think of the incredible fabrics - think about the delicate lace and sumptuous satin used for those gowns, creating such elegant silhouettes - my darling, I just want to dive in and twirl in them! But I would, darling. I can see me wearing this vintage ballet fashion! If I could bring myself to say goodbye to my favourite colour, maybe!
Remember those breathtakingly elegant designs – oh darling! Such a time capsule! And now you are imagining with me aren't you? I bet those delicate, pretty pinks would look so incredibly divine on the stage! Think, too, of those wonderful silk shoes, darling, maybe even adorned with lovely pearls – just imagine! There would have been such a grand variety of fabrics and design! My, my - a tutu heaven!
The ballet outfits then – now THAT’S a history I can get on board with! Oh darling, the sheer beauty! Even imagining this 1939 ballet world gives me chills… I wish you could see it too, just as I did! This year was full of amazing ballet innovation. And so, my darling, I would encourage you all, wherever you are in the world, to head to the theatre and soak up the magic that ballet brings. Who knows, you might even see some inspiration for a new Pink Tutu to wear on your next dance. I'm off to plan a trip!
Till next time, my darlings! Keep on twirling!
Love always,
Emma xoxo
