Hello darlings! It’s your favourite pink tutu wearing time traveller, Emma, back with another thrilling journey through ballet history! October is always such a lovely month - the crisp autumn air makes it perfect for ballet season! This month we're dipping our toes into the vibrant world of 1926, and let me tell you, it was a whirlwind of talent and colour!
But first, as always, a quick update on my current fashion obsession. Have you seen the latest in pink tutus? The embroidery is simply divine! And this particular one, adorned with swirling silver glitter, is perfect for the 1920s glamour. Remember, a tutu doesn't have to be strictly for the stage. Embrace it as your daily wear, I say! Let your inner ballerina shine!
Speaking of the stage, imagine my delight when I heard that the Ballets Russes, that legendary company, were performing in London on 10th October, 1926! Now, you know how much I love a good show, and this was a night not to be missed. So, I grabbed my trusty leather rucksack (already overflowing with fabulous vintage ballet finds, by the way!), gave Magic Meg a sugar cube (that magnificent pink, sparkling shire with golden hooves! Truly a fairytale!), and we were off to the 1920s!
A Ballet Bonanza!
Now, the Ballets Russes weren't your typical company. They were radical, experimental, and absolutely breathtaking! Their dancers were incredibly athletic and expressive, and the costumes and sets were just glorious, full of colour and intricate detail. This particular performance featured Stravinsky's "Apollon Musagète," a stunning work that combines classical Greek mythology with an avant-garde, neoclassical ballet style. The whole theatre was electric! And did I mention the tutus? Oh my, the tutus were a dream! Short and airy, perfectly reflecting the innovative, almost rebellious spirit of the time.
After the show, I met some of the dancers, and they were the sweetest. One of them even gave me a little piece of the fabric from their tutu, which is now proudly nestled in my rucksack!
Paris, Paris!
We then travelled to Paris, where we visited Serge Diaghilev, the director of the Ballets Russes. Now, this man was a visionary. He brought together the very best choreographers, dancers, and composers of the day. He saw the potential of ballet as a vibrant, exciting art form, and his dedication led to a flourishing of innovation that we still benefit from today!
Diaghilev’s Paris was buzzing with a mix of artistic currents – from the abstract of abstract art to the rhythmic explosion of jazz, a real feast for the senses. Ballet found its voice and reflected it so well.
The city’s leading dancers, Bronislava Nijinska, Tamara Karsavina, and the young and brilliant, Alexandra Danilova, were in their prime. They created dances that combined the strength of Russian tradition with the energy and artistic license of a changing world. It was, truly, a revolution in ballet, all swirling and twirling within the context of Paris’s cafes, art galleries and grand theatres!
And let's not forget the fabulous costumes! Designers like Coco Chanel and Léon Bakst were revolutionising the way women looked and moved. These iconic artists drew inspiration from ballet and brought the ethereal elegance of movement into their designs.
My Personal Favourites
I have to confess, this particular trip sparked a brand new love affair: Le Train Bleu. A masterpiece of ballet choreography, set to a score by Darius Milhaud! A symphony of rhythm and movement inspired by the stylish world of the French Riviera. I have the score playing constantly now, in my little Derbyshire cottage, on my old gramophone. I just imagine those iconic train carriages hurtling through the French countryside – a celebration of the Art Deco era, elegance and dance!
The colours in "Le Train Bleu" are so vibrant, so dazzlingly joyous, echoing the opulence of the time. They make me want to design my own tutu with intricate patterns, inspired by the rich tapestry of Art Deco style.
But before we head off to my little haven in Derbyshire, let me tell you this, darling: if you're ever looking for inspiration for a stunning dance look, turn to 1926! Embrace that bold spirit, that unyielding confidence, and embrace your own dance, whatever style that might be.
And, of course, don't forget: pink is always in style! So, grab your own pink tutu, twirl around with joy, and dance your heart out. Until next month!
With a million kisses and a gentle "Au revoir",
Emma
P.S: Don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com for more vintage ballet fashion and my exciting journey through ballet history. You won't regret it, darling!
