Hello, lovelies! Emma here, ready to whisk you away to a dazzling 1928 with a twirl of my pink tutu and a whisper of Magic Megās hooves!
This month, my darling time-travelling horse whisked me to July 1928, and oh, the memories! I always feel such a rush of excitement when I hop onto Meg, feeling the breeze through my tutu, the ground rushing beneath her golden hoovesā¦ itās a sensation like no other.
1928 was such a wonderful time for dance, the whole world seemed to be stepping into the spotlight! Ballet was everywhere, from opulent theatres to intimate studios. I found myself stepping into a captivating world where ballet, like the beautiful hues of my tutu, was spreading across the globe.
As soon as I arrived, I noticed a certain buzz about the upcoming performances. This date marked the start of the legendary Royal Opera Houseās Summer Season, and the air was electric with anticipation!
What's on in the world of ballet?
On this particular 7th of July in 1928, I heard the chatter about a new production about to launch at the Royal Opera House. The London stage was about to see a captivating performance of āThe Firebirdā, a ballet based on the incredible Russian legend of the fiery bird. I immediately rushed off to the theatre and witnessed a thrilling, mesmerising performance. The beautiful music, the vibrant costumes (I could imagine them paired with the bold colours of my pink tutu!), the graceful choreography... I was simply captivated. This story is just so full of romance and magical realism; I found myself transported to a magical world of enchantment, wonder andā¦ firebirds!
But my 1928 adventure was not just about the Royal Opera House. The beauty of time travel, and perhaps, ballet, is that you never know what might be just around the corner!
I took a chance and skipped to a different part of England ā the heart of London, actually, and discovered the wonderful Sadlerās Wells Theatre. What an incredible find! While it may have not had the grandeur of the Royal Opera House, it was brimming with energy and charm! I felt the infectious enthusiasm from the performers and audiences. Sadlerās Wells truly seemed to embrace the heart of London's cultural scene.
While the theatre in London was certainly alive, I couldnāt forget my roots in Derbyshire. Back home, I delved into local archives, exploring ballet troupes that had emerged around that time. My heart warmed when I saw an intriguing mention of a charming group performing under the name ā The Derbyshire Ballet Clubā! I envisioned them dancing across Derbyshire landscapes, a scene I couldnāt wait to visit on another time travel trip!
Beyond Britain, I took Magic Meg on a whirlwind tour, galloping from one exciting discovery to the next.
America's vibrant dance scene
Across the ocean in America, I was blown away by the rise of American Ballet! It was such an exciting time, a new chapter opening in the world of dance.
With each performance, each dancer's turn, the passion of this new American movement unfolded like a breathtaking tutu in full bloom. I was enthralled, captivated by the dynamism and sheer joy that oozed from each movement. It was an amazing moment, a perfect moment in history, captured on film. I found myself sitting down in an art deco theatre in New York, and I remember thinking that this new energy, the American flair in their dance, felt as bright and energetic as my own pink tutu. It was, I thought, as though they had borrowed the magic and vibrancy of my pink tulle.
As for the ballet shoes and the wonderful costumesā¦ thereās something incredibly elegant and striking about ballet fashions. Those exquisite tutues, their colours, and the beautiful fabrics. I love the flow of the gowns and the refined simplicity of ballet shoes. All these things, of course, fit seamlessly into my pink-tutu themed style. My own wardrobe collection was already beginning to expand after my visits through history, and it felt like 1928 had much to offer, a rich array of exciting fashion choices, some which I would no doubt integrate into my own daily ballet wear, much to the surprise, amusement and, hopefully, inspiration of all my readers.
Fashion Inspiration from the 1920s
On this visit, I added an impressive 1920s fringed flapper dress, shimmering with sequins and beaded detailing, to my collection of historical treasures. My eyes lit up when I saw it; it screamed for a spot in my vintage clothing cupboard back in Derbyshire! My imagination sparked, imagining the dancer in a similar dress swirling on stage in a performance as they performed their beautiful dance routines! Oh, to be able to see the stage glow in this magical, historical moment.
As usual, I couldnāt resist a little shopping trip while I was there. I purchased a few wonderful accessories for my vintage clothing collection, adding an air of vintage magic to my everyday look! I was captivated by the art deco pieces that I spotted in a quaint shop in a vintage area of New York.
A collection of shimmering bangles and long beaded necklaces adorned with tassels, which are just the things I look for, adorned my collection, each piece bursting with that glamorous touch that screams "dance and party the night away". The beauty of fashion history is that you never know when something, especially something you see in your time travels, is going to catch your eye.
On this trip, I saw the beauty and magic that was unfolding across the world. From the grandeur of the Royal Opera House to the vibrancy of American Ballet, from Derbyshireās charming ballet club to my favourite 1920s accessories. 1928 certainly gave me a whirlwind journey. It was such an era that danced to the rhythm of innovation, excitement, and a passion for ballet and beautiful garments!
Thatās it for this month! Until next time, darlings!
Love, Emma www.pink-tutu.com
