#BalletHistory during 1928 08 August

Hey lovelies! Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, and welcome to another month, another time trip! As you know, my passion is ballet in all its glorious forms - the dance, the history, the fashion - and of course, sharing it all with you through my blog, Pink Tutu! 💖

This month, we're galloping back in time on the back of my magnificent, pink-sparkling Shire horse, Magic Meg, to 8th August, 1928. Buckle up, my darlings, because it's a real doozy of a time travel adventure!

Now, 1928 was a time of dazzling glamour, exciting new trends, and, you guessed it, revolutionary ballet! Imagine shimmering Art Deco theatres, sleek, sophisticated audiences, and an explosion of creativity on the stage! Talk about a perfect ballet cocktail! ✨

Just as I’m getting settled on Magic Meg’s back, my rucksack (stuffed to the brim with tulle, tiaras, and my trusty notebook for ballet stories, of course) gives a little jig. What a sensation! It must mean there's some ballet magic swirling around!

First stop on our time travel journey is Paris. As we make our way through the vibrant, bustling streets, the air crackles with excitement! The whispers of "Diaghilev! Stravinsky!" echo through the cafes and boutiques, filling me with pure ballet bliss.

It’s a sweltering summer’s evening and, in the theatre, a buzz of anticipation is brewing as the lights dim, signaling the start of Les Noces (The Wedding) by Igor Stravinsky. This piece is an electrifying masterpiece, combining powerful rhythms with a unique choreography by Bronislava Nijinska, and for the ultimate fashion experience, it features incredible costumes and a stark, angular set that epitomises the Art Deco style. Imagine geometric shapes, silver accents, and shimmering fabrics—it’s a ballet costume designer's dream! 💫

While the costumes are beautiful, I have to say, it’s not the most graceful piece of ballet. I wouldn't dare attempt its jumps and contortions! I'm sure you’ll agree with me, though, when I say there's something incredible about its raw emotion. Stravinsky’s music evokes a powerful and intense drama, almost like a ballet-inspired ritual, which adds even more excitement to the performance!

Stepping out of the theatre after the performance, I'm utterly enchanted by the energy buzzing around Paris. Ballet feels like the lifeblood of the city, a pulsating beat that runs through every alleyway and café. This must be what inspired the great ballerinas of the time—they truly embodied that fierce spirit, that elegance and daring.

But hold on a moment… is that a glimpse of the iconic Tamara Karsavina, renowned for her breathtaking artistry in the Russian Ballet? You’re going to have to trust me when I say she’s like the ultimate ballerina pin-up. She looks so elegant and serene, even as the bustling Parisians swirl around her. As she steps out of the theatre, I find myself completely entranced, unable to resist approaching her. My heart is beating faster than the music of Les Noces.

And guess what? With a twinkle in her eye and a smile that makes my own heart soar, she welcomes me in! This beautiful and influential ballerina tells me about her illustrious career, sharing stories about legendary choreographers like Fokine and Diaghilev. Her insights into the world of ballet are just incredible and have left me brimming with inspiration.

She’s a woman who radiates an inner strength and passion—true inspiration for every aspiring ballerina.

You know me and my passion for all things pink. As I wander through the charming shops of Paris, I can’t resist searching for some of those iconic pink items! While searching, I see a lady in a gorgeous shade of coral that looks fabulous.

Now, I may not always have pink tutus to hand on these time travel excursions, but the inspiration here is through the roof! Perhaps it’s time for a little coral detour? It’s definitely got my ballet brain working overtime!

It wouldn't be a time travel blog without a touch of vintage, so here's my must-have for any ballerina heading back to the Roaring Twenties! It’s a glamorous, sequined evening gown in shades of lavender and rose! Absolutely perfect for a night at the ballet.

The evening is flying by and it’s time for a quick trip to the local theatre shops for a bit of ballet-related retail therapy! Who am I kidding? I’m just a total ballet shop addict, it’s true! I can’t resist checking out some incredible dance posters from the period, the illustrations and colours are gorgeous! I even manage to pick up a limited-edition ballet print, which I’m adding to my rucksack straight away—can't wait to show this off when I get back home! 💖

From the vibrant Parisian cafes, we journey across Europe to Vienna, a city known for its classical grandeur and, of course, its beautiful waltz. Vienna is the home of the Wiener StaatsOper, renowned for its magnificent performances, and where I discovered a groundbreaking new style in ballet—one that took ballet in a brand-new direction.

Imagine an elegant and graceful ballet performance with a hint of wildness, and a beautiful story filled with both emotion and athleticism. It’s the signature style of Rudolf von Laban, a trailblazing choreographer and teacher whose work is deeply intertwined with a new approach to movement and dance! He believed that everyone, not just those with formal ballet training, should experience the joy of dance. What a powerful message, wouldn't you agree?

In his choreography, I’m transported to a world of freedom, experimentation, and a playful exploration of the human body’s capabilities. This new approach to ballet feels as revolutionary and vibrant as the fashions in 1928. It’s like witnessing a whole new ballet universe unfolding right before my eyes. I’m immediately enthralled!

Just as my ballet notebook starts brimming with inspiration, it’s time to hop back on Magic Meg, to be transported back to the present day! The day may be over but this journey has ignited a whole new flame in me. This period of ballet history is one I’ll always remember and I know that it’s inspiring many ballerinas even now!

As I’m back in my Derbyshire cottage, unpacking my bag of treasures, and writing up this blog, I’m so excited to share these discoveries with you! And what a reminder this has been - the ballet world is constantly evolving. Every performance, every movement, every era is filled with a story that deserves to be shared, just as I do with you through this blog. It’s something to celebrate! ✨

Do any of you love 1920s ballet fashion? Or would you ever try a coral tutu? I’d love to hear all your thoughts in the comments!

And remember, if you ever feel like time travelling to see ballet’s history come to life, never forget about pink tutus! There’s no better accessory for taking a magical journey through time, right?

Until next month, my darlings!

Love, Emma 💖

P.S Don't forget to check out my website, www.pink-tutu.com for more amazing time travel blog posts, all about ballet and pink tutus of course! I have new ones posted once a month!

Remember, wear pink! You might be surprised at where you end up! 🌸