Hello lovelies! 💖 It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu-wearing time traveller, and welcome to Post Number 3275 of the Pink Tutu Time Travels blog. This month, Magic Meg and I are whisking you away to the shimmering world of ballet in 1933, and oh my, are you in for a treat!
As you all know, I absolutely adore a bit of historical ballet hopping, and I’m always on the lookout for hidden treasures from the past. So when November 11th, 1933 popped up on the Time Travel Calendar, I knew we were in for a grand adventure! After all, this date was overflowing with beautiful performances, exciting premieres, and all the glitz and glamour one could wish for in a world of dancing.
Now, for those of you just joining me, my trusty sidekick, Magic Meg, a shimmering pink Shire horse with a white mane and tail like spun sugar, takes us on our time-hopping adventures. Don't you just love the way she gallops through time? Her hooves leave a trail of stardust, you see, a beautiful magical sprinkle which allows us to jump between centuries effortlessly! Just think of all the fabulous ballet fashion I can bring back! And what a glorious day it was for a time-jump, with a lovely crisp autumn air and that gorgeous pinky-red hue the sky turns at this time of year!
But before we dive into our historical adventure, remember you can check out my previous adventures on the Pink Tutu website (www.pink-tutu.com). You'll find all sorts of fascinating tidbits about the wonderful world of ballet and all its hidden gems. Plus, you'll find tips on how to find the perfect pink tutu! 💖
Anyway, as we arrived in 1933, the streets were alive with anticipation! This year, the world of ballet was in full swing, with so much to offer dancers and spectators alike. The stage lights were twinkling, and the music of Tchaikovsky was drifting out from open windows! It’s all the more magical in this age where everyone still dreams in black and white, so every glimpse of our bright pink travelling duo was bound to be a head-turner!
A Night at the Theatre - A Spectacular Gala at The Royal Opera House! 🎭
One of the first things we spotted on the 11th November was a grand gala happening at The Royal Opera House in London! The crowds were thronging, their outfits all meticulously styled, and we simply had to get inside to catch a glimpse of the brilliance within.
They were showcasing the talents of the illustrious Dame Marie Rambert, a true ballet legend in her own right. This magnificent lady, dressed in her sparkling evening gown and dazzling jewels, was already famous for her vibrant choreography and daring dance routines. They were so modern and bold that I gasped in surprise, all while still managing to hold onto Magic Meg’s shimmering reins!
Dame Marie’s dancing company, The Ballet Club, were the darlings of the London stage that night! These performers had already captivated audiences in Paris, showcasing a modern vision of ballet that combined beauty and athleticism in ways that were groundbreaking for their time! We couldn’t believe it – how utterly exciting and vibrant this company was!
This gala also featured another dazzling figure - the legendary Alicia Markova. Now, this dancer is the very essence of glamour! Her performance of the famed ‘Giselle’ left audiences completely enthralled, with the tragic story of love, betrayal, and heartbreak echoing through the theater! Her beauty, elegance, and pure artistry were truly inspiring!
We managed to catch the second half of the ballet performance, watching in awe as these wonderful performers took us to new worlds. Magic Meg nudged my shoulder, her velvety soft muzzle sniffing the air around us as she swayed to the rhythms of the music!
The beauty of it all wasn’t just in the performance; the fashion alone was worth a trip back to 1933! Imagine ladies in beaded gowns and feathered hats, all the gents in impeccable suits, and everyone oozing that exquisite glamour of the roaring twenties. There was even a rumour swirling around about the fabulous dancer Serge Lifar who had even been banned from entering London earlier in the year! How wonderfully rebellious for him! We wondered if the ballet gala was the only time he had ever danced for royalty, given the drama of his entrance. I can’t imagine ever wearing an ankle-length tutu for an event like that; thank goodness I have my wonderful collection of ballet leotards and colourful skirts!
Shopping for the Ballet 🛍️
Now, after such an extravagant performance, a girl needs a little ballet-themed shopping therapy! So we trotted down to one of London’s grand department stores, which had rows and rows of dazzling fabrics! They all sparkled so much, from sequins and metallics to feather-light chiffon, it was almost dizzying! And did I mention there were shoes! Gorgeous leather pumps in every shade imaginable, and even some glittery ones for evening dances – oh my, the glamour! I absolutely had to take some inspiration back for my own designs.
In a little corner of the department store, I found a secret oasis for dancers, brimming with pointe shoes and beautiful dance dresses. The air was buzzing with the excited chatter of ballerinas – they had this wonderful energy! Even a tiny corner shop could inspire creativity and the pursuit of art!
Dancing the Night Away 🌃
As the night wore on, I couldn't resist the call of a grand ball being held at a stately mansion, not too far from the center of London. Magic Meg had just enough magic in her hooves to get us there.
This dance floor was just alive with whirling tutus! And you’d think the air itself was crackling with electricity! There was a buzz in the air that you just can't quite put into words. It was pure magic!
Meeting a True Inspiration 🌹
My absolute favourite encounter of this whole adventure had to be with a most extraordinary young woman, a beautiful ballerina named Tamara Karsavina. She had this warm, sunny aura around her that was just captivating! You know that feeling you get when you’re watching someone who has a unique talent; her energy just made you feel vibrant.
Turns out, Tamara was already known for her wonderful grace, stunning leaps, and an acting talent that made you feel as though you were part of the performance itself! She wasn’t afraid to make bold statements in her movements; I heard some people had even called her style avant-garde! It felt like we’d travelled back in time just to meet her. As soon as she saw our bright pink arrival, she simply lit up. She invited me to sit in the grand salon and regaled me with tales of ballet throughout history!
From the incredible dancers she’d performed alongside – like Anna Pavlova! - to the history of costumes and stage design, I practically devoured everything she had to say! She even mentioned the name of a costume designer I should check out back home. Oh, the joy of discovering such historical secrets, like little sparkling jewels tucked away inside a dusty book!
Tamara also explained that dance could transcend language barriers! It could speak directly to the soul! “Ballet,” she had explained with such elegance, "is a universal language; everyone can understand the beauty and expression that only comes through a body in motion!” The joy she spoke with, it filled me to the brim, and Magic Meg nickered in agreement! Her gentle gaze met mine, a message exchanged between horses and their ballet-loving humans.
And that, my lovelies, is a little glimpse of what we found on this incredible adventure! The energy of this world in 1933 was nothing short of mesmerizing, a combination of breathtaking talent and sparkling fashion. All those little stories – and all the tiny memories and glimpses I picked up for my scrapbook! - will have a special place in my ballet heart forever.
Until next time, remember to wear your pink tutus with pride! 💖
Don’t forget to check out our online shop too - it's full of delightful items, perfect for spreading ballet joy!
The Pink Tutu Fashion Corner 💃🏼
And don’t forget - here are some ideas for ballet fashion for those of you seeking to unleash your inner 1933 ballerina!
- A short black leotard with a sequined skirt in bright green or even crimson - for that glamorous flair.
- For that timeless beauty, a simple long ballet skirt that trails in the wake of your pirouette!
- And never forget the ballerina essentials: hair bows, a dainty scarf, and even some beaded jewellery for that exquisite touch!
But whatever you choose, wear your pink tutu with a smile – and never stop dancing! ✨
