#BalletHistory during 1934 03 March

Hello darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels, your monthly dose of ballet history and fabulous fashion from yours truly, Emma. This month, I'm taking you back to a time of exciting premieres, daring choreography, and the burgeoning popularity of ballet in a rather glamorous spot: 1934, Paris! It’s truly an era that made my little heart flutter. I know you love a bit of sparkle, so you can just imagine my excitement when I got to visit a certain Parisian theatre on March 3rd... let me tell you all about it.

Now, this time around, my faithful companion, Magic Meg, was particularly striking. As always, she’s a sight to behold with her pink and white sparkle, those golden hooves and, of course, that fluffy, shimmering mane and tail. This trip, though, I opted for a full pink tulle skirt – something extra poufy, darling! You see, I was headed for a ballet performance of “Le Baiser de la Fée” ("The Fairy’s Kiss") at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées. It’s simply the most wonderful, romantic name for a theatre, don’t you think? It just felt appropriate.

And let me tell you, Parisian chic was in full swing! There were ladies sporting some of the most spectacular hats you could ever imagine - towering creations adorned with feathers, flowers, and jewels. Absolutely divine. Naturally, my Pink Tutu looked perfectly at home in the Parisian scene, adding a little bit of extra glamour and reminding everyone of the joy that a ballet show can bring. My rucksack was brimming with excitement, ready to gather memories and a few pieces of Parisian history for my growing ballet collection.

As the music swelled, my anticipation reached fever pitch. I was fortunate to witness the magic of “Le Baiser de la Fée,” choreographed by none other than the legendary Sergei Diaghilev, the founder of the renowned Ballets Russes. This beautiful work, with its music by Igor Stravinsky, tells the tale of a fairy who awakens a young girl, only to be pursued by a sinister, shadowy figure. It was the ultimate dance of light and darkness, swirling emotions and breathtaking leaps. It really had everything.

My heart truly ached as the curtain came down, leaving me yearning for more of this incredible dance spectacle. The applause, vibrant and full of life, was a tangible reflection of the passion of the Parisian ballet enthusiasts, echoing my own emotions. It was an incredible performance and, without a doubt, it's one of the highlights of my travels!

March 3rd 1934 wasn't just about one ballet performance though. The world of dance was buzzing! There was so much happening all over the globe. For instance, The Ballets Russes was currently on tour, spreading their exquisite artistry to far-flung corners of the world, showcasing a dance style like none other. The company’s influence on the world of ballet was simply remarkable. Their shows were incredibly sophisticated, captivating audiences with elaborate costumes and incredible artistry.

And then, back home in Britain, it was all about "The Façade," a whimsical and entertaining dance ballet, premiered at the Camargo Society in 1929, which had caught the imagination of audiences all over England. Its inventive, lively choreography and beautiful score by William Walton made it an incredibly charming and enjoyable experience.

And let’s not forget the world of fashion – it was a symphony of colours and textures, all with a touch of glamour and sophistication. Just picture elegant fabrics like silk, lace and chiffon, swirling with each movement. The dancers were absolute visionaries, dressed in garments that emphasised the grace and beauty of their artistry. It was an incredible display of visual elegance!

There were, of course, those beautiful pointe shoes, delicate and beautifully crafted, they brought elegance and poise to every movement, allowing dancers to soar through the air with ethereal grace. Their shoes made an exquisite ballet dancer's elegance shine brighter, captivating audiences with their skill.

### My Little Pink Tutu Fashion Corner

Speaking of ballet fashion, I've got some exciting news! As I explored Paris, I stumbled across a little gem of a vintage boutique tucked away on a cobblestone street, overflowing with vintage dance attire. You just couldn’t resist a little detour, darling. The owner, an adorable older lady, showed me some of the most beautiful and historically significant tutus and costumes you've ever seen. One, in particular, is a lovely ivory and pearl creation that I believe is from the early 1900s, a period of incredible creativity. I had to take it home to the Pink Tutu Collection - it was like bringing a piece of history to life! I've also secured a few ballet books from the era, and, of course, some exquisite handmade pink ribbons to compliment a collection I’ve been working on - “Pink Ribbons Through Time." (Let’s be honest, darling, everything looks a million times better in pink.)

And for the next post, you better believe we’ll be looking at this little vintage piece and other additions to my collection from this exciting month!

My dear ballet lovers, it is moments like these, moments of history and grace, that remind me why I embark on these adventures. To see the way that ballet can bring people together from all walks of life, to witness the passion and creativity, to celebrate the power of art – that's truly what it's all about!

So, whether you’re an experienced ballet aficionado or a curious newcomer, embrace the magic and enchantment of the dance. Who knows? You might just find yourself swept up in the rhythm and grace of ballet, and I can't wait to share all my adventures with you next month on Pink Tutu Travels!

Remember, every ballerina is beautiful and magical! So, don’t be shy, unleash your inner tutu!

Until next time, darlings, Emma.