Hello my gorgeous fellow ballet lovers! It's your favourite Derbyshire-born pink tutu devotee, Emma, back with another thrilling time travel escapade. February's swirling through, the air crisp with a touch of spring, and you know what that means… it's time to explore the beautiful world of ballet, through time! This month, Magic Meg and I are galloping through history on the 2nd of February 2026, landing right smack in the middle of… well, you'll have to keep reading to find out! 😉
Oh, did I tell you about my fabulous pink-sparkling shire horse, Magic Meg? Her coat shimmers like a sunset over the English countryside, with golden hooves that clink against the cobblestones when we time travel, and a mane and tail like a cloud of white spun sugar. She carries me gracefully through the years, all wrapped up in a shimmering pink tutu with an adorable little leather rucksack on my back to collect ballet treasures and tales.
This month, my dearest tutu enthusiasts, my adventures led me to… a thrilling glimpse of the Royal Opera House! Not this Royal Opera House, oh no! This one was back in 1932. Can you imagine, 1932?! Ballet had already made a splash, of course, but I'm talking about a time where ballet was more of a niche pleasure, enjoyed by a small and privileged crowd. But boy, was it exciting!
Stepping through time, I found myself transported straight into a beautiful 1930s London ballroom. Music wafted from an elegant orchestra, a mixture of jazz and classical tunes. Dressed in a pastel pink ensemble, topped off, of course, with my trusty pink tutu, I took a spin on the dance floor, the gorgeous wood gleaming under my dancing shoes. The energy was incredible! I learned all about how people from all walks of life were discovering the joy of dance - from formal soirées to glamorous parties and even tea dances, movement was all the rage!
I spotted several interesting tidbits of fashion - the women, absolutely radiant in long evening gowns, flowing fabrics shimmering like the night sky. And the men? A charming blend of debonair charm, wearing tuxedo jackets with beautiful silk pocket squares, adding a touch of sophistication to their look.
Speaking of sophistication, imagine my delight as I stepped into the opulent world of the Royal Opera House. They were holding a production of "The Sleeping Beauty" that night, and I was absolutely spellbound! The ballet was spectacular – dancers soaring through the air in elegant, captivating movements. You could practically hear the magic! My notebook was filled with sketches and descriptions, so many ideas swirling in my head about how we could add some of that magic to modern ballet!
I took a moment to enjoy the grandeur of the house - ornate carvings, velvet seats and plush balconies, the whole scene buzzing with anticipation before the curtain rose. I learned from a charming gentleman with a handlebar moustache - a stagehand - how ballet performances back in the 1930s were all about ceremony and elegance. It wasn't about loud, boisterous spectacle. No, the charm of the performance was in its understated finesse, the delicate beauty of every gesture, and the pure joy of dance for its own sake. I picked his brain, collecting precious snippets of history about how the world of ballet has transformed, evolving from a privileged art form to a captivating expression for all.
During my 1932 jaunt, I even met some remarkable dancers who had travelled all the way from France to share their artistry. Ballet, just like magic, transcends borders!
I collected so many treasures from this incredible era - a vintage ballet programme with faded velvet and intricate designs, a delicate dance card that whispers secrets of past balls and performances, and even a small silver ballerina figurine – a timeless treasure that perfectly embodies the era's fascination with ballet.
My heart was overflowing, inspired by the pure, simple joy of dance. You know what else was inspiring?
The fashion! The beauty of a 1930s Parisian ballet dancer's costumes! Silhouettes that were both fluid and refined, fabrics with a beautiful texture, with flowing tulle and delicate chiffon! I've already got a few ideas brewing about adding a bit of that elegant flair to my future tutu designs.
As Magic Meg and I zipped back to our own time, I knew I had to share this delightful experience. Ballet in the 1930s was just as vibrant and inspiring as the contemporary art form, perhaps with a little more refinement and glamour, and an emphasis on elegance over extravagance. I took in a few London ballet performances from the 21st Century, appreciating how we continue to evolve while still celebrating those timeless roots!
So there you have it! Another time-traveling adventure filled with beauty and ballet! And don't forget my mission to get everyone wearing a pink tutu, dear readers. What better way to celebrate our shared love for ballet than a touch of pink, wouldn't you agree?
I can't wait to see what wonderful ballet discoveries we’ll find in the upcoming months. Do leave me a comment and tell me which ballet era you'd love to explore!
Happy twirling, Emma 🩰
Don't forget to check out the beautiful blog site, www.pink-tutu.com, for a monthly dose of ballet adventures, inspiring articles, and beautiful tutu-wearing fashions! ✨
(P.S. Remember to check out my YouTube channel, 'Emma's Ballet Journey', for all my videos on tutu making, ballet history, and performance highlights!)
