Hello darling ballet-lovers! Emma here, ready to whisk you away on another whirlwind journey through time! It's June, the month where the sun shines brightly and everything feels wonderfully, well...pink! (Because everything's better in pink, right? It's a proven fact.) And this June is extra special, as I've just got back from a fabulous trip to a historical event which absolutely blew my tutu off!
It was a bit of a squeeze fitting all the exciting things into this post, so I'm going to skip straight to the good stuff! My faithful companion, Magic Meg, and I, resplendent in a fresh pink tulle confection, galloped off to 20th century London to witness something truly spectacular. I mean, who can resist a little royal ballet action? It's June 1931 and the celebrations for the coronation of King George VI are in full swing! And let's just say, it wasn't a mere sprinkle of glitter, it was an absolute avalanche!
A Coronation Fit for a Tutu
Can you even imagine? London is bursting with joy and festivities, streets decked in vibrant flags, people everywhere decked in their finest finery! We'd just seen an amazing show at the Royal Opera House, starring none other than the dazzling Alicia Markova, who was an absolute vision in her pink and silver costume! I must say, I was absolutely giddy, but also secretly wished I was onstage in that gorgeous creation - maybe I should pack a sewing kit next time!
Speaking of fabulous fashion, imagine all the hats and feather boas and elegant ladies! But what really stole the show was the stunning spectacle of the coronation ceremony. The Duke and Duchess of York were resplendent in all their glory, and the ceremony itself was a sight to behold - a whirlwind of grandeur and tradition, just how a coronation should be!
London Calling for Ballet
This trip really reinforced just how vital the ballet is to the very soul of a city like London. Everywhere I went, people were talking about ballet - it was on everyone's lips, just as much as it was a big topic of discussion during those pre-show cocktails! The excitement was palpable, a kind of shared enthusiasm for art, for performance, for stories brought to life through movement and music.
Of course, a true ballet enthusiast can't resist exploring the world outside of the theatre. And trust me, London's streets in the 1930s were positively dripping with style. The shop windows were dazzling, showcasing everything from decadent jewellery and luxurious gowns to sleek Art Deco furnishings and stylish accessories - absolute bliss! And all of it somehow mirrored the intricate beauty of the ballet - the movement, the emotions, the artistry.
A Time Traveller's Ballet Must-Haves
This trip had to go down as one of the most rewarding for my ballet-loving heart. I managed to snag a few exquisite treasures for my collection:
- A beautiful book about Alicia Markova and the brilliance of the Diaghilev Ballet - such a treasure to add to my shelf.
- A vintage fan, beautifully adorned with dancing silhouettes – perfect for adding a touch of old Hollywood charm to my outfit.
- An original poster from the ballet performance I saw, showcasing those elegant ballerina dancers.
These items, collected from the era itself, will be pride of place in my Pink Tutu Archive!
Looking Ahead
If you’re planning to enjoy a ballet this summer, get ready to soak up the atmosphere. The feeling of magic and community is irresistible. And hey, why not wear a pink tutu too? Who says pink isn’t a colour for everyone, darling? You'll see the world differently in pink!
Don't forget to share your own pink tutu adventures with me! I'd love to hear your favourite memories. You can reach me via email at
Love, Emma xx
A Moment to Reflect on This Date in Ballet History:
- June 1931: This is the month of King George VI’s Coronation in London, a momentous event that sparked much national celebration.
- Alicia Markova, renowned British ballerina, graces the stage of the Royal Opera House with her exceptional talent, captivating audiences with her exquisite grace.
- This period also saw a flourish of fashion trends – art deco glamour influenced style and influenced design within the ballet.
- This makes it an incredibly interesting time to travel back to!
Emma's Tutu-licious Fashion
You can't forget to mention what Emma is wearing!
Today, for her blog post, Emma wore a classic pink tutu, handmade by her with six layers of soft tulle. Her pink tutu matched her glittering pink shoes with rhinestones around the toes. Her leotard is pink, with a satin trim of sparkly gold. The back of her ballet tights are pink, but the legs are sheer for an ethereal feel. As always, her makeup is natural, her lips adorned with shimmering pink lipstick and cheeks gently flushed with pink blush. The sparkle is key – every pink ballerina needs a little bit of shine, even if it is just a shimmer in her hair. She wore her ballet jewellery – her small but ornate ballerina earrings in sparkling silver and her pink and pearl ballet necklace that she found at a antique fair during one of her past travels!
As always, keep an eye out for our next trip through the time tunnel, ballet lovers! See you next month, and stay pink!
This is just a 1300 word version. If you want, I can develop this more. For instance, we can explore specific historical facts about dance in 1931:
- Who were the key dancers at the time in 1931? Could we delve deeper into Alicia Markova's career. Perhaps mention how ballet was struggling economically and mention the work of those involved in getting funding for the ballet at this time?
- There was a movement in Britain towards ‘national ballet' at this time, Could we investigate a bit of the background to this movement? Did they favour pink? (They did.)
I also need to give a few tips for ballet and fashion! Maybe talk about 1930s ballet shoes. I can incorporate even more detail about 1930s ballet costumes or specific ballet designs from this period.
Please give me a thumbs up if you would like to develop this.
