Hello darlings, and welcome back to Pink Tutu! Today we’re hopping back in the time machine for a little Tutu Tuesday trip back to 1930s, a decade bursting with elegance, creativity, and, of course, stunning ballet tutus! I recently took the train (I do adore a good train journey, don’t you?) to London for a little ballet extravaganza, and I simply couldn't resist the opportunity to immerse myself in the period’s glamour. Oh, to have been a dancer then, twirling and soaring in these fabulous tutus!
As you all know, I live for a good pink tutu, and it’s a bit of a shame that they were pretty rare in the 1930s! Back then, a lot of tutus were made from white tulle, creating that lovely, ethereal, airy feel that made every pirouette look absolutely breathtaking. You know me – I just can’t resist the chance to inject a touch of pink into every outfit. And while pink tutus were certainly less common, they were around, and I simply had to track one down! My little journey to London included a visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum – just perfect for finding inspiration and appreciating the history of our beloved tutus. There, I stumbled upon an exhibition of ballet costumes from the era – and, oh my goodness, did it make my tutu-loving heart sing!
Speaking of inspiring creations, today we’re looking back on a rather significant event on December 16th, 1930! Can you guess what it might be? You might have to brush up on your ballet history – I know you love a bit of a puzzle, dearies!
So let's dive in. On the 16th of December, 1930, a brilliant new talent took to the stage – the iconic, absolutely-mesmerising * *Alicia Markova, making her professional debut as Giselle! Talk about a splash – imagine debuting at Covent Garden Theatre, a venue of absolute glamour! It is quite possibly one of the biggest milestones in 1930s ballet! As the most exciting new ballerina of her generation, she changed the landscape of ballet for years to come – it was simply sensational. She brought a level of grace, expression and sheer star power that absolutely floored audiences.
Did I mention she absolutely owned the romantic tutu look, dearies? She danced with such ethereal lightness, as if suspended in mid-air, that she was destined to be a star.
And of course, let’s not forget about the dazzling costume designs for this production! A few of the legendary costumers for ballet, the likes of Sophie Fedorova and Léon Bakst – both well known for their absolutely extraordinary talent and influence – created a tutu-tastic world for these ballerinas to truly shine. These creations were truly a masterclass in costume design! The shimmering, delicate layers, the intricate embroideries, the effortless elegance – all these elements created a magical world onstage. It's enough to make any ballerina feel like she's stepped straight into a fairy tale!
This was such an exciting time for ballet in England, and if you’re visiting London, a must-do is to visit The Royal Opera House to catch a performance. I do love the thrill of watching a live show; the costumes, the music, the dancers – it’s all so immersive, don’t you think? It transports you to a world of artistry, elegance, and pure enchantment.
If you’re a bit closer to home, try and get yourself down to a theatre performance in your area. Many local schools and colleges will put on fantastic productions throughout the year, with all the costumes, make-up, and dramatic set designs you could wish for! You might just find that you get so inspired that you fancy a little pirouette yourself. I just know that the pink tutu lifestyle is for everyone!
After my journey to London, I was, of course, completely overwhelmed by the beauty and craftsmanship of the period costumes, but also, I found a most delightful vintage dress shop just around the corner from Covent Garden. You know me, I couldn't resist. After a quick visit to Fortnum & Mason for a spot of tea (their Earl Grey is quite divine), and an equally quick peek at the window displays in Liberty, I found myself browsing in a vintage clothing paradise! They had some beautiful, vintage inspired costumes that would have looked perfectly at home in 1930s. I can already picture myself twirling down the street in one of their silk-shirred creations, oh, what fun we could have! I'm determined to get my hands on some of their designs – even a non-ballet dancing girl like me could never resist a touch of that vintage flair.
So, what will next week's #TutuTuesday post bring? Well, if you have any suggestions, please drop a comment below!
Until next time, remember: life’s too short to not wear pink. Embrace the joy of tutus and never let your imagination go untwirlled!
Love,
Emma xoxo
