#TutuTuesday: A Trip Back to 1931 - The Glittering Glamour of the "Golden Age" (Post #5209)
Hello my dearest tutu lovers! It's Emma here, your pink-clad time traveller extraordinaire, back with another #TutuTuesday blog post from the dazzling world of ballet history! This week, we're taking a trip back to October 27th, 1931, to a time when ballet was flourishing like a delicate bloom in the Parisian sun.
Think swirling tutus, elegant lines, and music that just makes your toes tap. Imagine stepping onto a cobbled street in Paris and finding yourself surrounded by bustling Parisian life. We’re talking dapper gentlemen in their suits, elegant ladies with stylish hats and coats, and a general air of excitement about the arts that simply makes you smile. And of course, everyone's talking about the latest ballet spectacle!
I know, I know, it sounds dreamy, right? Well, my time travelling tutu made it all possible, whisking me away to a time when dance held such cultural importance, particularly in Paris. It was the heart of the “Golden Age” of ballet, where incredible dancers like Serge Lifar, the lead dancer of the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, were making history with their breathtaking artistry.
I was absolutely delighted to be swept up in the glamour of it all. Honestly, the first thing that hit me was the clothes. It was like stepping into a vintage movie! The ladies all wore silk gowns, or lovely dresses with a bit of fur thrown over the shoulder. You simply wouldn't see a day dress or trousers back then – this was about feminine elegance at its finest. Imagine me with my little pink tutu! You can't imagine the gasps!
Of course, my real passion was to check out the ballet! Back in 1931, there was a wealth of innovative dance productions sweeping across the world. One particularly famous troupe, the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, were touring with dazzling productions, often featuring fantastic sets and innovative choreography. Can you picture it?
My, my! I just love ballet shows. From the moment the lights dim and the music starts, to the dazzling costumes and the stories brought to life on stage, the magic of it is truly something else!
Oh, and the ballet outfits, you ask? Well, the iconic ballerina image of a full, fluffy tutu started developing during this time. We saw a real movement toward those long, swishy skirts, which are all the rage in my world, as I am sure you can imagine. This style perfectly echoed the era's focus on ethereal grace, just like a flower blossoming. So pretty, don't you think?
While I was soaking in the ballet atmosphere, it also was absolutely essential for me to indulge in some fabulous fashion finds. I was quite lucky in that a dear friend who travels through time, (you see, you can make the most wonderful friends by travelling) pointed out the must-go shop - "Au Printemps" - one of the top fashion department stores. Imagine, an entire building dedicated to clothing and accessories. I even saw a beautiful silk dressing gown, one that made my inner pink-tutu-loving heart skip a beat.
But what about on October 27th itself, you wonder? Well, on this day in 1931, there was so much happening! I enjoyed a delicious Parisian lunch at a small bistro - a real treat! After that, I hopped on the train to head to a beautiful theater for a performance of a very famous and popular ballet at that time - Le Beau Danube. I love Le Beau Danube, it is truly lovely with some incredible, breathtaking choreography. And a show must be seen live.
In this world, ballet is everywhere! In grand theaters, on charming stages in smaller halls - you can't avoid a sense of energy and excitement, like when a whole town gathers to witness a football match.
So there you have it - a glimpse into the ballet scene on October 27th, 1931. If this peek has stirred your curiosity and you find yourself drawn to this world of elegant lines and breathtaking performance, I encourage you to investigate more! You’ll be amazed to see how much dance has evolved.
Remember my darling Tutu fans, you don't need to travel through time to experience a little bit of 1930s glamour - you can bring that touch of ballet magic into your own lives by embracing the beautiful and elegant spirit of it all.
And don't forget - a pink tutu is always in style, whether in 1931 or 2023! 😉
Love, Emma 💖
P.S. If you are in Derbyshire, you know that the perfect outfit for a weekend of walking through the Peak District would definitely include my fabulous little pink tutu and maybe a nice fluffy hat and some ankle boots for a chic twist!