Greetings, darlings! It's Emma here, your pink-tutu-wearing time traveler, back again for another glorious #TutuTuesday. Today's post is extra special – we're waltzing all the way back to May 17th, 1932, a time of jazz, glamour, and some absolutely stunning ballet! Buckle up your pointe shoes, darlings, because we're about to embark on a historical adventure fit for a queen.
Now, this date marks the very special opening of the Diaghilev Ballet's 1932 season at the glorious Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, London. Oh, wouldn't I have loved to be there! Can you imagine the excitement? This was a must-see event for anyone who even vaguely considered themselves a lover of the beautiful art of ballet!
The Diaghilev Ballet, for those who haven't quite stepped back in time with me yet, were a sensational troupe, a whirlwind of dance and creativity. Imagine all your favourite dancers – Diaghilev was bringing the likes of Tamara Karsavina, Vaslav Nijinsky, and Anna Pavlova, legends in their own right, to London! They weren't just dancing the classic ballets, oh no, darling – they were innovating, pushing boundaries and creating something truly unique.
Can you imagine a ballet performance where the dancers weren't wearing your standard pink or white tutu? The Diaghilev company was known for their bold choices, using vivid colours and interesting fabrics in their costumes. Think shimmering silver, vibrant emerald green, and fiery crimson. And yes, the tutu was very much alive! These dancers, the world's most celebrated, they were captivating audiences with their innovative movements and striking, absolutely unforgettable costumes!
Now, my trip back in time may be a little different, but the spirit is the same. I always try to dress for the occasion, and trust me, even in the early 1930s, you can't go wrong with a bit of pink tulle! A lovely, shimmering pink, with a hint of satin on the skirt. It’s like a delicious, feminine cocktail. Think flapper dresses with a dash of ballerina elegance – divine! It goes beautifully with the delicate jewellery and lace that were fashionable at the time, darling. And, well, anything pink goes perfectly with a beautiful, blooming, spring afternoon in London.
Speaking of fashion, my little trip to the Royal Opera House meant a stop for a shopping spree at Liberty. Just the mention of the name Liberty sends me into a whirl! Oh, my sweet darling, if you've ever stepped into the beauty that is Liberty's store in Regent Street, London, you'd know I speak the truth! An array of silk scarves and exotic accessories - just what every self-respecting ballerina needs to finish her ensemble! A delicate silk scarf to complete my hair-style, a few elegant feathers for a touch of theatre, and even a cute little matching pink handbag. It was divine! A dream, really, it was almost as nice as attending the ballet performance itself. Almost.
Just think, my darling, if you were to step into my pink time machine with me and take a little trip back to 1932, you’d be mesmerized by the charm of the London Theatre district. Imagine the grand theaters, the excitement building before each show, the buzz of everyone waiting to catch a glimpse of a beloved actor, dancer, or singer. There is something about being swept up in the moment of anticipation of a beautiful theatrical event that is truly magical!
Of course, we couldn’t leave the 1930s without visiting one of London's most enchanting cafes: The Savoy Hotel is just divine. Think luxurious tea rooms filled with charming pastel hues and a refined, genteel atmosphere. Oh, darling, we must take time for afternoon tea, with the delicate pastries, crisp sandwiches, and perfectly poured tea - it's pure bliss! It's just so good to let yourself be swept away by the exquisite refinement of a truly vintage experience, and it was an added treat for my senses to savour all those wonderful delicious details from an age gone by!
But enough about the beautiful tea, let's talk about ballet, darling! In 1932, ballet was gaining momentum as a performance art that was growing rapidly in popularity. Now, don't get me wrong - ballet had been a mainstay in Europe for decades before, but in 1932, it was really starting to reach new audiences and becoming truly loved. And the beautiful, dazzling performance at the Royal Opera House? This was exactly why! This was a cultural boom.
And my dear, it's worth remembering the legacy of the Diaghilev Ballet company - it was innovative, daring, and set the stage for ballet to be a true powerhouse of artistic expression in the 20th century! This was the foundation upon which some of the greatest modern ballet schools and companies were founded! It is fascinating to think of all the ballet legends who were dancing in that same time and place! It is almost like a bridge between time periods, with a legacy stretching for over 90 years to our time! How utterly exciting to have a little glimpse into their world, their performances and the life of these icons!
After my journey through time, my love for pink tutus and everything beautiful and feminine is even greater than before, if that's even possible, darling! And you know what? Every time I travel, it reinforces my mission to spread the pink tutu love – because there is no outfit in the world that captures such grace, joy, and artistry.
I can't wait to share more ballet history with you next week! Remember, don't forget to join me on #TutuTuesday at www.pink-tutu.com, because this pink-loving ballerina is just getting started! Until next week, darling!
