Hello my darlings! Welcome back to my weekly delve into the wonderful world of ballet tutus! This week, we're taking a grand journey back to the 1920s, a decade dripping with glamour, flapper dresses, and – of course – the dazzling dance of ballet.
So grab your feather boas and prepare to shimmy! Because today, we’re taking a step back to 24th May, 1932.
I just love this period, darlings! Imagine – the world is in the midst of a great economic shift, and even though things aren't always rosy, there's a wonderful sense of optimism and artistic exuberance that's infectious. Think Charleston rhythms, jazz bands, and sleek, streamlined silhouettes. And right in the middle of it all, ballet is thriving!
Now, imagine my absolute delight when I landed in Paris, just in time for the premiere of Sergei Diaghilev’s Les Ballets Russes production of "La Conquête du Pôle Nord". Talk about a theatrical spectacle!
This was no ordinary ballet. This production was all about adventure and excitement. The stage was filled with daring feats and imaginative choreography, inspired by the adventurous quest to reach the North Pole. With dazzling costumes and imaginative scenery, it was truly a treat for the senses. I've always had a weakness for a touch of the dramatic, and let me tell you, the sheer brilliance of this performance was a true testament to the pioneering spirit of this decade.
As I strolled around Paris, I felt inspired by the glamorous city vibe. Imagine, my darlings, the elegance and sophistication! It was everywhere you looked. Even the city's fashion scene was all about graceful lines and chic embellishments, with flowing skirts, dropped waists and shimmering embellishments. You simply couldn't resist!
Now, in that spirit, my darling readers, we mustn't forget the glorious tutus themselves! In the 1920s, tutus started to evolve, embracing a streamlined and modern aesthetic. While they still embodied the traditional elements of graceful layers and flowing tulle, they became slightly less fussy and more free-flowing. Imagine a vision of silk and tulle swirling around the stage as dancers take flight. Ah, pure artistry!
But wait, my darlings! There was more! Just a week after my trip to Paris, I found myself at the Royal Opera House in London, getting ready for the launch of a new ballet company – The Vic-Wells Ballet, later to become The Royal Ballet. Imagine my thrill, standing on that stage, taking in the grand history and witnessing the very beginnings of what was to become a truly iconic ballet company.
In 1932, London was abuzz with theatrical activity. From glittering West End shows to daring ballet performances, there was an air of energy and anticipation in the air, as the world began to explore the power of dance to tell a story.
In fact, the Vic-Wells Ballet made their debut with "The Sleeping Beauty". This was a huge feat for the time and marked a turning point for ballet in Britain. I couldn't help but imagine the thrill of the young dancers taking to the stage, all swathed in their tulle masterpieces, ready to mesmerise audiences with the timeless story of Princess Aurora and her journey through slumber to her awakening. It’s just so lovely, isn't it, that the power of ballet is always able to transport us into a world of wonder?
But wait! There's more to talk about in this vibrant and dynamic decade! While we were getting swept away by ballet’s elegance and artistry, a new style was emerging in the dance world - ballet street, or "ballets Russes" as it was known then!
Just imagine, my darlings! Imagine stepping into a grand ballroom filled with people from all walks of life, and watching as they mimic the movements of the grand ballet dancers, injecting the beauty of classical dance into a more contemporary and energetic setting. Think waltzes, polkas and more – it was like a party come to life!
With its simple costumes, elegant movements and expressive poses, the new ballet street movement breathed life into ballet and created a vibrant cultural fusion. Think beautiful dresses and elaborate tutus in vivid colours, dancing away on the floor of the grand dance hall – and there you have it! A vision of a joyful community uniting through the love of dance.
The beauty of ballet street was its accessibility, it gave everyone a chance to be part of the art, and for me, it was proof that the appeal of dance can span across all boundaries. I know I am absolutely enthralled with how this evolution brought ballet closer to the hearts and lives of people across the globe. It truly was an electrifying moment for dance!
My travels took me on the next train journey to New York. Oh darling, it was absolutely incredible. I must tell you about this phenomenal department store in Manhattan called Saks Fifth Avenue. They had an absolutely incredible shoe department. It felt like I had been transported to a glittering wonderland with towering heels and shoes in every colour imaginable. It was heavenly. The colours – especially pink of course! I almost fainted when I saw the exquisite ballerina shoes. I bought at least two pairs – no regrets darling! And guess what? In New York in 1932, there was this dance studio called the Martha Graham School. I think it was absolutely the epitome of glamour. Can you imagine it? Dancers in flowing, pink tulle tutus practicing and experimenting in a stunning art-deco studio in the heart of the city? It’s the dream!
New York also hosted several dazzling ballets in that era – the world of the arts was just thriving at that time, and the combination of talent, energy and a vibrant city made the artistic landscape simply incredible. I know we take the artistic richness of today for granted, but I promise you, my darlings, back in the 1920s and 30s, there was something truly special and inspiring about seeing how art was used to interpret the world in entirely new and exciting ways.
And with that, darlings, it is time to leave the roaring twenties and prepare for my next great time-travel adventure! Keep your eyes on this blog - I am already planning to post about what incredible, flamboyant ballet tutu creations will be arriving at the Metropolitan Opera in 1938 for a new performance of "Swan Lake"! I promise you, my dear readers, that post will be truly fabulous.
As always, remember to subscribe, leave a comment, and let me know about your love for tutus in the comments section below. I can't wait to hear about your personal adventures with the beauty of ballet and tutus, and how they've enriched your life!
Until next week, keep on twirling and dreaming, darlings!
Yours truly,
Emma
