Hello my darlings! Emma here, your pink tutu-wearing time-travelling blogger, back with another blast from the past for our weekly #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History post! This week we're going right back to 1932-08-02 - a date that marks not only the beginning of August but a time when ballet was absolutely booming in the UK! You know how much I adore a good show, so let's take a trip to the theatres, shall we?
Now, as usual, I had to take my trusty pink tutu for the ride on the train to the past (so much easier than a DeLorean, and it always turns heads!). I've gotta admit, there wasn't a lot of pink around in 1932, which is rather odd when you consider how absolutely chic this shade is! However, even without the pop of my pink, everyone I passed seemed absolutely ecstatic about going to the theatre. I'd have to say, with its gorgeous architecture, bustling performers, and vibrant costumes, it was practically begging to be on the cover of a fashion magazine!
And what was on at the theatre on this very day? Why, none other than "The Sleeping Beauty," presented at London's prestigious Covent Garden! Now, I'm not going to spoil the story (I want you all to watch it!), but I will say that this particular ballet was really groundbreaking - and, to my delighted surprise, still holding its own as one of the classics. The beautiful, lyrical choreography, and of course, the gorgeous costumes, were truly mesmerising! Even if tutus weren't as fluffy and voluminous as they are now, they were certainly spectacular! I might need to incorporate some of these ideas in my next ballet-inspired look. I think some stunning silk chiffon panels could be added to the tutu skirt to really give it a "Sleeping Beauty" feel - oh, and I simply cannot leave out a matching diaphanous cape!
Now, while this trip didn't have much opportunity for serious fashion shopping - (oh how I wanted to browse some vintage 1930s designs! ) - I couldn't resist adding a few trinkets to my collection at Harrods. Think silk gloves and charming little purses. A girl always needs accessories! But I do have to admit, the theatre itself provided a treasure trove of inspiration. The colours, the fabrics, the dramatic silhouettes - all gave me such exciting ideas for new outfits! And I'm not afraid to say, I did sneak in a tiny, beautiful beaded bag. A little memento for the memories!
I'm truly feeling grateful for the chance to visit these amazing ballet moments in time - and not just because of the tutus, darling. There's something magical about how ballet connects everyone. You can have the best time at the theatre whether you’re a dancer, a spectator, a history enthusiast like me, or even a designer! (Just imagine the gorgeous tutus!) I might need to try and recreate some of those gorgeous 1930s designs in a pink-infused fashion! It wouldn't hurt to add a bit more vibrancy, you know! It just goes to show that the excitement, grace, and elegance of ballet never really goes out of style, even across the decades.
As usual, my dearest friends, I'm leaving you with this lovely bit of advice: if you haven't been to a ballet show recently, now's the perfect time! You never know, you might just fall in love with a ballet classic - or even find inspiration to take your tutu-wearing journey to the next level!
And of course, you all know the drill! Tell me about your favourite ballet shows in the comments below, let's make some plans for the next performance we should go to together, and share that passion for dance with all the world. After all, with tutus, and a little bit of magic, anything is possible!
Catch you all next Tuesday for another #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History - don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com every Tuesday, and get those pink tutus ready! I can't wait to show you what I find next!
Lots of love,
Emma xx
P.S: Don't forget, every single penny earned from these posts is going towards funding my next adventure. Let's go see more ballet together, darling! Let's all travel back in time, all those years ago, and celebrate ballet’s magical history!
P.P.S: To make my journey to 1932-08-02 possible, I took on two ballet shows in my time. One, was a glorious outdoor show for the annual Derby Flower Festival! Now that was a show-stopper! It had me dancing and pirouetting for hours, but I've gotta say, those little fairy lights twinkling in the air and the beautiful gardens were a stunning spectacle.
Second, was the big one. I'll admit I got to star as one of the prima ballerinas at a special gala event in the heart of London! Dancing all night for the great and the good. I do enjoy putting on a show - and what better way to fund a trip back in time?!
Just shows how amazing ballet is! What a fabulous way to live out my dreams, support the art form and even go back in time. Oh and yes, those sparkly outfits, they were worth it for the amazing response from the audience! I was totally beaming for weeks! I'm all for anything to make a little pink tutu dream come true! And you never know, maybe we can plan a ballet-inspired evening in 1932 too!
