Hello my darling tutu enthusiasts! Welcome back to www.pink-tutu.com and another #TutuTuesday, the day where we dive deep into the enchanting history of tutus, those iconic symbols of grace and elegance! Today's journey takes us back to the 5th November, 1935 - a date that resonates with history, excitement, and a touch of ballet magic!
Today's post is a special one. As a time-traveling, pink-tutu-loving ballerina, my life is filled with ballet and its captivating history. And to be honest, my latest time-traveling adventures are taking me through the glamorous era of the 1930s, an era filled with dancing divas, extravagant fashion, and the perfect tutu, naturally!
I landed back in London only last week after a delightful week exploring Paris' vibrant dance scene! The Paris Opera Ballet is an absolute treat, of course! After catching the breathtaking production of Giselle, I was fortunate to have the chance to indulge in some seriously wonderful vintage clothing shopping at Les Puces de Saint-Ouen!
I nabbed a fabulous pink feather boa - it's going to be stunning on my next pink tutu! (I'm dreaming of pairing it with my new pastel pink silk evening dress - I picked up a divine vintage find in a little boutique on rue de la Victoire!) I just knew a gorgeous boa was the missing element in my ballet wardrobe - perfectly in line with the iconic glamour of the era, wouldn’t you agree? Paris never disappoints! I always manage to find fabulous vintage items when I visit!
But back to 5th November, 1935! What exciting events unfolded on this very day? Let's journey back in time and explore!
A Day of History and Magic
It was on this very day that the world said "bon voyage" to the glorious dirigible, the Hindenburg, a masterpiece of German engineering! She sailed the skies like a majestic whale of the air! But sadly her time in the sky was brief and came to a tragic end in 1937 during her fateful landing in Lakehurst, New Jersey. But despite that, we can never forget the Hindenburg’s contribution to history, she truly did make the world a little bit more wondrous.
And did you know, a delightful ballerina named Alicia Markova, born Lilian Alicia Marks in 1910, joined the world of ballet in the grand theatre that is Sadler’s Wells Theatre, in 1935! Known as a “beautiful, classical ballerina," Markova went on to become a ballet legend! I remember hearing a recording of her and Anton Dolin perform the 'Danse de l'Amour' - what an amazing talent she was, and truly a role model to all aspiring ballerinas!
But for us tutu aficionados, today is also a special day because... wait for it…
Tutu Twirl Alert!
Did you know that the beautiful ballerina Olga Spessivtzeva made a triumphant comeback to the world of dance on this day in 1935?! Known for her graceful movements and poetic elegance, her triumphant return marked a wonderful chapter in the world of ballet. What a special event in ballet history - a truly magical day for ballet enthusiasts like us, and for all tutu lovers worldwide.
Fashion Finds to Inspire You
I must admit, as much as I love the magic and history of ballet, I also have an equally great love of the world of fashion. And believe me, this era was overflowing with beautiful designs! And the wonderful part is that vintage 1930s dresses and tutus have come back in style ! The 1930s had so many wonderful, feminine shapes, a time of elegance that always makes my heart flutter.
When I think of 1930s fashion, I immediately see graceful long evening gowns, often featuring glittering sequins, a flowing silhouette, with flowing chiffon skirts and delicate straps that gracefully fall down to the elbow! I just can’t imagine anything more perfect to pair with a pastel pink tulle tutu than a glamorous, vintage 1930s-inspired dress. And what better time to buy a dress than during a sale?!
If you're looking to give your tutu collection a fabulous retro renovation, consider finding some inspiration from the 1930s! Think beautiful embellishments - feather boas, dazzling headbands, or a pair of glittering evening gloves.
You’ll find amazing finds in vintage shops and don't be afraid to look at some online auctions! And never underestimate a trip to a charity shop!
I recently discovered a treasure trove in a vintage shop near my time travelling hub, a quaint little shop hidden away in the market in Derbyshire - all kinds of glorious vintage treasures - my latest favourite being a silver sequined headband with an elegant black ribbon, I found it at a wonderful bargain price and I just had to buy it.
Embrace the Pink Tutu Lifestyle
From the ballet theatre to vintage fashion and back again, we are surrounded by so much inspiration, so many wonderful moments. Let’s celebrate those moments and let's all dance into the weekend wearing a pink tutu! Embrace the love of dance, the joy of fashion, the magic of the past, and the beauty of our present moment! And let’s all have fun while we are at it!
Until next week, my darlings.
XOXO
Emma.
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