Hello my darlings, and welcome back to Pink Tutu! This week, we're stepping back in time to a date that was just brimming with exciting ballet news: 13th July 1937! Now, I do love a good history lesson, and tutus hold such a fascinating place within the evolution of ballet - a beautiful, twirly, frilly evolution, naturally! 😉
From my time-travelling vantage point, 1937 seems like a positively sparkling year for ballet! Just think: we're a few months away from the world premiere of Swan Lake with the iconic Galina Ulanova, and Giselle was making waves all over the world! Now, that's real tutus-and-tiaras excitement, don't you think?
Oh, but before we get lost in that wonderful world of ballet brilliance, let's remember to check our train tickets! Because today, darlings, I've found myself hopping onto the 1937 train with the aim of giving you a little peek into the wonderful, tutued world of that year. Hold onto your tiaras! We're about to embark on a grand adventure!
Tutu Trendsetters: What's In Fashion?
Let's start with fashion! Now, you know I'm a bit obsessed, so the first thing I did on arrival in 1937 was to hop off that glorious train and straight to a fashionable boutique! Oh my! What a sartorial treat! The ladies were absolutely adoring all things romantic and flowing. Picture this: delicate lace, elegant evening dresses that swept the floor, and hats - darling hats - trimmed with feathers and flowers, oh my! It felt like the most perfect backdrop for the dreamy, flowing tutus we were about to see.
But this year was all about being practical, even while being absolutely chic! The long skirts, you see, weren't just for the theatre - they were everyday fashion, even for going shopping! Imagine it! Swooning about the clothes shops in an elegant, flowy dress. Now, wouldn't that make for a delightful day out?!
The 1930s were also big fans of pastels.Think delicate shades of pink, powder blue, and baby green - they looked beautiful everywhere. The color palette perfectly matched the lightness and grace of ballet! It's like these wonderful ladies were just yearning for some light, lovely romance in their everyday lives, and the world of ballet delivered! I dare say, some of these fabulous colors even found their way onto the ballet stage... just a tiny hint of pink in a tutu is all it takes to spark that magic, don't you agree?
A Glimpse at the Stage:
Alright, darlings! Now that our fashion fix is complete, let's talk ballet! 1937 was such an interesting time for the art form! Ballet was bursting onto the scene! The dancers were absolutely magnificent! They combined the classic traditions of ballet with a twinkle of innovation that made it more approachable for everyone, just like you!
While some still stuck to the long, sweeping tutus we all know and love, some dancers were also experimenting with shorter tutus! They're like a miniature version of the romantic long ones! It felt incredibly refreshing. Can you imagine that - being able to effortlessly twirl and leap while wearing such a breathtaking outfit? Oh, to be a dancer back then!
The Stars are Shining Bright:
It's also a beautiful year for ballerina superstars! We have the incredible Alice Marks, whose graceful style was truly enchanting. And we also have Margot Fonteyn, who absolutely blew audiences away with her beauty and talent - they said her dancing was effortless. She was such a dazzling presence. And did I mention Alexandra Danilova, a legendary Russian ballerina known for her perfect form and grace - a true ballerina superstar. And these three lovely ladies - they wore their tutus so very well! I mean, imagine being that talented - but then you get to wear the most adorable, swirling outfits? It's almost too much perfection to handle!
My Ballet Debut: Dancing into History
And guess what? This was the week I found myself in a performance - just a tiny, twirling part! We're a very tight-knit community, you know? My debut took place at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, London! A dream come true, even if I only managed to squeak in a couple of grande jeté leaps before getting replaced by someone a bit taller. But my first ballet appearance! On that historic stage! Now that's something I will remember forever. The rush I felt stepping onto the stage, wearing my darling pink tutu, with all eyes on me! Oh, to capture that magic in a single picture... maybe I'll ask one of the ghosts I sometimes meet for a photograph sometime. It will be for #PinkTutuTuesday, of course!
But now I need to say goodbye! Remember, darlings, Pink Tutu is all about bringing some extra sparkle and fun to our lives! Tutus are more than just costumes, they're a way of life! So twirl with joy, remember the magic of the ballet stage, and don't forget - we all have a tiny ballerina within us, just waiting to twirl out into the world! Until next time!
Emma - From Derbyshire with love
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