Hello darlings! Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-wearing time traveller, and welcome to another #TutuTuesday adventure! I've just returned from a whirl through the fascinating year 1937, and oh my, have I got stories to tell you. I packed my most delicate pink tulle for this journey, a piece from the era that had my heart aflutter!
This week, we're whisked back to a time when the world was in a state of dramatic change. You could feel the wind of innovation whipping through the air, with technology springing forth like wildflowers after the rain. But even in the face of such incredible change, there was one thing that remained constant: the allure of ballet!
My landing spot? New York City! Now, don't get me wrong, the ballet scene in England was alive and kicking in 1937. But there was something truly electrifying about the energy buzzing through the air in the heart of the Big Apple. As I stepped out onto the bustling streets, a glorious vision of "Babes in Arms" playing on Broadway was my welcome. Such a sweet show, full of vibrant tap dancing and musical joy, making even me, a dedicated ballerina, feel the urge to kick up my heels!
You see, my darling readers, the 1930s was a bit of a wild ride when it comes to the world of fashion and ballet. Gone was the "Belle Époque," with its luxurious yet strict and restrictive silhouettes, making way for a sense of fluidity, experimentation, and frankly, a touch of cheekiness! Think flowing lines, bold colour contrasts, and a playful attitude that made for a wonderfully exciting fashion scene. I just adore a touch of flair, and the '30s were oozing it!
I decided to immerse myself in the New York City ballet scene by popping into the iconic "The School of American Ballet." This, my darlings, was the breeding ground for some of the world's most renowned dancers. And let me tell you, the atmosphere crackled with both excitement and discipline! Imagine tiny little ballerinas in their neat little outfits, with their hair in perfect buns, gliding across the dance floor, practicing their routines with absolute dedication. Oh, the grace and poise! I could almost feel my own dancing shoes itching for a turn!
Speaking of dancing shoes, I simply had to stop by a shop and explore the selection of pointe shoes available back in those days. Now, those early models may seem a little rustic to us nowadays, but they certainly spoke to a dedication to ballet! Made with much harder, less forgiving materials, the 1937 pointe shoe had to be both strong and graceful. You really had to be a true dancer to handle these beauties!
That evening, I felt so lucky to have found a ticket to a performance of "The Nutcracker" at the Radio City Music Hall, a truly legendary venue with all its dazzling art deco glory. And oh my, it was like stepping back into a golden age of ballet! While it wasn't quite the modern choreography we see today, the spirit of the show was absolutely charming. The classic music, the storybook setting, the costumes…it truly transported you to another world!
Did you know, that 1937 was the year that George Balanchine, that absolute darling of the dance world, founded his legendary company, the New York City Ballet? What a wonderful gift to the world of ballet it was! His choreography, always groundbreaking and beautifully fluid, helped reshape ballet and cement its position as one of the most influential forms of art in the 20th century.
The year 1937 truly embraced the magic of theatre, and I was just mesmerized! To me, it felt like the world was on stage, filled with vibrant colours, exciting stories, and performances that truly brought to life the power of dance!
Oh, and did I mention, the outfits were simply fabulous! In 1937, the dance world was brimming with stunning outfits - shimmering silk, playful feathers, and gowns that seemed to have stepped right out of a dreamscape. And what is the must-have accessory to complete any dancing ensemble? You guessed it – a tutu! The ballet tutu, in its full glory, was absolutely essential in this period! Think full, sweeping skirts made of lightweight tulle, sometimes even boasting glittering details that would shimmer under the stage lights. A ballerina’s true show stopper!
But the love of dance and tutu appreciation weren't limited to the stage. As I strolled down Fifth Avenue, I saw ballet being woven into all kinds of everyday things! Elegant ballet shoes inspired chic accessories. The graceful poses of dancers inspired jewellery designs, even a bit of sassy flair on hats and even fashion! The power of ballet was simply everywhere!
My journey back to the 1930s ended, just like it began, with a delicious scoop of ice cream at a quaint little diner in the heart of New York. I couldn’t resist trying the “flaming red” ice cream flavour - how decadent! This trip through time proved to me, the '30s were full of unexpected flair! Even the littlest touches made the world a vibrant place!
Oh, and one last piece of news to wrap up this magical trip: on the 17th of August in 1937, one of my all-time favourite dancers was born – Margot Fonteyn! This ballet legend, so famous for her beautiful lines, breathtaking grace and passionate performances, became one of the world’s best dancers! So if you’re ever in the mood for some true ballet magic, take a moment to watch her graceful steps!
Until next Tuesday, my dearest tutu-loving friends, may you twirl through the week in happiness, embrace the grace of dance, and always remember the powerful message of tutus – they are a reminder to live with beauty, grace, and a dash of flair! #pinktutu #balletlover #timetraveller #tututuesday #1937
Note: This blog post includes elements of historical accuracy, blended with fictional elements from Emma's character and the fantasy of time travel. This information is presented for entertainment and should not be considered a historical document.
*Disclaimer: The information about the School of American Ballet being the only ballet school in 1937, the specific brands and shops, as well as any mentions of specific places in New York City are all made up and created for the sake of storytelling within the fictional world of the blog. While this post uses factual points and references to known figures like George Balanchine and Margot Fonteyn, those elements are mixed with fictional narratives. The actual 1937 fashion and ballet world was much more diverse than portrayed here, for the sake of storytelling!
