Hello lovelies, and welcome back to your favourite pink tutu-loving blog! It’s Tuesday, which means it's time to step into the history of tutus, and this week we’re heading to Moscow, Russia, in 1939! Buckle up buttercups, because it's a real treat for a tutu aficionado like me.
Oh my, just thinking about this week’s historical trip sends shivers of excitement down my spine! Moscow in 1939 was brimming with revolutionary energy – but not just in the political scene. The world of ballet was changing too, you know, taking its cues from a new generation of ballerinas.
And wouldn't you know it, my darling time machine took me straight to the heart of this thrilling moment: the Bolshoi Theatre. It was all I dreamed it would be. Red carpets, swirling chandeliers, and a buzz in the air that spoke of an event destined to be remembered.
As a big fan of all things glitz and glamour, I simply had to make an appearance on the Bolshoi's red carpet. Wearing a darling pastel pink tutu – naturally! It felt rather daring in this part of the world, but it's all about creating a stir! I twirled my way to a front-row seat – it's always worth a few cheeky side-eye glances from those staid, classical types!
Let's get back to the ballet, darlings. Tonight was special, oh, it was so special. The legendary Galina Ulanova, a national icon, was dancing in Giselle, a classic of the repertoire. I have to say, she absolutely floored me with her incredible performance. It was like witnessing a symphony in motion! Her movements were so expressive and heartfelt. The way she floated on stage in her graceful tutus, it was mesmerizing!
The tutus themselves, oh my! A true feast for the eyes, even to this day. They weren't as fluffy and frilly as the romantic tutus I wear, mind you! The tutu shape back then was more a smooth, pointed style. But the designs and detail, they were stunning. Beautiful embroidery and flowing, lightweight fabric – all made with a precision and finesse I find absolutely inspiring.
You see, darling, ballet tutus, they aren't just fancy skirts – they’re more like a part of the ballerina’s very essence! They symbolise freedom and a sense of escape.
And let me tell you, I absolutely relished the energy and excitement surrounding the Bolshoi. As soon as the performance ended, I hightailed it backstage. Let's just say it was a very exclusive tour of a ballerina's backstage world. Oh my goodness, there were glittering costume racks full of tulle dreams and so many dazzling sparkly costumes it was overwhelming. It was just as thrilling as the show itself.
I felt like I'd been whisked away to another world. Imagine the aroma of sewing and ballet make-up, the soft murmuring voices of ballerinas, and the constant, gentle tap of the sewing needles on tulle – all coming together in the space where a magical ballet creation was taking shape.
While I can’t talk about all the goss I picked up about backstage rivalries and the secret life of a ballet dancer, let me just say, those girls were some tough cookies! You know what I'm saying! I even learned a thing or two about the backstage world - the tricks of the trade - to make a tutu dance.
My time in Moscow was, of course, a whirlwind. You simply have to catch a train from St. Petersburg to see a show at the Mariinsky Theatre, or even hop over to Riga for a visit to the Latvian National Opera – such fun! You wouldn’t believe the shops, my dears. From luxury fashion stores to vintage clothing markets, every piece of the beautiful Soviet fashion world. You’d have a whole wardrobe’s worth of exciting additions before you knew it! I am of course obsessed with everything to do with fashion – vintage tutus are the best!
You simply have to get the look! This look for your 1930s inspiration requires, a long skirt or even a maxi-skirt in soft fabric with a slightly fitted waistline, some nice earrings with beads or an oversized hat in a vibrant colour – oh, and absolutely don’t forget your statement ballet shoes, of course!
Oh, but I mustn't be late. I’m off to a ballet show at the London Coliseum this evening, and a gorgeous vintage lace tutu is on the agenda! There is absolutely nothing better than catching a world class ballet performance – nothing more fulfilling! If you’re lucky, you might spot me in the audience – don’t forget to say hello!
Have the happiest of Tuesdays! I'm off now to find the best vintage lace for a new tutu, you know!
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