Hello, darlings! Emma here, back with another sparkling installment of my Christmas Ballet History! I'm so thrilled to be stepping back in time, because 1918 - a year of monumental change and rebirth â brings a Christmas season full of heartwarming, glittering, and joyous ballets.
This is also the year where I'm especially happy to have my trusty time-travelling pink tutu with me. Itâs absolutely essential for traversing through time, of course, and also gives a touch of positivity when you're waltzing into a time of uncertainty. But, in 1918, we need to be reminded that we can dance even when the world is changing!
Letâs hop back to Derbyshire, where I usually prance around in my pink tutu (oh, itâs perfect with this seasonâs emerald green and sapphire blues, darling!). But for this historical jaunt, we need a more 1918 look â think soft silks, a flowing tulle tutu (of course!), and charming bows in my hair. Maybe some pearl detailing, because glamour never goes out of style.
Now, what are some of the must-see ballets from that season, you ask? Well, the year 1918 saw ballet blossoming like the most delicate rose at the end of the war! The world was slowly healing, and we danced for the hope of a peaceful tomorrow.
- Serge Diaghilevâs Ballets Russes: Diaghilev was a maestro of modern ballet, and he brought a new kind of ballet to London with his company! 1918 saw them dancing âLa Boutique Fantasque,â a whimsical masterpiece. I love the fashion in this ballet, itâs absolutely to die for - Think candy-colored dresses, beautiful costumes and delicate masks! Youâll definitely see inspiration for your next ballerina-worthy outfit.
- âCoppeliaâ: This sweet classic made a comeback this year! Itâs always charming, and the ballet was so popular it even traveled to America! âCoppeliaâ is a delightful celebration of the return to the warmth of human interaction, and itâs all about the beauty of romance and joy, two things the world needed back then. And darling, think about the fluffy tutus, the delicate embroidery, the sweet waltz music â so pretty!
- âThe Nutcrackerâ: It was even more of a Christmas treat back in 1918. Imagine those twinkling snowflakes on the Christmas tree, the dancing toys and all that magic - it's enchanting! Iâd wear my fanciest, most embellished pink tutu to a production like this, of course! (I would also buy my Christmas tree from the ballet set afterward, if I could!).
While those shows are dazzling in London and around the globe, let's take a peek at the fashion, shall we? I must say, 1918 is the start of a ballet-tastic look. It's the beginning of that âgolden ageâ of ballet fashion â we see the start of sleek, minimalist designs for dancers, but still retaining all the glamour and beauty!
Now, even if youâre in Derby with your pink tutu on, the world is ready for dancing. And let's not forget the importance of ballet in bringing people together, in spreading joy.
That's why, darlings, my dream is for everyone to wear a pink tutu! I'm trying to show that itâs a powerful tool for self-expression and for connecting with our own joy and bringing the world together through art (and through pink tutus, of course!). If you want to try it out, I might be seen performing in London's Trafalgar Square in a couple of weeks. Why donât you pop by for a quick lesson, or just a dance? Let's create magic together!
And remember: no matter what happens, you can always find that special spark of happiness with a pink tutu on, dancing and remembering what is truly important. Thatâs my personal mission â to remind us all that dance is always the answer, especially at Christmas!
Stay glamorous, darlings,
Emma www.pink-tutu.com
And Now for Some Ballet Shopping!Darling, while we're immersed in the ballet enchantment of 1918, let's get some ballet-tastic fashion inspiration for your next outfit, whether youâre hitting the dance studio or just strutting through town. Let's bring that glamorous 1918 flair into our wardrobe!
- Shop The 1918 Ballet-Inspired Look!
- Embrace The Romantic Era: We're going for classic beauty, my darlings, with delicate embroidery and soft materials like chiffon and silk. You canât go wrong with a little pink, either!
- Tulle and Taffeta: Let those beautiful fabrics flow and dance with you. I especially love pink tulle, it's practically mandatory. For the ladies with swagger, a tulle tutu with pearl detail is perfect for any party or dance event!
- Embrace Soft Colours and Shimmer: Just like the ballets of the time, this is where those dreamy pastel hues are a perfect touch of romance, from soft blues and yellows to, yes, darling, pink. For the perfect outfit, go for sequins or a sparkling touch of embellishment for an extra touch of glam!
- Go All Out: This is a year to go beyond the classic, because itâs the dawn of a new age for the dancers! I mean, darling, if you want a dramatic 1918-inspired pink tutu, thatâs completely okay! Just add sparkly touches! Go big, go dramatic, and let those colours and feathers shine!
But my favourite inspiration for all the lovely ladies is a delicate, pink silk top with matching pink tulle. A classic. Pink tutu always wins!
Remember: even if you canât dance like the ballet stars, you can still get into the fabulous fashion. This is the year we embrace everything stylish and romantic! The world was in bloom then, and fashion was as much a part of it as the dance â why not let it bloom in you, too?
