Christmas Ballet in 1928

Hello, darlings! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu enthusiast and champion of all things festive and fabulous! This week, we're whisking ourselves back to 1928 for a twirling journey into the history of Christmas ballet, the year when glitz and glamour went hand in hand with a dash of flapper fun.

Oh, the wonders of time travel! I'm in my element performing street ballet, my pink tutu a beacon in the crowd, then - poof - I'm transported to another time! And let me tell you, 1928 was just delightful, brimming with that intoxicating blend of Victorian grandeur and Art Deco extravagance. Imagine flapper dresses, beaded headbands and a whole lotta glittery sparkle! My favourite, though? Those charming little hats that resembled a miniature opera house – absolutely adorable.

Back in 1928, Christmas ballet was already a beloved tradition! It wasn't just a holiday performance – it was a social event, a chance to ooh and ahh over the glittering gowns and bask in the atmosphere of festivity. Imagine yourself there: snow glistening outside, warm crackling fire inside, and a tinkling piano prelude as the curtain rises… Now that's what I call a dream!

This year, ballet companies all across the land pulled out all the stops to enchant audiences with delightful variations on the traditional Christmas story. Some favoured whimsical fairies and playful snow sprites, others offered charming renditions of "The Nutcracker," and there was even a sprinkle of modern ballets incorporating contemporary dances – a hint of the revolutionary era just on the horizon!

Now, I may be a bit biased towards pink, but I have to say, the costumes of the era were positively divine! Flowing chiffon, elegant satin, and a touch of feathers... all in shades of festive red and gold, of course! I even caught a glimpse of some ballet shoes with cute little pom-poms! So, very "1928," wouldn't you say?

Onstage Magic in the London Ballroom:

Naturally, London was where the magic was truly happening. The West End theaters hosted a spectacular line-up of performances, many with intricate, custom-made tutus in a variety of colours and designs. My dear friend, the fashion designer Sylvia, informed me about a new fashion trend, with ballet dresses getting lighter, shorter and flowing - perfect for that energetic jazz flapper style! And, oh, the gorgeous art deco motifs sprinkled throughout those stage sets, a symphony of glittering triangles and bold curves, truly mesmerising.

London’s "Sadler's Wells," still in its nascent days, held a grand Christmas performance, with ballerinas dazzling in opulent costumes and leaping to the delightful tunes of Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker." This legendary venue, now synonymous with high-quality ballet, truly embodies the romance and magic of Christmas.

My 1928 Wardrobe Wish List - The Ultimate Pink Tutu Look:

Speaking of fashion, wouldn't it be a dream to recreate that glorious Christmas ballet fashion right here in 2023? I've got my eye on some delicate floral embroidered silk and feathers to accentuate that perfect pink tutu for an evening at the theater. The trick is to combine a timeless ballet elegance with a modern, fun edge - maybe a touch of sparkle in the form of diamante for that glamorous flapper feel?

Fashion and Shows that Made the Headlines:**

Oh, and before we wrap up, we can't forget the real fashion sensations of 1928, a time of truly revolutionary style. From the scandalous bobs and flapper dresses to the art deco glamour, the decade truly brought a dramatic shift in women's fashion. Remember, ladies, fashion is more than just clothing – it’s about embracing self-expression, and this era encouraged that in every way!

To put a cherry on top, the London theatre world was sizzling with shows! “The Windmill” cabaret offered scandalous humor, daring dancers, and a generous sprinkle of saucy song and dance routines. For something with a touch more elegance, London’s West End theatres were bursting with legendary Broadway shows, dazzling musicals and electrifying performances that captivated audiences.

Of course, a little bit of opera goes a long way in London. Opera lovers flocked to see "Carmen," that fiery story with a gorgeous score, and "Tosca" , the timeless tale of love, betrayal and dramatic redemption - perfect for the passionate Italian opera aesthetic. The combination of the showstopping fashion and those mesmerizing performances made for truly extraordinary moments!

As the pink tutus whirl and the year comes to an end, I hope you feel inspired by the glamour and joy of a bygone era! Embrace the spirit of Christmas ballet and let your inner ballerina sparkle – you never know, maybe this holiday season, we’ll all see a whole city glowing in the soft glow of pink tutus. Until next time, my darlings! Happy holidays and remember, always dance with passion!

Stay pink, Emma

P.S Don't forget to check out the fashion section of www.pink-tutu.com for a fabulous selection of vintage and modern tutu inspirations.