Hello my darling dears! It's your favourite pink-tutu-wearing ballerina, Emma, back with another post for your festive season. This week, we're going on a little journey back in time to 1933. Picture it, darling: the roaring twenties have just subsided, the world's a bit more subdued but still oh-so-stylish. Imagine yourself stepping into the grand theaters, the hush of anticipation building before the curtain rises…
Today we’re looking at the festive spirit of ballet during this fascinating era. This time of year is, of course, full of magic for all, but for dancers and ballet fans like us, it's a special treat, filled with beautiful performances and dazzling costume design. I was recently transported to 1933 via my little secret time travel method (my street ballet performance fundraising skills have gotten a little too good, let's just say that!), and I had the absolute most incredible time witnessing some iconic performances. Let's get into it, darling!
A Whirlwind of Elegance: The World of Ballet Fashion
Fashion in 1933 was about sophistication and chic, and the ballet scene reflected that beautifully. Gone were the big, dramatic tutus of the early 20th century, replaced with leaner, more flowing silhouettes, emphasizing the elegance and fluidity of movement. Imagine slinky, knee-length skirts, shimmering with sequins, perfect for dazzling pirouettes, and delicate bodices, adorned with pearls and beading, giving a glimpse of decolletage, a peek into the era's penchant for sensuality. Imagine yourself, dearest, dancing through a fairytale, light and graceful, and looking absolutely divine in one of these captivating creations!
Speaking of design, can we just talk about the colour palettes of the time?! The gloriousness of 1933’s ballets was not only due to the dancers, but to the beautiful rich fabrics and hues. It was all about a touch of Art Deco flair with emerald greens, sapphire blues, ruby reds and of course, the oh-so-lovely pinks! (You knew I'd say that!). Just picture these shimmering hues reflected under the warm stage lighting, it's almost enough to make you want to grab your tutu and take to the stage right there, right now!
"The Nutcracker" --A Christmas Tradition Takes Flight
One of the things that most inspired me on my journey back to 1933 was seeing the sheer joy "The Nutcracker" brought to audiences then! Even though it had debuted in 1892, this ballet was becoming more and more loved in the decades that followed. I saw it in London, in an absolutely beautiful rendition at Covent Garden - you just knew that each performance would be breathtaking.
"The Nutcracker" truly was, and continues to be, the ultimate ballet for the Christmas season. Just imagine, darlings, a world full of shimmering snow, sugar plums, and of course, the graceful ballet steps of the dancers who bring these enchanting scenes to life! The magic of "The Nutcracker," with its festive story and stunning music by Tchaikovsky, never fails to transport us all to a world of wonder and enchantment!
My Trip to the Theatre Royal, Derby!
Of course, no trip back to 1933 would be complete without visiting the Derby Theatre, my home city's glorious venue! In 1933, a young ballerina named, say, Lily from a small village in Derbyshire, just might have seen a breathtaking ballet performance. This would be her world: a haven of twinkling lights and luxurious velvets, filled with beautiful ballet performances. I’m certain she'd be wearing her most wonderful pink tutu, and let's be honest, wouldn't we all?
Imagine walking down those grand staircase steps, just a few short miles from where I’ve spent my childhood! It must have been absolutely magical.
Onward to 2023 with Our Tutu Hearts!
It's clear that the spirit of Christmas ballet, the joy, the tradition, and the sheer wonder, have carried on through the decades! This year, darlings, as we twirl through our holiday season, remember the magic that dance brought to those 1933 audiences, those iconic fashions, and the stories they're still telling today. As I mentioned in earlier posts, "The Nutcracker" is always in fashion in Christmas time! The beauty and grace of these performances transcend time. Now, tell me, dears, have any of you caught a Christmas ballet performance this year?
Let me know in the comments below! I am always looking forward to seeing you dance around the website, my beautiful dears!
Yours ever after, Emma xx
www.pink-tutu.com
