Oh, darling readers! Welcome back to www.pink-tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things tutu-licious, and especially all things Christmas ballet. Today we're travelling back to 1935, the year the Great Depression still loomed over us, but the joy of Christmas ballet – and yes, the joy of pink! – continued to shine. This is a very special year for us tutu-lovers, as a major shift in the ballet world was happening right then, ready to make a huge impact on the history of dance.
But first, a confession – I did a bit of "Christmastime street ballet" today to finance my trip back to 1935. I'm a bit obsessed with these sparkly vintage headbands – remember when headbands were HUGE in the 1930s? – and had to get my hands on a few. It's crazy, though, how the same shops are always around – I bought my sparkly silver headbands in a shop just around the corner from the same shop in 1935 that I’d purchased a similar set of headbands. Maybe it’s like my little connection to the past, keeping my “tutu” tradition alive! Anyway, you can imagine I got some looks dancing with a bright pink tutu and silver headbands.
Let's put the street behind us (for now!) and step into the glittering world of ballet in 1935. Christmas, as you can imagine, was the season of enchantment – twinkling lights, beautiful decorations, and, of course, ballet performances that promised magic! I found a lovely programme at a vintage store, “The Nutcracker” at the Metropolitan Opera House, with DeMille's production set to be the absolute highlight of the season. The excitement, oh my darling, was electrifying! You can still find photos of those magnificent productions, showcasing elaborate costumes, elaborate sets and – of course – an array of brilliant dancing! Just imagine – dancing in front of thousands of people, twirling and leaping in my perfectly-pink tutu... it would make me positively glow!
It's important to mention something big, darlings, happening this very year – The Royal Ballet – it was formed in London – but they didn't change their name to The Royal Ballet until a year later! How wonderfully exciting!
If we look to the fashion world, well, let's say 1935 is like stepping into a fairytale! Think flowing, delicate skirts, stunning feathered hats, silky evening gowns with sparkly embellishments and some pretty adorable “cocktail dresses” worn with some beautiful gloves and glamorous hairstyles - a bit like a dancing fairytale character! You know, I have a real crush on this 30s fashion scene!
Did you know that a new kind of dance clothing had become the standard in the ballet world around 1935 – the tutu? We love a good tutu here, but it was such an amazing change – with lightweight fabrics allowing dancers to twirl with effortless grace and beautiful flowing forms. This move to new fabrics and designs helped create new ballet fashion, which we see reflected in every style today – in my sparkly pink tutu – yes, yes I do, my darlings – in your everyday tutu outfits – pink ones of course – and the amazing looks of every new generation of dancers. It is pretty remarkable to think about the change in style over time, and 1935 is the turning point of this story.
If I were a ballerina dancing in 1935, my ultimate wish would be to be in “The Nutcracker”. Not just any "Nutcracker", mind you – the most dazzling DeMille version, starring the renowned ballerina, Irina Baronova. To see her dance... It would make my head spin and my heart skip a beat! I’d love to ask her – after a big curtsy, of course! – what it's like to dance under those beautiful chandeliers, to perform in those incredible, historical theaters... she's a legend and to share even a few moments with her, would be simply heavenly!
Remember, darlings, ballet isn't just about technique. It's about expression, about transporting an audience to a world of dreams. Imagine twirling in a soft, flowing pink tutu on the stage, a symphony of light and music swirling around you, a Christmas spirit warming every heart in the room! Wouldn't that be glorious?
As we move on to the next year in my little journey through Christmas ballet history, we must remember the magical era of 1935 – where dance reached new heights and dreams came true under the twinkling lights of the holiday season! And yes, of course, when my lovely pink tutu would look stunning! Remember, darling, a pink tutu will never be out of fashion – ever!
Until next time!
Emma
*P.S. Don't forget to check out our fabulous pink tutu shop – there's a whole world of twirl waiting for you! And always remember, wear pink, dance freely, and have a wonderful, tutu-filled Christmas season! *
