Hello lovelies! Itās Emma here, your Pink Tutu-clad guide to the magical world of Christmas Ballet. Today weāre stepping back in time, travelling to 1937 to soak up the atmosphere of Christmas Ballet during a particularly enchanting era. So grab a cup of hot chocolate, slip into your cosiest pink tutu (or your favourite ballet-inspired outfit), and letās go on a magical journey!
(This is post number 46 on my Christmas Ballet History blog, for those of you who are new to this enchanting adventure, you can check out the archive at www.pink-tutu.com.)
This Christmas, as we merrily decorate our trees and spread festive cheer, I wanted to look at the delightful Christmas ballet world of 1937. Can you imagine the excitement of going to the ballet during a time when the Great Depression had just ended? Families were yearning for something to bring joy and hope to their festive season, and what could be better than a Christmas ballet? Itās like stepping into a snowy, sparkly fairytale!
The fashion of the time had such a glamorous, romantic feel, and itās no surprise that Christmas ballets mirrored that era. Think luxurious velvets, shimmering sequins, and fluffy tulle. Ballet costumes were adorned with sparkling embellishments and delicate floral designs. If only I could time-travel back and dress up in the gorgeous costumes from a 1937 ballet! But until then, Iāll happily be my pink-tutu-wearing, present-day version of a 1937 Christmas ballerina!
(A little secret - my love for ballet fashion is fueled by a secret talentā¦ or should I say, gift. Thanks to my ability to perform street ballet, Iām able to travel through time! It all started a couple of years ago when I was busking on the streets of Derbyshire. A mischievous old gentleman approached me with a vintage, glittery tutu, telling me to embrace the power of "pink" and my own unique, magical self. And before I knew it, poofā¦ I was on a stage in 1930s New York, watching "The Nutcracker". Talk about a magical moment!)
Back to our enchanting Christmas in 1937ā¦ Imagine the glittering chandeliers in a beautifully decorated theatre. It's a snowy night outside, but inside it's warm and inviting. People gather, eager to escape the winter chill and immerse themselves in a magical world of music and movement. The sound of the orchestra fills the theatre as the curtain rises, and we're swept into a world of snowflakes, sugar plum fairies, and twinkling Christmas lights.
1937 saw a blossoming of interest in the traditional āNutcrackerā. Ballet companies were incorporating a range of delightful, magical choreography that reflected the Christmas spirit of the times. The audience could immerse themselves in stories about brave soldiers battling menacing mice, enchanting sugar plum fairies, and perhaps even a few charming, whimsical, Christmas fairies sprinkling a little festive magic.
Iāve been dreaming of bringing the Christmas Ballet experience to everyone, so Iām delighted to share some of the magical performances from this time with you! Hereās a glimpse into the world of ballet in 1937, filled with excitement, enchantment, and the joyous spirit of Christmas:
A Christmas Spectacular!
"The Nutcracker" - London Coliseum: Imagine the magic of seeing a production of "The Nutcracker" at the legendary London Coliseum in 1937! The beautiful theatre itself adds a sense of grandeur and elegance. Picture a scene where children from local schools would be chosen to perform as the toy soldiers, a heartwarming experience of young talent and Christmas cheer!
"The Nutcracker" - New York City Ballet: If youāre able to imagine yourself in New York City in 1937, picture the joy of seeing "The Nutcracker" at the legendary New York City Ballet! It's one of those experiences that you just HAVE to feel for yourself. The magic of New York at Christmas, plus a world of ballet wonderā¦. Now that's what I call a delightful holiday escape!
"The Nutcracker" - Metropolitan Opera House (NYC): Now THIS is what we call a fabulous production! Can you picture yourself in the grand setting of the Metropolitan Opera House, the epitome of New York's glitz and glam? Iāve been researching old playbills and newspaper articles, and I think itās a fair bet that 1937 audiences would have been swept away by the elegance of this particular venue!
Christmas Ballet Trends:
It's amazing how ballet styles are inspired by fashion! The ballet world was deeply intertwined with the glamorous fashion trends of 1937, with tulle, satin, velvet, sequins, and exquisite feather plumes appearing everywhere, both on and off the stage. A touch of Hollywood magic even sneaked into ballet performances with costumes that reflected the glamorous, bold trends of the time. I just imagine the dancers moving gracefully in those sleek gowns with the sparkling embellishments, creating a breathtaking sight!
A fascinating glimpse into ballet history, isn't it? Imagine those sparkling stage curtains opening, revealing the enchanting world of Christmas ballet, set to the beautiful melodies of Tchaikovsky! It's like stepping into a snow-globe full of joy, grace, and magic!
If youāve read this far, thanks for being a part of my ballet blog journey. Remember, dear lovelies, let your passion for Christmas and the ballet world ignite! You donāt have to time travel to experience these wonders; simply embrace the Christmas magic in your everyday life! Itās everywhere! In the snow that glitters, in the warmth of a crackling fireplace, in the love we share with family and friendsā¦ and definitely in the graceful swirls of your favourite ballerina.
(Remember, dear lovelies, to join me for the next episode! Weāll be exploring more enchanting stories from the world of Christmas ballet. If you love the idea of pink tutus and the magical world of ballet, come and follow my adventures on www.pink-tutu.com. Until then, may your days be filled with ballet magic!)
Yours in sparkly pink, Emma
