Hello darlings!
It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu enthusiast and time-travelling ballet devotee! 🩰 This month, my beautiful shire mare Magic Meg whisked me back to 1 January 1928! Oh, what a delightful journey it was, as always, a pink tutu flurry through the world of ballet history.
As usual, my trusty leather rucksack is filled to the brim with exciting ballet finds! Let me tell you, the ballet scene was positively buzzing in 1928, even as the world adjusted to a new year.
London Calling:
I first sashayed to the grand city of London, where the Royal Opera House was presenting Giselle, that hauntingly beautiful classic! Imagine a beautiful and haunting story brought to life by the delicate movements of some of the era’s most esteemed dancers. Honestly, darling, my heart just melted. The gorgeous costumes – that dramatic contrast of white for the ethereal Giselle and the black of the wilis – oh my! My mind is still reeling with the drama, the artistry, the exquisite grace.
Now, you simply have to know about The Diaghilev Ballets Russes in 1928! They were touring across the world, a dazzling spectacle that showcased the modern ballet with its groundbreaking choreography, revolutionary music, and incredibly vivid costumes. Oh, to have witnessed it in person! The legendary Sergei Diaghilev and his innovative ballet troupe were absolutely rocking the world of dance!
In London, at the Alhambra Theatre, there was something utterly thrilling – The Cochran Ballet. Their repertoire included the captivating The Dance of the Seven Veils, which was wildly popular at the time. Oh, the sheer sensuality and artistic beauty of the dance – just pure, delightful, art! I even managed to get my hands on a gorgeous 1920s playbill for The Dance of the Seven Veils. I practically squealed with joy – a prized find for my collection, darling!
And you know what else? I learned something fascinating – 1928 marked a significant shift in the ballet world! This era saw the development of ballet schools in the USA. You heard that right – the blossoming of ballet in a whole new continent!
The World Wide Waltz
But my travels didn't stop in London! Magic Meg and I took off on a whirlwind journey, exploring the world of dance –
Paris: In Paris, The Paris Opera Ballet presented The Sleeping Beauty. The costumes – simply stunning, like a fairytale brought to life. Imagine that iconic waltz – such an incredible expression of elegance and artistry! Oh, and darling, I found a vintage ballet program with breathtakingly detailed artwork on the cover – a true collector's treasure!
Berlin: Across to Berlin, we trotted to see The Berlin State Opera in action! This was a very different experience – a fascinating contrast of cultures! And just like the Parisian Opera, they also offered their audience the wonder of The Sleeping Beauty. I always say – a classic ballet never loses its magic.
Vienna: Oh Vienna, the waltz capital of the world, was so very glamorous. They offered ballet performances by the Vienna State Opera. Can you just imagine – dancing amidst the waltz rhythms! So romantic! So magical!
The Pink Tutu Buzz
And speaking of magical, everyone was talking about a young and daring ballerina from London named Alicia Markova! A visionary who, in just a few years, was to bring the art of English ballet to a new era of artistry. What a whirlwind she was – absolutely brimming with talent and dedication! Her success just confirmed my philosophy, darling – never underestimate the power of a pink tutu! It’s not just a pretty costume; it embodies dedication, grace, and boundless energy – all things a ballet dancer needs to flourish!
As for my travels – I’ve come to realise that the world of ballet is a beautiful tapestry. The colours are vibrant, the threads are delicate, and the design is ever evolving, like the fashion that I love! And who knows what wondrous surprises next month will bring? Perhaps the tango? Or the passionate rhythms of Flamenco?
Pink Tutu Fashion:
Oh, and I simply can’t talk about ballet without fashion. Just take a look at those 1928 silhouettes – so very sleek and elegant, those drop waist dresses and bobbed hairstyles – I practically swooned! For an evening at the opera, I would simply wear my prettiest silk evening gown – an ethereal pink hue, of course, with a touch of silver beads for extra glamour. A feather boa around the neck – just perfect, don't you think? For those ballet classes – a tailored jersey jumper with a tutu, naturally, in my favourite shade of pink!
Stay Tuned, Darling!
And that's it for my 1928 trip! Next month, Magic Meg and I embark on another adventure. Where will our pink tutus lead us? Tune in for next month’s blog to find out! And please, remember – let the magic of ballet sweep you away!
With all my love,
Emma 🩰
*www.pink-tutu.com *
