Hello, darlings! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com! Your one-stop shop for all things sparkly, pink and dance-tastic. I'm your time-travelling, tutu-wearing blogger, Emma, and this month, my sparkly pink leotard has whisked me back to 1933 - specifically to the 9th of September!
Now, you might be thinking, "Emma, isn't 1933 a bitβ¦ austere?" Well, let me tell you, even in the depths of the Depression, fashion held onto its sparkle! This era wasn't just about flapper dresses and dropped waists β it was a time of exciting changes for dancewear too.
My magical pink leotard landed me right in the heart of London's West End, a stones throw from the plush grandeur of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Can you imagine? It's hard not to feel swept away by the thrill of live theatre, and that's what I was about to witness β the opening night of The Desert Song. Oh my! This dazzling musical, filled with exotic dances and costumes, promised to be a treat! I felt a delightful tingle of anticipation!
Now, I don't know about you darlings, but I absolutely adore the fashion of this time period. Think opulent silks, decadent feather boas, and, of course, some sensational ballet! I popped into a little haberdashery right across the street from the theatre and there, nestled among rolls of satin ribbon and gowns with cascading frills, were several racks of gorgeous leotards! They were a sight for sore eyes - a beautiful mixture of shades of pink, ruby red, and emerald green, each crafted with an eye for detail.
The leotards weren't the minimalist creations you see today. They were all about frills and ruffles, with little bits of lace peering out here and there. Imagine a simple, sleeveless leotard but embellished with rows and rows of cascading silk ribbons, delicately embroidered with floral patterns. I swooned over a beautiful one, a deep, glowing crimson silk adorned with a delicate embroidered lace ruffle across the bodice - such artistry and elegance! If only they sold them in my time, my dears!
Back to the theatre! As the music began, the lights dimmed, and the dancers, dressed in shimmering pink leotards adorned with rhinestones and gold fringe, took to the stage, I felt transported! It was so exciting to watch as these graceful bodies danced with such strength and fluidity. They twirled and leapt, their tutus, billowing around them, showcasing their every move with elegance. Oh, the joy!
Speaking of tutus, my dears, while ballet fashion in this era embraced bold colors and decorative embellishments, tutus hadn't quite reached their "pouffy" perfection. Think short, tight, graceful designs - not the grand, billowing confections we adore today. I must confess, they weren't nearly as fabulous as the ones we wear these days - there's a reason why pink is the colour for tutus. Pink adds a touch of magic to a dancer's movement. Don't you agree, darlings?
My heart soared during the "Desert Song" ballet, inspired by the dancer's strength and graceful movement, not to mention those incredible leotards. As the performance reached its finale, I took in every last detail - the elegant gowns, the flowing scarves, the beautifully embroidered tutus, it all just⦠inspired.
That evening, after savoring a sumptuous post-performance dinner with two beautiful performers (they were even dressed in pink!), I went back to the shop to see if there was any leotard left for my future vintage collection. However, by the time I arrived, the store was all but empty - a woman who seemed just as crazy for pink and lace as I am, had bought everything! What a shame, I must admit. But a leotard enthusiast I will always remain, no matter where time travel takes me.
You know, I can't help but feel that this time period was brimming with possibilities for leotard and ballet fashion! So much exciting innovation - think dance-inspired designs and an endless love for sparkly embellishments. Oh my, darling!
This journey back to September 9th, 1933 has made me realise that style and fashion never really disappear, they simply evolve and re-emerge in new, exciting forms. So, let's embrace that magic of change, shall we? Wear those leotards, darlings! Let them celebrate your individuality and showcase your confidence, even if you only wear them while dancing in your own home.
That's all for this month, my dears! I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into 1933 - and its incredible fashion - through the eyes of your time-traveling, tutu-wearing blogger. Remember to subscribe to Pink-Tutu.com to receive a little dose of sparkle and magic delivered right to your inbox, and don't forget to get out there and share your love of dance with the world! After all, everyone can rock a pink tutu! Stay pink, stay stylish and see you next month, darlings!