Hello darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina, ready to whisk you away to a glorious fashion flashback.
Today’s destination is a particularly exciting one: October 10th, 1933. As always, I’m packing my magic time-travelling pink sparkly leotard - it never fails to sparkle under the spotlight of history. I'm off to soak up the leotard fashion scene, the show scene, and find out what the fashionable folk are wearing! I'll be looking for leotard inspiration and spreading the good news: pink tutus for everyone!
My Derbyshire heart is always happiest when surrounded by beautiful clothes, but you’ll be shocked to discover the state of leotard fashion in 1933! No wonder my time travel leotard is a total hit in these times - I’m making quite the statement, you could say! I feel a pink revolution in the air...
The Ballet World in 1933
Okay, let's talk ballet - that's what we all really want, isn't it? You wouldn’t be wrong to think that 1933 was all about traditional tutus, darling, but those times are changing. Let's rewind and consider what the dancers were wearing:
- Romantic Ballets - Oh my, these were a sight to behold, with dancers floating about in their classic whimsical tutus with layers and layers of tulle! The traditional colours, like white, were always popular, but I couldn't help but imagine a dash of pink adding even more magic!
- Leotards - More a 'Base Layer' in 1933 – The leotard, a bit of a revolution at the time, wasn't a 'look', darling! Back in '33, it was usually more of a comfortable layer underneath a more formal garment like a tutu or dress.
Imagine being in a ballet studio and all those beautiful tutus - those classic lines and swirling fabric... Oh, what joy!
Fashion Beyond the Stage
Don't be thinking that fashion in '33 was all about the traditional, honey! The fashion scene was buzzing with new ideas:
Streamline Dresses and a Pinch of Romance - You might imagine my glee upon stepping out in '33! Fashion designers were loving long and elegant streamline dresses that flowed gracefully down the body - a perfect match for my ballet dancing. For evening wear, gowns featuring ruffled hems, satin fabrics, and an ethereal air – those soft colours - I could envision myself in them right now! My imagination went wild thinking of those glamorous women floating around in their silken dresses and then suddenly twirling into a ballet pose! The ballet and fashion worlds collided before my eyes, darling!
Fashion at the Cinema – It's amazing what the films of this era inspired, from Marlene Dietrich’s smart tuxedo looks to Joan Crawford’s iconic glamorous silhouettes! The theatre truly held the key to the trends and a whole new kind of feminine glamour took centre stage, oh darling, my inner fashionista was thrilled!
The Importance of Comfort - As always, a good dance routine is all about feeling comfy and moving gracefully. My inner '33 ballerina is in awe of these brave women who paved the way for us modern day dancers with their functional underwear which was becoming popular to make movement a little bit easier – so long underwear was all the rage! It's such an inspiring and liberating thought that underwear itself could be considered so fashionable!
Showtime - I'm in the Audience!
1933 was certainly an exciting time to see a show, with the glamour and allure of the music halls. I could already imagine the laughter echoing through the streets of London as people enjoyed themselves! But the real fun was to be found in the magnificent West End:
The 'Centenary Theatre' - A Gem of its Time: Imagine dancing under the chandeliers of the famous Gaiety Theatre - its centenary year was a truly special moment for London theatre in 1933! It wasn't just the stunning performances that caught my eye, it was also the extravagant costumes, with everything from sequined gowns to elaborate theatrical headdresses. The theatrical outfits are all inspired by a sense of theatre and storytelling - just what my heart desires. I felt right at home amidst those glittering stars.
Musical Productions: Those magical musical productions! Think big, sparkling costumes - sequins, ruffles, feather boas, all a ballet lover’s dream! 1933 was also the year that 'Jack Buchanan' starring in ‘Anything Goes’, opened on the London stage. You’ve got to love the whimsy of those musical revues, they're a sight for sore eyes, just as fun for me today as they would've been for the audience in 1933. I took note of all the glittering stage costumes and how these ideas would make my own pink tutu sparkle even brighter!
London Shows – A Glimpse into the Future: The Theatre Royal Drury Lane hosted an amazing musical version of the Dickens' novel "Oliver Twist"! It truly captured my heart with its moving story, fabulous music, and stunning theatrical costumes, as the production included 170 different dresses - can you imagine? What an enchanting visual spectacle!
I really can’t help but feel that the modern-day Broadway was inspired by the exciting shows taking place in the West End! And a wonderful thing it is too. I love to dream of my futuristic shows and I am already dreaming up a musical number of "The Ballet Pink Tutu" where all the ladies in the show dance in pink tutus! The ultimate dream, don't you think?
Bringing 1933 Style to the Streets
Now, let’s talk about my favourite thing - street ballet. Every month, I travel around, performing and spreading my message of love and pink tutus. I bet 1933 wasn't as crazy for pink as I am but they had a little fun with the street style too:
Taking to the Streets - The Glamour is 'Out' & About: Ladies in 1933 definitely knew how to rock the street style with all those stunning furs and wide brim hats. 1933 was also a time where dresses became shorter! Ladies were freeing up their legs - those gorgeous silhouettes and beautiful dresses with a bold, graphic design would look incredible twirling on stage in my magical pink world, I tell you! But a true classic was still that classic feminine feel that shone through the decade – the elegant 'flapper' dresses – the flowing style of the fabric and embellishments really captured my heart.
Glamour at the Races - An Exciting Race to the Finish: What would life in 1933 be without a racecourse adventure? I always imagine the elegance of all the women watching the race with a pink tulle tutu underneath their dress! This was a time of true style. Think bright colour-blocked outfits with silk dresses or those fabulous hats perched perfectly on their heads.
What better way to celebrate style and dance than to hop to the dance floor with a bright and flamboyant tutu right in the middle of a party - I’ve already imagined myself performing on that elegant dance floor!
What I Brought Back From My Time Trip
Well, darling, that concludes my time trip to 1933 - I was absolutely mesmerized by the styles I discovered - I truly believe in 1933, that they found their magic by fusing classic feminine styling and daring, edgy fashions for the ultimate glamour. Just like ballet, it was all about graceful silhouettes, comfort, and movement. I always incorporate these elements into my ballet routines. I’ve learned so much about the historical significance of fashion and dance through all my time travels!
From here onwards, I am planning to start making my own collection of bespoke leotards for dance. I’ll have plenty of opportunities to sell them through my own fashion shows and, I know exactly where to find all those vintage lace trims for my pink tutu-ed dance outfit creations - my magic leotard won't be the only pink, shiny one!
Well, time to say goodbye. But as always, don't forget: be bold, be fierce, and above all, embrace the magic of pink! And most importantly, do a little dance every single day!
Your pink-tutu-wearing, time-traveling ballet enthusiast,
Emma x
See you all next month on www.pink-tutu.com for my next journey in time!
