Hello darlings! It's Emma, your pink tutu-clad time traveller, ready to whisk you off on another sartorial adventure. This month, we're diving headfirst into November 1933 – a time of grand ballet and thrilling new trends in the world of dancewear! Buckle up, because it's a journey that's sure to dazzle your eyes and make your hearts flutter like a graceful pirouette.
For the past month, I’ve been perfecting my new routine. Let me tell you, it’s going to be absolutely spectacular! Imagine this, dear readers, a dazzling street performance infused with the magic of both old-world ballet and the dazzling vibrancy of modern street dance. It’s “La Vie en Rose” with a touch of contemporary street cred – the pink tutu still holds the spotlight but it’s taking its turn alongside a smattering of trendy moves.
This month, the time travel was a little trickier than usual. A gust of wind nearly blew my magical pink sparkling leotard to the ground and threatened to tangle up the threads of my temporal journey. But don't you worry! Thankfully, with a swift pirouette and a sprinkle of my sparkly pink magic, I found myself whisked away to a wonderfully retro 1933!
The Fashionable Thrill of 1933:
My very first stop in this era, dear readers, had to be the magnificent Covent Garden! As I sashayed through the ornate halls in my pink tutu, a little flash of glitz and glam that was perfectly on-trend in 1933, I felt a delicious thrill of being completely on-point. This was the era of legendary ballerinas and the golden age of dance, so of course I was bursting with excitement to see the world through a leotard enthusiast’s eyes!
The fashionable leotard style of 1933 was just as dramatic and glamorous as the performances that were taking place in the world-famous theatre itself! The leotards of this era were made in a multitude of soft and stretchy fabrics. Satin was all the rage with its luxurious drape, but velvet and lightweight chiffons were also popular, often creating an illusion of fluid movement. They often boasted simple lines with a touch of colour for a subtle contrast and the finishing touches were always just that bit more fabulous, like intricate ribbons tied at the shoulders or decorative detailing on the legs – adding an extra dash of panache to every pirouette.
This was the year when some of the very first dance wear designs truly stepped into the spotlight! I discovered a collection of ballet dresses from this era that looked so striking – beautiful long skirts in sheer tulle or silk – almost a complete contrast to the simplicity of the leotards. These dance dresses, or "tutus" as we know them today, often had tiers of flowing fabric with ribbons flowing down in graceful trails, just like a dream!
What I really found remarkable were the ballet slippers, my heart simply skipped a beat at their elegant designs! Gone were the rough and tumble pointe shoes of years gone by, replaced with exquisitely handcrafted slippers in soft, delicate leather, often boasting decorative rosettes or a small buckle on the ankle. I thought of those ballet slippers, the intricate needlework and graceful forms that went into every pair as the essence of a graceful spirit in 1933.
I love a good vintage find and what made this 1933 fashion voyage so enthralling was how many different ways people interpreted dance and ballet. I spotted a lovely woman wearing a leotard that had been ingeniously modified into a simple, but stylish daytime look. Her sleek, streamlined black leotard – almost reminiscent of a chic little black dress with a scoop neckline and slightly puffed sleeves– made her look incredibly smart. And her shoes – stylish pumps with a strap on the heel, another 1933 fashion highlight - perfectly finished her outfit.
This discovery highlighted a fashion phenomenon that’s been recurring for years, which is how a ballet outfit can so effortlessly transform into something completely chic, elegant and surprisingly street-worthy! It was another reminder of the truly versatile spirit of the leotard.
As a street performer, it was impossible for me to resist taking to the streets in my own 21st century take on the street dancing style in the style of 1933! It was so exhilarating to be out and about, mingling with locals on this magical journey into the past.
And that, my dear readers, is where my next exciting discovery unfolded. While doing a quick pirouette under a vintage street lamp on a cobbled street, I discovered the absolute trend of the 1933 year. As I caught a glimpse in a window reflection while twirling on the street, I realised that my vibrant pink tutu, was simply not going to cut it!
*An Inspiration For A Modern Outfit! *
What did I find? My fashion eyes, sharp as ever, noticed a stylish black and white stripe print dress – so perfectly streamlined. This simple black and white, or the slightly more adventurous touch of black with a white piping was truly “it”. It was like seeing the world through the eyes of the modern day fashion enthusiast - there was an almost 1920s aesthetic, but in 1933 it was elevated with that slightly softer, elegant touch – perfect for this particular historical period.
This is when I got inspired! I realised I needed to bring a touch of 1933 sophistication to my pink tutu, and for the perfect street-style update, I needed to mix and match some of the amazing 1933 details into my 21st-century dance wardrobe.
So back in my own time, armed with my inspiration from 1933, I’ve been designing and styling a collection of new looks. A sleek leotard in rich, black velvet that gives a real Audrey Hepburn, modern era kind of style; a luxurious cream and navy velvet piece - just simply beautiful – both oozing class and sophistication. And of course, a fabulous selection of street-style pieces to create that perfect retro 1933 ensemble: Think chic midi skirts in soft, black crepe fabric, black and white stripes to give that essential touch of elegance, and of course – no outfit is complete without those gorgeous 1933 ballet slippers or classic heeled pumps.
A Moment of Ballet Magic:
In this whirlwind time travel tour, my trip to the famous Covent Garden, to catch a performance of the iconic ballerina, Anna Pavlova was the ultimate dream come true! Imagine, in the early hours of this November morning, with all the magic and beauty of 1933 at my feet – this was true leotard-clad time travel glamour!
Anna Pavlova's elegance was like nothing I'd ever witnessed. And the artistry of this ballet spectacle was so captivating! I was truly enchanted by the beauty of the choreography, and how she embodied every step and gesture so effortlessly and gracefully – all with that effortless poise and that unmistakable timeless elegance – truly inspiring.
Her tutu – designed by the renowned Russian fashion house “Cartier”, - was a vision in its own right. Delicate fabric panels with swirling waves of sheer white satin – she literally floated across the stage – and she moved so gracefully, like a dream. The simple grace of this tulle tutu just showed how the leotard can elevate a look so elegantly!
But there was also an undercurrent of a slightly more bohemian sensibility that infused Anna Pavlova’s stage presence – almost like a wave of 1930s chic had crept onto the stage with her, bringing with it this wonderful effortlessly beautiful ballet magic.
To bring this era into my street ballet style, I’m planning to add some romantic, billowing tulle and silk layers to my look, with that slightly boho, Parisian vibe that will create a perfect twist to a more classic pink tutu – after all, a little extra tulle adds a dash of extra-sparkle to any ballet ensemble, wouldn’t you agree?
And on that magical note, dear readers, I’m off to rehearse my new ballet routine, infused with the 1933 style, so much inspiration for my look!
This was my 1933 journey – I'll be sharing more tips, fashion inspiration, and my street ballet choreography adventures with you every month, so stay tuned, dear readers! And don’t forget to get yourself a pink tutu, because every ballerina deserves a splash of magic! 💖🩰
Visit my website www.pink-tutu.com to keep up-to-date on my latest time-travelling exploits and discover all the magic that leotards have to offer – because fashion is an adventure! ✨
