Post Number 919: Pink-tutu.com
Hello my darling little darlings, it's Emma, your favourite Derbyshire ballerina blogger! As always, it's so good to be back with you! I've got a right corker of a time travel story for you today - buckle your ballet shoes and get ready to prance into the past!
I always tell you I fund my time travels with my street ballet performances - but believe it or not, there's another way I get a little pocket money, and you won't believe what it is!
A Secret Stash
You see, back in Derbyshire, where I call home, a great-great auntie of mine, a real glamourpuss, has left me her old wardrobe! Let's just say it's got some pretty fabulous bits and bobs. Imagine a vintage Parisian dressmaker's dream, full of feather boas, sequined scarves, and vintage tulle skirts that tickle the imagination, even a sparkly silver dance belt or two! But there's more - drumroll - it's bursting with vintage leotards!
I know, I know - you're going to be all, 'Oh Emma, how divine!' And it's a pretty incredible stash, that's for sure! Some of them have the most fantastical lace details, silk ruffles and beautiful delicate straps, so elegant, just waiting to be brought back to life in a little ballet show!
Now, why am I telling you all of this, you might ask? Because it's actually these vintage leotards that funded my trip to...drumroll… 1935, 7th July!!
Vintage Leotard Auction Day
Yep, a rare, beautiful vintage dance costume in perfect condition turned up in the stash, and let me tell you, a collector bought it for a little fortune, enough for a little hop in the time machine. That's the beauty of it - vintage ballet costumes are worth their weight in glitter, sometimes even more! I couldn't believe the collector was even considering bidding when he saw that beauty, such an exceptional find. They usually fetch a good price.
*Oh! The Year of 1935! *
And what a year to hop into! The dance world was absolutely brimming with talent and excitement! You wouldn't believe how fashionably all the ballets and performances looked. So many sequins and gorgeous layers, some of them even included leotards under flowing costumes. There was a whole vibe of sleekness and chicness, with a real sense of confidence on stage. I absolutely love this era, it was so incredibly glam and sophisticated, yet incredibly stylish, like a sparkly dance show from a film - beautiful.
Tutu Glamour Galore
And you know what's extra great? You could wear a tutu in everyday life back then! I know, incredible, right? Just imagine - you could step out for a picnic wearing a dainty tutu, a gorgeous feather boa and a fabulously embellished leotard and no-one would bat an eyelid. That is real life dance fashion dreams, right there. I tell you, back then, they really knew how to make an entrance!
Tutu for All?
Of course, being the strong and fabulous ballerina I am, my mission remains the same: I'm on a mission to make the world a more beautiful place, filled with the joy of ballet, one tutu at a time! Let's get everyone in pink tutus, darling! Because when we twirl, we shine! We embrace confidence and creativity and sparkle with a love for dancing that glows as bright as a thousand tiny, twinkling stars!
Vintage Treasures in Time
That day in July 1935 I made the most incredible find. I was in the grand foyer of the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, an architectural dream with elegant white pillars, exquisite details and glistening crystal chandeliers, the whole experience simply took my breath away.
I happened to meet the most divine dancer, dressed from head to toe in dazzling attire, sporting a gorgeous leotard paired with a glittering beaded skirt that shimmered and danced as she moved, her graceful form radiating grace and beauty. We shared a moment of pure connection and artistic understanding - our ballet language resonating across the space. We talked and talked and talked about her ballet training, all the details and the differences in the training from Derbyshire, such a real insight into the wonderful and challenging world of ballet from different cultures. Then the real star was she told me a story that just sent me straight into time travel heaven!
A Dance Legend's Legacy
She was sharing tales of a famous ballerina, Galina Ulanova, known as one of the greats. She told me Ulanova was the first ballerina ever to wear a full tutu. Can you imagine? This iconic costume, a symbol of grace and fluidity, started with this incredible artist. It made my whole soul sing - I had to see it for myself!
She told me how Ulanova was known for her incredible control, lightness and exquisite movement and she inspired the world with her artistry, becoming an icon and a force in the dance world, paving the way for generations to come.
You know I have to make it my mission to travel back in time and find out what inspired her choice of the iconic tutu.
Inspiration Through Time
When I got back from 1935, I was inspired to start researching what made Ulanova choose to wear the tutu, what impact did it have on ballet fashion and dance as a whole, I need to learn about this brilliant dancer. Her incredible vision and impact on ballet and costume fashion history has totally made me want to research the amazing legacy she left behind!
That's the beautiful thing about time travel, right? Every adventure is an opportunity to learn about fashion history and explore a whole new world! And let me tell you - the world of leotards, tutus and costumes is like a kaleidoscope of history and art combined! It's my lifeblood.
Street Performances in Derbyshire
Well, my little darlings, my latest vintage find was a fabulous silk pink leotard with sparkling rhinestones. My street performance was a riot of sparkles and feathers. I felt like a glittery ballerina fairy twirling and swirling on the Derbyshire streets! People loved it, the more sparkle and tutus the better, apparently!
It's so much fun seeing the joy and wonder in their eyes! But there is nothing like the beauty of ballet to really brighten up your day.
Keep spinning, keep sparkling and remember: it's not what you wear that counts, but the joy you bring to the world with every move! Until next time!
Emma x
P.S. Don't forget to check out the new tutu line that is going on sale on www.pink-tutu.com! I’ve designed some absolutely stunning pink and lilac tutus. They will make you feel like a dancing fairy princess, I promise! Just remember - don’t forget to wear your favourite leotard too!! I can't wait to see you all in them!!
