Hello, my lovelies! Welcome back to www.pink-tutu.com for another week of #TutuTuesday, my ballet tutu history blog. This week, I’ve time travelled to the 28th May 1929, a gloriously sunny day, if I may say so myself! The world is just a little different in 1929, especially when it comes to tutus, oh my!
Before we start, let me introduce myself! My name is Emma, a self-proclaimed “tutu-ist” from the rolling green hills of Derbyshire, England! I love all things pink, naturally, and tutus, even more so! I believe that every woman should embrace the magic of twirling in a perfectly pink tutu – it's a wonderful way to add a little sparkle to your day, whether you're a seasoned ballerina or just a tutu enthusiast like me. 😉
Now, this week's blog is going to be particularly special. Why? Because it marks my 5083rd #TutuTuesday blog post – can you believe it? This passion project has taken me all over the world (thanks to my ballet performances, of course!), to places with different customs, different times, and even different tutus. Every trip is an exciting new adventure in the world of dance and fashion!
Back to 1929: A Ballet Tutus Tale!
Now, imagine this, a time where ballet tutus were still a little… erm, restrictive. You can imagine a ballerina gracefully flitting across the stage but perhaps, her skirt a bit too voluminous, not quite allowing for the graceful leaps we see today! Tutus were usually more pancake-shaped, designed for elegance, sure, but not quite for showcasing the incredible leaps and twirls we adore in ballet today.
I just finished witnessing a show at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, London! Oh, the grandeur! Such intricate sets, elaborate costumes - and of course, ballet tutus. They were certainly eye-catching, made with yards of layers of tulle! They even incorporated more extravagant decorative embellishments, feathers, and embroidery! You wouldn't catch me in one without adding some pink, though! It's just too boring otherwise. 😄
*But here's a fun fact - Did you know that during this period, many ballet schools around the world embraced the use of shorter tutus, often resembling an adorable ballet skirt? *
Imagine a classroom of girls, with all those playful shorter tutus, gracefully learning the fundamentals of ballet, all perfectly poised and ready for a new chapter in the history of dance. That, my lovelies, is just one of the delightful ways ballet tutus have changed and evolved throughout history.
Beyond the Ballet
Now, it's not just about tutus and ballet! I just had a delicious lunch in a beautiful, tea room right near the Opera House. They serve the best afternoon tea in all of London, I swear. It's the perfect way to indulge in a bit of 1920s indulgence - dainty sandwiches, clotted cream, scones, and endless teacups, with finger sandwiches. It's truly a delight. Oh, and they also offer a selection of the most delectable cakes, a treat I couldn’t resist! 🍰
And if that weren’t enough, after lunch, I ventured into one of London's grand department stores, such a wonderful world of style!
We were talking tutus before, but imagine the world of fashion back then, dresses reaching to the ankles, with flapper dresses popular as a trendy look! It was a delightful burst of colour and textures, from beaded lace and silk to opulent fur trim, all adding a little touch of whimsy to the everyday. It truly reminded me of a film.
The Road to the Future
As I look back upon my adventures in 1929, I can't help but feel that tutus are going on a journey to find a more whimsical and daring place! Just think what’s to come! But for now, I’m savouring the style and grace of this era!
Remember, my dears, to stay tuned each week for new blog posts about all things tutu on www.pink-tutu.com and keep spreading the pink tutu magic! Remember to leave a comment below, let's have a discussion and tell me what you would have been wearing in 1929. 😉
Until next #TutuTuesday, happy twirling! 💖
Emma xx
