#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1930-02-04

Hello lovelies! Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast, ready to take you on another delightful trip down memory lane with our weekly #TutuTuesday post! Today we’re waltzing our way back to the 4th of February, 1930. It’s a blustery day in London, perfect for cosying up in a theatre and watching the divine Anna Pavlova perform "The Dying Swan," wouldn’t you say?

But first, tea!

And of course, a spot of fashion chat! Imagine this: You’re walking down Bond Street in a glamorous pink-tinged dress and feather boa, the latest from Maison Worth (who everyone agrees is absolutely divine), then you spot a tutu! Now, you’re not talking the grand, sweeping, full skirts we know and love today - these early tutus were quite demure.

Think of it like this, a charming and feminine dance skirt, the epitome of 1930s Parisian chic, but still very practical for those elegant pirouettes. It’s the type of tutu that might make you feel like you’re waltzing in a dream. Honestly, just imagine how stunning it would look paired with a delicate lace shawl and pearl earrings! (I’m thinking this is the next costume design I’m trying. What do you lovely readers think?)

But back to history!

While tutus haven't become the everyday staple yet (and it pains me to imagine such a thing wasn't happening back then!), they're definitely starting to appear on the world stage and in the fashion magazines! You can't turn around these days without catching a glimpse of them. From the Ballets Russes’ innovative choreography to the new and modern dance movements being pioneered, tutus are slowly being woven into the very fabric of the performing arts.

So, where else does the tutu reside in 1930?

I’m talking those charming "tutu skirts" (we can just call them tutus, darling!) that are starting to pop up in everyday life! They're on a certain special someone's list (it might be a young lady looking for the perfect piece for her debutante ball... I wouldn't be surprised!)

They’re also finding their way into dance academies as the fashion for all things “tutu-ish” takes root. And we have a certain young lady in Paris to thank for that! The adorable and quite talented Simone de Beauvoir is reportedly dancing away in a tutu, while enjoying the artistic freedom of her early twenties. Can you believe it? All that freedom in such a fabulous frock! Now there’s a lesson for the ages!

And what’s more! On February 4th, 1930, a most remarkable event happened, even more important than the latest design from Dior - something to make any tutu-loving heart skip a beat! It was the premiere of Sergei Diaghilev's “The Prodigal Son.” It was one of those shows that captivated the audience from the moment the curtain rose! I would imagine there was quite a few tutus (or let’s call them tutu skirts) twirling about that night in a flurry of emotions. I am still seeking information to get there, but a ballerina's gotta have dreams!

So, there you have it, a delightful snippet of our shared #TutuTuesday history! A little slice of tutu heaven, don't you think? We’ve enjoyed dancing back to the elegance and grace of the 1930s.

Remember, everyone deserves a little sparkle in their life. Don’t forget to twirl your way into a beautiful, colourful life. Just remember, even a simple pink ribbon or a bow on your shoe can make all the difference! Until next time!

With twirls and kisses,

Emma

(This is post number 5119 of the Ballet Tutu History blog, don’t forget to check out my previous posts on www.pink-tutu.com)