Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, my darlings! Today is #TutuTuesday and I am so excited to take you on a trip back in time, all the way to March 18th, 1930! Buckle up your ballet shoes and grab a cup of tea – we're diving deep into the history of the tutu!
(This is post #5125 on my *www.pink-tutu.com blog - did you know you can find all my past posts there?)*
My journey this time took me to Paris, the City of Lights! Now, I may be a Derbyshire lass at heart, but Paris holds a special place in my heart – it's like the epicentre of all things fashion and ballet! And on this day in 1930, I just had to be there to soak it all in.
Let's be honest, 1930 was a time of real change in the world of fashion – it was a time of experimentation and innovation, and dancewear was no exception!
From Long and Flowing to Short and SweetIf you picture ballerinas of the late 1800s, chances are you see them twirling in long, billowing skirts that would be more at home at a ball than in a ballet. They were stunning, of course, but practical? Not so much!
Thankfully, those skirts were on their way out. Imagine this: in the late 1890s, dancers were embracing the 'Romantic tutu', made of layers of delicate tulle, which allowed for greater freedom of movement. They were shorter than their predecessors, but they were still somewhat fuller.
The 1930s saw a massive shift in ballet, thanks to brilliant choreographers like George Balanchine. Balanchine wanted movement that was more dynamic, less restrictive – and that called for a change in dress! The tutu began to evolve, becoming shorter and more fitted, emphasizing the beautiful lines of the dancer's body.
The Iconic Tutu of TodayToday, we have several different styles of tutus - the Romantic tutu, the Classical tutu and the "Theatricals", also known as Character tutus, to name just a few. All these beautiful styles are descendants of the original evolution that took place in the early 20th century. And it's amazing to think that they all trace back to the same principles – allowing dancers to move gracefully and expressively!
Speaking of grace and expression, wouldn't you know it, I just happened to catch a breathtaking performance at the Paris Opera that day! It was a performance of “La Sylphide,” a ballet that showcases a romantic and flowing aesthetic. The ballerinas twirled and leaped, their tutus billowing around them like ethereal clouds. The visual poetry was almost tangible, like something straight out of a fairytale!
Where Did I Go to See That?Let's rewind a bit, imagine a ballet-mad twenty-something like myself. Naturally, I’m at the beautiful Opera Garnier in Paris, a true ballet palace! Imagine the intricate detailing, the gold gilding, the grand chandelier – pure perfection for a day spent appreciating all things beautiful, wouldn't you agree?
I couldn't help but marvel at the exquisite tutus in this magnificent building. My favourite part of my trip, was getting to visit the Musée du Costume et du Theatre de la Mode! There I discovered the incredible collection of costumes from theatrical history – including some beautiful ballet tutus that would have been considered avant-garde for their time. It’s like a step back in time – with breathtaking costumes for stage and for every style of ballet! It really shows you how much creativity goes into designing for the ballet world!
Speaking of creativity – did you know the earliest form of the tutu was actually influenced by traditional Russian clothing? Fancy that! And guess what – my research shows the first use of the word 'tutu' happened right here in the City of Lights, Paris, at the ballet ‘La Fille mal gardée.’ It's remarkable how a simple word like “tutu” captures the very essence of what makes ballet so unique. It truly conjures images of light, grace, and artistic expression.
So, here’s my take-away from 1930-03-18 – The tutu is more than just a pretty garment. It’s a symbol of a changing world in the early 20th century, a sign of movement and artistic freedom, and above all, it’s a symbol of the timeless beauty of ballet!
It's been an incredible journey! And remember, my darlings, you don't need to be a ballerina to wear a tutu. Put one on, twirl around your home, embrace the magic, and let it lift your spirits! We all need a little extra sparkle in our lives. Until next week!
Love, Emma
P.S. * If you enjoyed this journey through ballet history, make sure to leave a comment below and share what your favorite kind of tutu is. * Don't forget to follow me on Instagram (@PinkTutuGirl)! See you next #TutuTuesday!
