Hello darlings! It's Emma here, back with another #TutuTuesday blog post from the archives of ballet history! As a time-traveling ballerina (it's a long story involving a lot of glitter and a particularly magical pair of pink pointe shoes!), I'm always excited to discover new wonders in the evolution of our beloved tutu. Today, we're going to journey back to the 20th of May, 1930 - a day brimming with grace and a whole lot of tulle!
But before we take a trip down memory lane, let's chat about a little something I found during my recent trip to Paris. I couldn't resist snagging this absolutely adorable vintage pink tulle dress, and believe me, it is perfect for afternoon picnics at the Jardin du Luxembourg or strolling down the Champs-Élysées with a steaming cup of chocolat chaud. Oh, and if you ever visit Paris, do make time to see a performance at the Opéra Garnier - I simply adore the opulence!
Now, back to the grand adventure! Remember, back in 1930, Paris was the world's epicenter for fashion and the performing arts. Tutus were an absolute must in any self-respecting ballerina's wardrobe, and let me tell you, they were far from the minimalist designs we know today! Think cascading tiers of tulle, intricate embroidery, and more beads and sequins than you can imagine. They were, as we might say today, "absolutely fabulous"!
Our beloved tutu has its origins in the late 19th century, born out of the desire to capture the ethereal movement of dance on stage. Early tutus were a little more... well, simple. Think calf-length skirts with fewer frills, much like the tutus worn by the charming ballerinas in The Nutcracker. However, as the 20th century dawned, designers embraced the idea of bigger, bolder, and brighter - tutus became extravagant works of art, expressing the power and grace of dance with even more impact.
As I hopped off the train in Paris on May 20th, 1930, a crisp spring air blew through my hair (and oh, the way a good breeze can make a tulle skirt sway!), and I could almost feel the thrill of anticipation as I stepped towards the Palais Garnier. On this particular date, Paris was bustling with excitement for a world-premiere - the first public performance of Igor Stravinsky's ballet Apollon Musagète. This piece is considered a revolutionary ballet, and its elegant tutus, featuring flowing lines and subtle ornamentation, were absolutely exquisite! You see, Apollon showcased the beauty of pure dance movement, allowing the graceful forms of the tutus to highlight the elegance of the ballet, and the impact it had on dance was truly ground-breaking.
I even spotted some interesting outfits in the audience! One particularly stylish gentleman sported a fantastic striped three-piece suit and a bowtie (so chic!), and a lady in a stunning teal gown and pearl necklace looked simply breathtaking. Now that’s the kind of elegance I like to see in a theatre!
Back to my travels: to get to Paris in 1930, I journeyed on a rather lovely vintage steam train - a grand experience that I wouldn't trade for the world! The clickety-clack of the wheels on the tracks, the soft plumes of steam drifting from the engine, and the gentle rocking of the carriage, combined with the beautiful countryside scenery, was almost as exciting as seeing a fantastic ballet performance!
Of course, the thrill of discovery and the stories I share on #TutuTuesday are just one aspect of my time travels. I also adore indulging in a bit of shopping for antique lace, exquisite silks, and all things tulle. Imagine, a pink silk scarf with beautiful hand-embroidery! What a perfect accent to a 1930s ballerina costume!
My dear readers, remember that while we often associate the 1930s with fashion and artistry, we also owe so much to the dedication and hard work of countless individuals. As I see it, a ballerina is not just a dancer - she is a symbol of strength, grace, and dedication. The stories of those who came before us shape the future of ballet, inspiring us to reach higher, to express ourselves with greater passion, and to love the art of dance even more.
As we step out into the week ahead, let us remember that the magic of the past can guide us toward a bright future! Be kind to each other, and don't be afraid to express your inner ballerina! Maybe even, try wearing a pink tutu to your next dance class, I know I do!
With a sprinkle of tulle and a whole lot of love,
Emma x
