Hiya darlings! Itâs your favourite tutu-obsessed time traveller, Emma, back with another dazzling journey through the history of balletâs most iconic garment! Today, we're taking a trip to 3rd June 1930, and trust me, you'll be twirling with excitement after this one!
My latest ballet jaunt brought me to Paris, the absolute epicentre of all things chic and dancey. Paris has always been the undisputed queen of fashion, and even in 1930, it was where the most captivating dance trends were being set.
Imagine, if you will, a scene straight out of a charming film: cobblestone streets buzzing with energy, dapper gentlemen in sharp suits, and ladies adorned in luxurious flapper dresses. You could practically hear the sweet melodies of Parisian cafes in the background, while I, in my fabulous pink tutu, was making my way to the hallowed halls of the OpĂ©ra Garnier, Parisâs grand ballet theatre.
Now, you might think the tutu in 1930 was a full-skirted, fluffy cloud of tulle â that's the romantic ballet tutu image that pops to mind, right? But 1930 saw the introduction of a game-changer! This was the year that The "Russian" tutu became all the rage. Imagine a tutu with shorter layers, cut right above the knees, and those wispy tulle layers were creating a cascade of movement â just picture it, absolutely magical!
I'm talking dramatic, ethereal, and graceful. Think about a ballerina taking centre stage in this shorter tutu, effortlessly swirling and gliding, highlighting the exquisite artistry of every single movement. Imagine those swirling skirts adding a breathtaking layer of drama and fluidity to the ballet!
And it wasnât just the tutus themselves, it was the entire performance that was becoming much more focused on athleticism. You know how we talk about âballet techniqueâ today? In 1930, the emphasis was truly on technique, and the way those movements were choreographed to create stunning artistic shapes and lines. That's why the shorter tutu was such a fantastic, eye-catching fashion choice!
That same day, at the OpĂ©ra Garnier, I caught a stunning performance of âThe Sleeping Beauty.â It was truly a show-stopper, a perfect blend of classical choreography and a captivating visual spectacle. And, oh darling, the tutus! They were made with layers and layers of that airy tulle, fluttering around the dancers' limbs. It was absolutely enchanting! Every spin, every leap, every gesture â they all seemed to become even more beautiful when paired with that iconic ballerina fashion staple.
Afterwards, I had to make a stop at "La Maison de la Danse" - a shop filled to the brim with the most fabulous ballet accessories you can imagine! You know me â I couldnât resist snapping up a new, pink silk ballet bag to take home, the perfect place to stash my new âSleeping Beautyâ program, my trusty pink lip gloss, and of course, some extra hair ties â you never know when you might need them in a hair-raising ballet situation!
One of the exciting things about my journey to 1930s Paris was being able to peek at the amazing fashion designs of the day! Remember the flapper dress I mentioned? It was a sensation! Imagine a dress, skimming the body with loose, elegant layers and intricate embroidery â totally gorgeous! I mean, just a small peek into the world of haute couture was more than enough to fuel my inspiration for future outfit choices. The way they cut those flowing dresses with dramatic silhouettes...I mean, it's still making an impact on the catwalks today!
While tutus have been through various styles over the centuries, there's no doubt that those flowing skirts still have the power to captivate audiences around the world. Their lightness, grace, and elegant flair add something utterly special to every performance. And the "Russian" tutu, introduced in 1930, was truly a turning point in how we view the iconic garment.
Next #TutuTuesday, we're hopping on the train, heading towards a new exciting decade in ballet history. So donât forget to follow along! You'll find me here every Tuesday at www.pink-tutu.com. Until next week, darlings, let your imagination run wild! Always remember to keep your dreams and aspirations lofty and full of wonder. And perhaps, why not embrace the magic of tutus every day! I dare you to wear a pink tutu at least once this week! And don't forget to tag your amazing tutu photos with #TutuTuesday. See you soon, my dance-loving beauties!
XOXO, Emma
