Hello, my darling tutu-lovers! It's Emma, your friendly neighbourhood tutu enthusiast, and welcome back to another fabulous #TutuTuesday on www.pink-tutu.com! Today, we're taking a whirlwind train trip through time to a glorious summer's day in 1930 - imagine, my dears, it's a whole 93 years ago!
This week, my time machine deposited me in the heart of Paris, that glorious city of fashion, art and of course, the ballet. It seems July 15th, 1930, was just as buzzing as ever. The French were waltzing and promenading along the Champs-Élysées, all looking quite chic in their long dresses and fabulous hats. I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see the odd pink tutu fluttering around, it was the roaring 20s, anything goes, darling!
This trip was a bit different - I decided to channel my inner Audrey Hepburn and get a bit Parisian chic. I had a fab time in the department stores, darling - so many gorgeous lace, silks and satin materials in the softest colours imaginable. I ended up with the most divine pink silk blouse - a veritable whisper of a garment - perfect for a day of ballet watching, which, of course, is precisely what I did!
A Glimpse Into the Past: Ballet in 1930
Speaking of the ballet, my dears, did I ever tell you about the famous Ballets Russes? This was the hottest ticket in town in 1930, and believe me, they were absolutely groundbreaking. Think incredible costumes, daring choreography, and sets that would make you gasp - all infused with an air of Russian grandeur and theatricality. They truly knew how to put on a show!
Sadly, I didn't make it to see their latest production in time for this week's journey - they were performing at the Grand Palais in Paris that night. What a spectacle it must have been! It was a pity that, as a travelling time-tu-tu enthusiast, I was quite limited in how much I could stay. Perhaps if I manage to pull off a show stopping performance in one of these lovely venues, I might be able to snag an invitation and stay a while longer. Now wouldn't that be just lovely? I’d love to sit among the crowds of beautiful people in all their evening finery, just soak up the atmosphere. Perhaps grab a quick drink at a cafe with a handsome young man! The mind does wander, you know!
I had a most fantastic time soaking up the Parisien life, but my journey wasn't only about sightseeing and shopping - there was also a big event that happened in 1930: the birth of the famous ballerina, Margot Fonteyn! Imagine, darling - a budding starlet entering the world, a beacon of grace and beauty in the ballet world. The next time I get to jump on the time train, I must take in one of her performances! She'll surely inspire all of us with her lovely work and make us wish we had her dancing abilities!
But, enough with the glamorous side for now - we must get back to the true star of the show - the tutu!
How Tutus Changed Over the Years
I'm delighted to report that in 1930, the tutus were just as beautiful and intricate as they are now, but they were becoming a bit shorter - a more dramatic and dancerly style was emerging! Gone were the days of the billowing Victorian skirts - the shorter, more structured tutus allowed the dancers to leap and twirl with greater freedom. Just imagine, a dazzling dance of legs, and a burst of beautiful fabric fluttering about, creating the most captivating image. I am certainly glad those styles evolved because this style allows for greater freedom of movement and I love how it is so dramatic and pretty. Just don’t forget those beautiful romantic ballerina hairstyles to go with! Oh, how I do love the classics.
The colours in the ballet world in 1930 were just as exquisite - think deep sapphire blues, the most delicate blush pinks, the sunshine of canary yellows - these colours created such a gorgeous visual feast, just perfect for a dramatic performance, darling. You can imagine the shimmer and the glitter - all so glamorous! Oh my dear, there are some styles from this period I wouldn't mind stealing - if only my little time machine had room for a wardrobe of lovely dresses and tutus!
Keeping The Past in Style
The tutus of the 1930s are definitely a big inspiration, so today's #TutuTuesday is all about celebrating the elegant, timeless style of this era! If you are inspired, you can get your vintage ballerina fix, right now - you can look up images of famous Ballets Russes costumes online. A dash of glitter here and there, a smattering of colour in a striking yet classic design and you’re off to the ballet in true 1930s style! You’ll be dancing the night away, no problem!
Looking Forward to Tutu Adventures
So, my darlings, I hope you enjoyed our little trip through time with the #TutuTuesday blog. I hope it has sparked your inner dancer and made you eager to step out in your own little tutu adventure! I'll be hopping back on my time machine and taking you on another #TutuTuesday adventure next week - I hope to be going somewhere exciting again. Until then, keep on twirling and remember to make the world a bit more pink, darling, with every step!
Lots of love,
Emma x
P.S. I am loving those pink sparkly heels I’ve just found, darling - a true fashion revelation for a 1930s-inspired wardrobe. What a glorious discovery - it just makes me want to pirouette my heart out! If you’re after your own special look for a summer’s day, don't forget to browse your local shops and department stores - I am sure they’ll be full of stunning treasures, ready for you!
