Hello lovelies! It’s Emma here, your Pink Tutu enthusiast and time-traveling fashionista!
Welcome to this week's edition of #TutuTuesday, where we explore the history of the magnificent tutu! As you know, tutus are my absolute passion, and every Tuesday, we delve into the colourful and fascinating past of this beautiful garment.
This week we are twirling back to October 7th, 1930! It's a date full of sartorial delights and a great time to be a tutu aficionado! Can you imagine, the excitement of catching a premiere performance at the Opéra Garnier in Paris? (Just picture it, darling! The chandelier, the buzz, and, of course, the stunning dancers in their magnificent tutus! Swoon ) I do believe that we must go there on my next trip, wouldn't you agree?
So let's take a look at the world of tutus on this glamorous date.
Parisian Chic
Paris, Paris, oh Paris! As usual, the heart of dance was pulsating right there in the city of love! 1930 was a real turning point in ballet history and a dazzling year for tutus, with a new wave of exciting creativity in the works!
Let's travel to the legendary Opéra Garnier, the ultimate stage for ballet history and fashion. What was going on at this elegant venue on the 7th of October? Let’s go shopping for inspiration for our own tutus... and remember: it’s always important to support the arts, lovelies! It's vital that the world has fabulous dance performances to go and enjoy, isn't it! So grab a cuppa and some delectable French pastries and let’s step back into time!
*(By the way, do you remember that I used to have this great shop in the Derbyshire Dales, selling fabulous handmade tutus for all shapes and sizes? *Dreams! I must get a time-traveling shop going someday! I have such grand ideas...)
Anyway, back to 1930 in Paris! One of the most famous ballets was in full swing – and still going strong today, even a hundred years later! - “The Sleeping Beauty”, a beautiful fairy tale by Tchaikovsky. The sheer volume of lace, ribbons, and, of course, the incredible tutu design used for Aurora, the princess, would have knocked your socks off! (And, in the style of 1930, those socks would be fabulous long stockings, and not those dreadful tight leggings they wear today, shocking!) **
The dancers looked stunning in their romantic costumes. Their ethereal movements looked exquisite – ooh la la! Can’t you just see it, with your imagination? A little lace and tulle never hurt anyone! There is something about the history of tutu fashion that makes me truly understand that every age is amazing. There’s something incredible to be found in every fashion era – like the wonderful tutu! *It's eternal! *
Just picture it! Imagine the magic as the curtain rises, and the ballerinas step on the stage – It would have been an incredible experience. And of course, we are going back in time, and so you have no excuse to not make that trip to see "The Sleeping Beauty" next time it’s in your local area. It's a real classic, and one I highly recommend for all aspiring ballerina types.
Across the Pond to the Big Apple!
Next, let’s make a quick detour across the pond. The world of dance and ballet is ever-growing, and what would be a better day to have a glance over the Atlantic than October 7th? TheNew York Times always had amazing reporting in its Arts and Culture section, always an exciting read. (I think this must have been when the ‘Tutu Diaries’ newspaper column was at its peak!)
Did the ‘Tutu Diaries’ columnist write an article about a magnificent new tutu? The ballet world was definitely making waves in New York back in 1930. A ballet, “Princess Ida”, at the Metropolitan Opera House would have looked magnificent. In fact, ballet was moving towards a much lighter approach with the costume designs. (The tutus, lovelies! Just so we're clear... ;) There is never enough pink in my book, and what is better than an entire troupe wearing pink?) But we need to always look for what’s trendy and new! You can’t just wear what everyone else is wearing, can you? You need your own style, and always an extra little bit of something, a splash of colour!
The amazing Martha Graham was making her own impression as a leading dancer and choreographer at the Metropolitan Opera House in the early 1930’s. Although not quite my usual ballet style, she really was a fascinating individual (who could wear an outrageous tutu in pink, perhaps?) Graham was really quite groundbreaking in the modern dance world - which definitely involves the wearing of a more practical and minimalist wardrobe. However, if she wore a tutu (and the style allowed it!), you could bet it would have been outlandish! Maybe with feathers? Perhaps some more daring colours than the usual pastel pinks and light blues of the time? Perhaps an *en pointe red velvet number?*
That’s why I think that tutued-fashion, from classical ballet to contemporary ballet, needs to be kept alive in the heart of every city around the world, for everyone! Ballet has had an incredible, dramatic journey and tutus have come along for the ride – they’ve been a huge part of the magic and tradition that keeps the ballet world so fascinating!
So as you can see, 1930 was a great year for all things tutu-related, full of innovation, dazzling colour and a plethora of fabulous costumes – definitely a fashion feast! I feel inspired already... And just remember – a fabulous tutu makes any day extra special, even in ordinary old 2023.! **Never stop twirling, and remember that you can always express yourself and take inspiration from history to keep a bit of your own personal style fresh and alive, dear ones. *
Don't forget to check back every Tuesday for our new #TutuTuesday posts, where we'll continue to unravel the wonderful world of tutu history. Remember, darling - you're not truly dressed until you’re wearing a pink tutu!*
*See you next week, lovelies!*
