#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1930-11-11

Hello lovelies! It's Emma here, back from a whirlwind tour through time and straight into my pink tutu! This week, my time machine whisked me away to November 11th, 1930. Oh, the fashion! The music! The glamour! The dancing!

I just have to share some of my finds with you, my darlings! Let's dive into the world of ballet and tutus back in the 1930s...

Oh, the 1930s were just dripping in elegance! Imagine, ladies, those shimmering gowns and long flowing skirts, and, of course, the graceful movement of ballerinas, all wrapped in a beautiful symphony of light and music.

This was a decade when the tutus started evolving. Remember those Romantic tutus from the late 1800s? They were all about that billowing, flowing romantic look. Now, it was time for something more precise, more streamlined, a tutu that echoed the new geometric, less romantic trends of the era. The shorter, fuller tutus with multiple layers of tulle started to come into play, allowing the dancers a much greater range of movement. They moved faster, jumped higher, and became the embodiment of strength, poise, and agility. The tutus took on a life of their own, with a more athletic edge, almost echoing the growing popularity of modern dance.

1930 was a truly magical year in ballet. My, the incredible talent I encountered! Just imagine this: I am sitting in the plush velvet seat of the Paris Opera House, the lights dim, the orchestra tuning their instruments...and then, the first notes of Stravinsky's "Le Sacre du Printemps" (The Rite of Spring) pierce through the hushed hall!

This revolutionary ballet, by the famous dancer Vaslav Nijinsky, premiered in 1913. It was so avant-garde, so controversial, some members of the audience were outraged. But in the 1930s, it had found a new, even more enthusiastic audience. They were all entranced! And can you blame them? The athletic and emotional intensity of Nijinsky's vision, the brutal, primal story of the sacrifice, the way the dancers seemed to defy gravity, oh it was absolutely stunning.

But that was just one show! I travelled from Paris to London to watch the beautiful, iconic Margot Fonteyn in her prime at Covent Garden. Imagine, all those elegant movements, so full of precision and grace, while she danced with such captivating vulnerability. And the stunning costume designs! Oh, the sheer beauty of her pink tutu and that classic, graceful '30s line.

These performances were something else! These dancers and choreographers pushed the boundaries of expression, creativity, and artistry, reminding me that every time, there is always something new to discover.

Remember those elegant 1930s silhouettes, the streamlined lines, and a penchant for a certain femininity? I couldn’t resist visiting one of London's most fashionable shops on Bond Street, complete with a charming gentleman assisting ladies in their fitting.

The key element for the 1930s' look: the dropped waist. Everything about this era, from the tutus to the fashion on the streets, revolved around the dropped waistline. They had a feminine flow, a captivating sense of motion. Think smooth lines, curves in the right places, and lots and lots of frills, lace, and that famous satin, which made it easy to create those gorgeous, graceful swishes of movement that echoed the dances. It is the perfect balance of playful, dramatic, and sophisticated!

You know, sometimes you just have to throw a little bit of ‘30s flair into your outfit! Add a few accessories, perhaps some beautiful pearl earrings, a touch of that soft pink, or a dash of sparkly sequins.

Now, imagine a stylish frock with a long skirt, a matching hat adorned with a jaunty feather, and a pair of chic pointed shoes. You'll be ready for a tea dance at The Ritz, a gala evening at the Royal Opera House, or simply a lovely afternoon at a London cafe, and ready to meet someone special. Who knows, maybe he'll be wearing a monocle!

Oh, I absolutely loved seeing all the stylish ladies wearing beautiful evening dresses, their heads held high with perfect posture and elegance. Their smiles were contagious! It was the era of glamour, of taking time for ourselves, and it was all about looking and feeling your absolute best.

I do have to share a bit about the way I traveled: a grand journey on a stylish vintage train! All those lovely compartments with plush seating! I do have to say I think it is so romantic! The soft lighting and the clinking of silverware, coupled with the excitement of seeing the changing landscapes.

Just the right place to start brainstorming the next era, which of course means... planning more tutu outfits!

My dearest darlings, even though 1930 is a very long time ago, a touch of the past brings such grace to the present. It's all about the timeless glamour, the effortless chic, and most importantly, it’s about having fun with your look. Don’t forget a sprinkle of that delightful pink for a touch of personality and a touch of magic. And when you put on your very own tutu, whether it’s pink or a dazzling other colour, let it remind you to bring a bit of dance into your daily life. Twirl, leap, and always, always, remember, life is meant to be lived to the fullest!

Until next Tuesday, darling. Let’s spread the love of the pink tutu!

Stay fabulous! Emma

www.pink-tutu.com

Don't forget to leave me a comment and let me know your favourite pink tutu look!