Welcome back, my lovely tutu-lovers! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu aficionado, and I'm absolutely thrilled to be back for another Tuesday, bringing you all the fascinating stories behind the twirling wonder that is the tutu.
Today, we're stepping back in time, back to January 6th, 1931, a date brimming with history and elegance, a date I find just as charming and beautiful as the most intricately crafted tutu. This week's journey, as always, is all about exploring the fascinating history of tutus, and I'm going to whisk you away on a delightful train ride, not to a bustling Parisian cafe this week, but to the grandeur of London, dear friends.
As we settle in for this enchanting voyage, let's just say that pink is absolutely the colour in London in 1931. It's popping up in everything from frocks to hats, even those adorable, tiny parasols ladies are using to shield themselves from the sunshine (and the ever-present, but undeniably stylish, smog). You'll be surprised at the number of shades of pink we find – there's rose, coral, and even a vibrant fuchsia that practically shouts for attention. So if you want a tip on the must-have colour to rock next time you're having a delightful afternoon tea at the Savoy, pink is the shade of the moment!
Oh! I must tell you about an absolute dream I had the other night, in a tutu, naturally. In my dream, I had the most incredible, feather-light pink tutu. It had the fluffiest layers of tulle, shimmering with tiny sequins, and I swear, I felt as light as a feather. But I had an odd dream, too. I found myself on the stage of the Royal Opera House, about to twirl my heart out in a dance with my dear friend, who was also, mysteriously, in a pink tutu (we are rather close like that, even our subconscious knows!) – How amazing would that be?, I thought to myself in my sleep.
It wasn't just my dreams that were brimming with tutus. The world of ballet, oh my dear friends, is positively buzzing with activity. London was a true hive of culture.
I’ve just spent an absolutely heavenly afternoon at the Covent Garden Opera House, where I’ve just witnessed an enthralling performance of Swan Lake. The entire stage seemed to melt away into this breathtaking panorama of sparkling water, delicate lily pads, and swan wings shimmering in the spotlight. It's just the sort of performance that stays with you, weaving itself into your dreams and leaving you with an invigorated spirit, wouldn't you agree? And let me tell you, the tutus in this performance? Oh, my dear, they were spectacular. I especially loved the swans' delicate, flowy tutus. And let me just whisper this: if you can't get to Covent Garden, there's always the Ballet Rambert, offering another brilliant performance at the Mercury Theatre – an exceptional troupe, with equally enchanting costumes.
Now, just a little back to our pink tutu theme. This delightful shade is definitely not confined to just tutus or fancy dress! Even in 1931, the trendiest of ladies are wearing it, from pink cashmere sweaters, ( perfect for nippy afternoons and brisk walks, I’ll have you know, ) to little floral prints - it really adds that je ne sais quoi ( I had to add a bit of French there, don't you agree?). I even spotted a dashing young fellow with a vibrant pink pocket square. The man knows how to stand out from the crowd and add that little bit of pizzazz – and if there is a little of the flamboyant in your character, who doesn’t adore a pink bowtie for that je ne sais quoi?
A Tutu’s Journey Through Time: From 1931 to Now 🕰️Let’s jump back in time a little… A grand, classical ballet with graceful dancers in elaborate tutus. That is the essence of ballet during this time! We’re talking beautiful designs with billowing, delicate tulle that flowed so freely as the dancers pirouetted and arabesqued their way across the stage, much like an ethereal ballerina swan in my little daydream, dear friends.
Imagine this scene: The year is 1931, the setting is the glamorous Royal Opera House in London. You hear the grand orchestra warming up, with that hint of hushed excitement as the lights begin to dim, and the atmosphere in the auditorium starts to vibrate with the anticipation of the performance, I do love a well-practiced, dramatic hush! The spotlight comes on. And on the stage? Ballet dancers adorned with tulle tutus. They're just a few examples of what tutu styles were gracing stages during this incredible time. It’s really inspiring, isn't it? It truly was the Golden Age of ballet.
And wouldn’t you know it, the influence of this golden age in ballet extended right to the world of fashion! I know how we all love fashion ( I love it almost as much as pink tutus!) ,and even with those sleek flapper dresses that ruled the 1920s, that era wasn't just a few simple layers of silky fabric! This particular type of tulle tutus became the darling of ballet fashion in the 1930s, so this really speaks volumes for just how beautiful they were in those days. It seems that history truly does have a way of repeating itself, my darling tutu-lovers. This elegant style has been reinvented time and again for ballets across the ages! Even in our modern times, with its trends of contemporary and eclectic fashions, the tutus of the past still stand strong, with the grace and allure that draws the eye to every twirl and leap.
And oh my goodness, dear tutu lovers, we must take a moment to acknowledge how far tutu technology has come. Remember that delicate tulle that was almost invisible in early days of ballet? You really had to hold your breath for fear of them tearing. Well, my darlings, how grateful are we now, in our advanced era, for new, miracle materials? Just imagine dancing all day in something so delicate! Luckily, those ballet fairies from way back then would be impressed at how much stronger those tutus are now. So when I slip on my pink tulle tutu these days, I do appreciate how it stays perfect for the long performance hours!
And as I do every #TutuTuesday, I leave you with an inspired thought, and it’s this, my dearest tutu lovers, to dance through life, twirling with the joy, lightheartedness, and confidence of a ballerina, and always embrace your inner pink, tutu-wearing girl.
Until next Tuesday! 💖🩰
Just a quick note:Travel through time isn't exactly the easiest! There are those pesky little time-space paradoxes to consider ( trust me, it is NOT as fun as it looks in the movies). I’m fortunate to fund these time-travels ( yes, really) with the generous funds from my ballet performances. After all, who could say no to an enchanting, shimmering performance by a lovely, tutu-wearing girl who loves all things pretty and, shall we say, pink? (wink wink)
Please let me know what you think, my lovely tutu lovers, and if there are any dates in tutu history that you'd love for me to cover next week. Don’t forget to share your own favourite tutu memories or share my blog on social media. The more the merrier, and I'd love to share your passion with my fellow tutu fans!
Until next time,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
*#TutuTuesday #BalletHistory #FashionHistory #PinkTutus #TimeTravel #Ballerina *
PS: My tutu collection is growing every week - and with my new tutu storage unit - I just may need a bigger room in my Derbyshire home!
Additional Content to Add for Your Tutu History Blog PostHere are some additional ideas to flesh out the blog post:
More Fashion Inspiration:
- “Pink Fashion Must-Haves”: Include some pink-tastic ideas for readers based on the styles of the 1930s. Think pink handbags, brooches, gloves, or hair accessories.
- “Shop Pink Tutu Chic”: Recommend some stores (online or local) where readers can buy their own tutus.
- "Let’s Discuss!": Start a discussion thread, asking your readers: what pink pieces of fashion are they loving right now? Share the love!
- Vintage Inspiration: Include photos or links to vintage photos of ballerinas from the era in their gorgeous tutus.
More on 1930s Ballet:
- Spotlight on Choreographers: Mention other influential choreographers working at this time: like Léonide Massine, or Serge Diaghilev, highlighting how they changed the direction of ballet with new techniques, costumes, and themes!
* Ballet Across the World: *Talk about the development of ballet outside of London, for example the growth of ballet in New York during this era.
Creative and Interactive Content:
"Dance Party": Encourage readers to post videos of themselves dancing in tutus - pink ones, naturally!
- "Tutu Contest": Run a competition where your followers send in pictures of themselves wearing the most amazing pink tutus.
Don't forget to link your post on your social media channels and interact with your followers. Let your passion shine! 💖
