Hello my lovely tutu-loving darlings! Welcome back to another instalment of #TutuTuesday, where we journey through time to uncover the captivating history of the ballet tutu! Today marks a very special occasion - post number 5170! And to celebrate, we're taking a little trip back to 1931. Hold onto your tiaras, ladies, as we're about to dive into a whirlwind of history, fashion, and of course, tutus!
From Derbyshire to the Big Apple
Now, if you’re a regular reader, you know that I, Emma, hail from the lovely county of Derbyshire, England. My heart beats for all things pink and fluffy, and a passion for dance has fuelled my desire to travel the world in my very own pink tutu. My secret? Ballet, of course! Every trip back in time is paid for by a little twirl or two on the stage - the love of dance keeps me going. This week, our voyage has brought us to New York City, the heart of American culture, buzzing with jazz and the glamorous era of flappers.
1931: The Golden Age of Ballet
Now, you might not immediately picture 1931 as the era of the tutu, but you'd be surprised! In 1931, ballet was experiencing a beautiful renaissance. New York's very own Metropolitan Opera House played host to a brilliant, new generation of ballet companies. Think of companies like the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, founded by the legendary Sergei Diaghilev. This company featured stars like the majestic Alexandra Danilova and the sensational Leonide Massine. It was during this time that Diaghilev, a true visionary, revolutionised ballet costumes - moving away from the classical white tutus to embracing bold colours, exotic fabrics, and innovative silhouettes. And can you imagine? They even designed costumes that reflected the changing fashion trends of the time - oh my, wouldn't you love to peek into their fashion archive?
A Peek at the 1931 Trends
Let’s rewind a bit and talk fashion, because for me, there’s nothing more exciting than how trends weave themselves through history! The year 1931 was the perfect time to be a fashionista. In a world where comfort reigned, loose, flowing dresses, inspired by the likes of Coco Chanel, were all the rage. These outfits were designed to provide freedom of movement, a notion perfectly suited for dancers. Can you see how these effortless designs influenced ballet costumes of the era? Imagine these flowing silks, swirling on stage! I’m sure those long dresses looked absolutely beautiful, their fabric swirling with each pirouette. Now, let’s get a little whimsical…
Twirling Through the Day: The 1931 Tutu
If you thought tutus were just for ballerinas in 1931, then you are absolutely wrong, my dears! In that fabulous year, there was a resurgence of the tutu - but in the world of fashion! They were making their way onto evening wear and cocktail gowns. Talk about versatile! Imagine, wearing your pink tutu with a glitzy pair of evening shoes! And why wouldn’t you, when a tutu is so easy to wear? No need to struggle with buttons and fussy straps - simply slip on your tutu and twirl! And in 1931, everyone was about that whimsical fashion magic! It was an era of experimentation - short, flirty dresses, daringly short skirts, and yes, you guessed it - tutus!
Twirl On, 1931
If there's anything that I've learned from my journey back in time to this date in 1931, it's that the tutu isn't just a symbol of grace and beauty; it's a reflection of the times. Whether gracing the stages of New York or the glittering floors of social gatherings, it embodied the carefree spirit of the age. It’s also a wonderful reminder that, throughout history, ballet has held a place of honour in the world of fashion. Now that's what I call tutu power!
So, there you have it, my darling tutu-lovers. Don’t forget to catch my next #TutuTuesday blog, as I journey through more enchanting tales of tutu history, and let’s face it - you won’t want to miss a single twirl.
Until then, may your week be filled with the grace of ballet and the sparkle of a pink tutu!
Emma
xxx
