Hello, darlings! It's Emma here, your trusty tutu-clad guide through the whimsical world of ballet history, back with another Tutu Tuesday for you!
This week we're whisking back in time, my loves, to the enchanting year of 1931! Think Art Deco elegance, flapper dresses, and, of course, the captivating allure of the ballet! I’ve just travelled from Derbyshire, England, on the train – oh how I love that clickety-clack – and arrived in the bustling, glittering metropolis of … well, let’s just say, a city overflowing with dance and culture! Can you guess where? You can follow my blog www.pink-tutu.com each week to find out where in the world my travels have taken me.
Today’s Tutu Tuesday, darling readers, isn't just about the grace of ballerinas in their twirls – though oh, how I adore that, you already know that! - it’s also about how the magic of tutus evolved into the dazzling spectacle they are today.
Imagine, lovelies, the year is 1931. The world is recovering from a big, bad world war, but hope and creativity are flourishing! Fashion is making a statement, from the glamorous sheen of silk to the playful charm of dropped waists and feather boas.
And in the world of dance, well, a new chapter is unfolding! Ballet, my sweet loves, is captivating hearts in the grand opera houses and intimate theatres across the globe. This era, you see, marked a turning point for ballet. Gone are the rigid, predictable performances of the past – instead, dancers are now embracing bolder moves and expressive freedom!
Take, for example, the "Balanchine Revolution" - did you know that our fabulous George Balanchine was changing the landscape of ballet with his innovative and captivating ballets? I adore how he broke with tradition! It’s so freeing! With bold choreography, streamlined costumes, and a daringly dynamic approach, he injected a newfound vivacity into the world of ballet. His dancers, so elegant and fierce, were a symphony of colour and grace! Just imagine! I adore this era’s ballets with their story and emotion, don't you?
But before we lose ourselves in the grand waltz, let's take a peek at the actual tutus worn by our dancing darlings in 1931. Think layers of fine tulle – delicate and light as a feather – gathered and sewn with meticulous precision, creating a fluffy and exquisite silhouette that danced in every swirl. They were, of course, mainly in white, reminding us of purity and innocence, the ultimate in balletic charm.
However, in 1931, we did start seeing a shift. In addition to traditional white, pastel hues were gaining favour. Pale pink, pale blue, lilac - oh my! – these softer colours began adding a subtle note of individuality to these stunning dance outfits.
The silhouettes were also taking on a new look. The iconic bell-shaped tutus with layers of tulle are, of course, still adored in ballet – and if you don’t adore them you are simply not being your best self! - but in 1931, there was a trend towards sleek, streamlined shapes, with shorter skirts that allowed the dancers to move with newfound grace and flexibility.
This time period also saw a lot of tutus being decorated with beads and sequins, adding a dash of glamorous sparkle!
I have to confess, even back in 1931, a little pink tutu would have taken me to my happy place! Can you imagine a symphony of swirling pink tutus across the stage? Pure magic, darling readers, pure magic! And you know me, it doesn’t matter what era we are in, I'm on a mission to make everyone look their best in a pink tutu!
Speaking of fabulous shows, let's step into a time machine and teleport to today’s date in 1931: February 17th! This day was nothing short of exciting – at least in the ballet world.
What happened? Well, darlings, imagine this: On February 17th, 1931, the ballet "La Fille Mal Gardée" - "The Ill-Governed Girl", my lovely dears! - premiered at the Opera Garnier in Paris. Now that was a big moment! This ballet, featuring those dazzling tutus and captivating choreography, truly captured the heart of Paris! And of course, ballet is so beautifully French and Parisian. There is a certain "Je ne sais quoi". I do adore the Parisian ballet style, I think its so charming, don’t you think so?
Oh, I just adore getting lost in the world of ballet and all those charming historical costumes. They are a testament to creativity and craftsmanship. Every ruffle, every stitch, and every colour tells a story. Just like my favourite pink tutus, each of those lovely historical designs reveals a different part of the fascinating dance history and how far we have come since then!
You know, darlings, as a dedicated Tutu Tuesday blogger, my mission in life is to make sure every single person on this planet experiences the wonder of wearing a tutu, whether it's a soft and delicate ballet tutu, a fun and flirty street tutu, or a shimmering theatrical masterpiece! It is quite important for me that each tutu should be an exquisite statement, adding a sprinkle of “pink-tutu magic” to their wardrobe. But of course, if you prefer a purple tutu, feel free! Let’s make our tutu styles so varied that they express the unique style and character of every one of you! That’s my big, pink tutu dream, you see.
Well, I need to jet back to the future! But remember my dears, just like a graceful dancer leaping into the spotlight, never hesitate to add a little pink to your life! And please come back next week for my next #TutuTuesday. And of course, if you would like to ask me anything, do leave a comment on my website - www.pink-tutu.com!
Until then, happy twirling! 💖
Your favourite Tutu-Clad Blogger, Emma
