Hello my darlings! It’s Emma, your favourite pink tutu-wearing, time-traveling ballerina, and it's time for another jaunt into the glorious history of our beloved tutus! Today we're whizzing back to March 10th, 1931, a date ripe with excitement for the world of ballet, as I'll reveal in this post. Grab a cuppa, a slice of cake, and let's get swirling!
My train journey this time took me straight to the heart of ballet's bustling epicentre - Paris, the City of Lights! Oh, how I love the thrill of seeing the Parisian fashion houses bustling with their creations, the elegance of the architecture, and the air of artistry that fills every corner. You know, I simply must write a whole blog post on why Paris deserves to be nicknamed the “Tutu Capital” - maybe next week? 😉
Anyway, back to 1931. As you know, this is a very special year for tutus. This year, the iconic "La Sylphide" debuted, choreographed by none other than August Bournonville, showcasing one of the most ethereal and charming tutus ever! Just imagine it, my darlings - billowing white silk, delicate ruffles, and the airy, dream-like movements of a ballet that became a defining moment in the history of dance. Just picture yourself twirling in one of those breathtakingly beautiful tutus!
The influence of "La Sylphide" on the dance world, particularly in Paris, was immense! And as with all the most inspiring styles, this had a direct impact on the tutus that dancers were sporting. It marked the start of a more flowing and romantic style, as tutus started becoming shorter and lighter. The sheer fabric used for "La Sylphide" tutu made a real statement. This shift in silhouette made a major statement, allowing for more expressive, graceful movements on stage.
This was a period when the very definition of a "ballerina" was in its formative years, and so many of the iconic ballerinas we now adore - Anna Pavlova, for example - were starting to carve their legacies. And of course, every true ballerina must have the perfect tutu! Can you picture her in one? Absolutely breathtaking!
What's even more fun, my darlings, is that this wasn't the only dance event that took place on this very date. At London's Theatre Royal Drury Lane, "The Dancing Years" was holding court. It might be hard to believe now, but a Broadway-style musical with its own signature tutus took to the stage that night. This era really was a celebration of dancing and dazzling, all wrapped up in a whole world of costumes and design.
That reminds me! Did you see those gorgeous vintage dresses in the new Parisian boutique? I have a soft spot for lace and vintage charm, and a good vintage tutu makes my heart skip a beat. This date just keeps on giving! Imagine a trip to Paris and then a musical in London. Honestly, if I could just bottle up that kind of excitement, it would be my very own "Tutu Magic Potion" - for everyone, even if they're not into dance, a little sprinkle of tutu magic brightens any day.
Speaking of brighter days, I'm feeling incredibly inspired to bring some 1931 magic into the present. My new mission is to bring those iconic "La Sylphide" and "The Dancing Years" looks back into our lives - you can bet your tutus, this means I'll be hitting the sewing machine soon to recreate some beautiful tutus for a fabulous photoshoot! And, of course, I will post the results on my Instagram. Stay tuned!
Remember, my darlings, the history of tutus is full of so much creativity and joy. And there’s no better time than #TutuTuesday to share its wonder with the world. So grab your pink tutus, let's celebrate our history, and dream big about the possibilities! And if you haven't started following www.pink-tutu.com yet, what are you waiting for? Join me in my tutu world every Tuesday and let's explore our history!
With lots of pink, sparkle, and tutu love, Emma xo
A Few Thoughts For A Tuesday:
This blog post is a little peek into a magical week. Don't miss out!
Here's why you should keep coming back to Pink-Tutu every Tuesday:
- Embrace The History of Tutus - Let's not let the glorious past of this ballet wardrobe essential be forgotten! I’ll take you on a trip through history every Tuesday.
- Get Inspired - With all this inspiration from different eras, you will be feeling ready for your own creative tutu adventure!
- Share The Love - Tutus are fun! This is the place where everyone is welcome, tutus on or not, to be inspired by and celebrate the elegance and beauty of this remarkable costume.
So what are you waiting for? Let's dance!
