#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History: A Dance Through the Decades - 5184 - 5th May 1931
Hello darlings, and welcome to another week of Pink-Tutu and my fascination with ballet's most glamorous garment - the tutu! Today, I'm taking us on a journey to the year 1931, to the very heart of ballet's golden era, a time when grace and artistry truly held sway.
Let's take the express train to London, my absolute favourite place in the whole wide world! Think swirling smoke from engines, steam puffing from the windows, and the luxurious plush red seats that whisper tales of adventure and culture. It's the most glamorous way to arrive in the big city!
It's May 5th 1931, and London is buzzing! There's a wonderful sense of excitement in the air, and it's all thanks to the theatre, darlings! Everyone is talking about The Sleeping Beauty! Yes, the enchanting fairytale brought to life on the stage, performed by the Royal Ballet! I can almost hear the tinkling of the ballerina's bells as they dance the night away.
But let's talk about tutus! Imagine, if you will, the stunning, long, classical tutu! It's an explosion of movement and romance. Think layers upon layers of delicate tulle that move and swish with each step, and all crafted to make our ballerina's legs look long and lithe. Picture it swirling in a wave of pastel pink and flowing with the music. Just thinking about it gives me the most wonderful tingling feeling of joy!
Did you know that in 1931 the Royal Ballet still favoured the traditional Romantic Tutu for their ballets? These tutus were simply stunning with their layers of soft, feathery tulle, forming a skirt that resembled the delicate wings of a fairy. They were the epitome of romance and a true reflection of the feminine beauty the ballet represented. Of course, this wasn't just about the tutus, the beauty of this style is in how it flows and creates a symphony of movements that echo the enchanting melodies.
1931 was a turning point for the development of the tutu. The long, romantic style was still a favourite but now there was a new kid on the block, and what a kid! The Classical Tutu, darling, is the creation that will change the world! It has a shorter length than its romantic predecessor. But this is where it really becomes magical - the Classical Tutu gives the ballerina even more freedom of movement, it flows gracefully and allows them to explore every step, leap, and turn, making each pirouette even more stunning. Imagine, this fabulous Classical Tutu can almost take flight!
Imagine my darling, a world full of these tutus! Each one telling a story, with different colours and textures to suit the performance. A story whispered in softest whispers of blush, lilac and ivory. Can't you just imagine, walking the streets of London and being enveloped in a sea of these exquisite tutus? How elegant!
Today, I'm celebrating the magic of these tutus by taking you back to one of my absolute favourite performances: The Sleeping Beauty. The Sleeping Beauty is more than just a fairytale, it's an explosion of emotions - beauty, sadness, bravery, and triumph. It's a timeless tale of love and courage told through the grace of movement and, of course, those dazzling tutus! The music alone, composed by Tchaikovsky, brings a smile to my face - oh it's just so perfect for ballet, especially when those swirling tutus appear!
But it wasn't just London in 1931 that was consumed with the love for ballet, darlings! There were, and still are, so many other countries all over the world embracing this form of artistic beauty. Itโs truly a universal language! Think of Russia, the homeland of so many iconic ballerinas, and how their dance reflects the beautiful stories of their culture.
Just the other day, I saw an extraordinary film, The Red Shoes, with Moira Shearer. Itโs the perfect combination of dancing and film. It captured the magic of the world of ballet with every twist and twirl. The film reminded me, you can't separate a tutu from a ballet story. The stories and the movements of a ballerina in her glorious tutu - are all intertwined!
In Paris, the iconic Opera Garnier , stands as a temple to the beauty of dance! Itโs a magical place, and just like all the incredible cities and countries that love ballet - London, Paris, St Petersburg - it reflects the culture and its artistic heartbeat, all wrapped up in a whirlwind of those exquisite tutus.
As for me, my darling, this journey back in time to 1931 has been simply divine! To experience ballet at its peak, with these Romantic Tutues and the emerging Classical Tutu - it just makes me fall in love with the story of this elegant garment all over again. It makes me wonder how much further this magnificent story can continue to inspire the world with beauty and artistry. What new style might emerge? How will the next decade evolve those graceful layers of tulle? Oh the excitement! I can hardly wait to see!
Now, don't forget to join me again next #TutuTuesday for a brand-new journey through the exciting history of ballet tutus, all found here on pink-tutu.com. Have a wonderful week, my darlings, and may all your dreams be as graceful as a pirouette, and may you always find the joy and sparkle in wearing your favourite, most glorious, tutu!
Until then, let your tutus be your wings! ๐โจ
P.S. Have you seen my new blush pink satin ballet pumps, perfect for Tutu Tuesdays with a matching pink satin bag? Available now at the pink-tutu shop! ๐