Bonjour mes chéries! Emma here, your pink tutu-clad time traveller, back again from the past with another dazzling instalment of our weekly journey into ballet tutu history! This week we're jetting back to 1931 - think flapper dresses, roaring twenties jazz, and the dawn of a new age for the tutu!
Buckle up, because this trip is going to be a total hoot! This Tuesday, we're going straight to the heart of ballet - Paris. It's simply bursting with chic cafes, vibrant art, and, of course, the magic of dance. The Parisians adore their ballet, just like us! Theyâve been in love with tutus since they first swished across the stage, and 1931 was no exception.
You see, in 1931, tutus were becoming, well, seriously glamorous. Think about the dreamy silk fabrics, those intricate layers, and those exquisitely crafted details â absolutely divine! But beyond the beautiful form, the tutu itself was starting to be used in ways it never had before. Ballet choreographers were pushing boundaries and experimenting with how it moved, how it flowed, how it conveyed emotions!
Now, a little insider scoop for all you tutu aficionados - on this exact day in 1931, there was a grand premiere at the Paris OpĂ©ra. The show? "La Fille Mal GardĂ©e", a delightful tale about a naughty daughter who goes against her father's wishes for a very elegant and romantic romance. Can you guess who starred in it? Thatâs right! The one and only, Tamara Karsavina! Now, Tamara was, and still is, an absolute legend! She was known for her impeccable grace and radiant elegance, and when she waltzed onto that Parisian stage in her beautiful tutu, everyone was in awe! And darling, believe me, her performance made those tutus absolutely sing.
You know me, always the one to spot a trend, right? It was around this time that we started seeing tutus in different styles and shapes! Suddenly, it wasnât all about those grand, billowing tutus that practically swiped the floor â there were new designs emerging, and some were daringly shorter, revealing more of the dancer's legs. And then, get this â some tutus were even being made from newer, modern materials â like nylon, spandex â dare I even mention that dreaded word â lycra!
Now, I wouldnât exactly call these modern additions âbeautifulâ as we know it, but they did something rather revolutionary - they gave ballerinas freedom! They could move and dance with such grace and expression, almost like feathers fluttering in the wind. Imagine the joy of soaring across the stage, free as a bird!
It wasnât just on stage where the tutu revolution was sweeping through the world. My travels through time have shown me, tutus were becoming a symbol of the times! You see, with fashion and society taking such daring leaps, the tutu, that iconic symbol of the ballet world, was naturally a part of it! Even the ordinary folk, the fashionistas and trendsetters, they embraced the look â incorporating tutu-like flourishes into their clothing! Now, picture it - beautiful beaded silk evening dresses, with hints of that delightful tutus flare around the bottom! Iâve found so many lovely photos!
Imagine, a tutu â an item born in the elegant and beautiful world of ballet â becoming part of everyoneâs everyday life! Isn't it fantastic? And this was all happening back in 1931!
Okay, so youâre all ready for that train journey to Paris now, arenât you? Weâre going to go to the OpĂ©ra for an unforgettable show â maybe catch a glimpse of Tamara Karsavina herself. Maybe Iâll be wearing a new tutu in the same beautiful vintage pink I love - who knows!
But, until next Tuesday, my loves! Happy tutuing!
Your ever so glamorous,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
#TutuTuesday #BalletHistory #Paris #TamaraKarsavina
P.S I just have to tell you about my outfit for this time travelling escapade! Imagine a beautifully embellished pink tutu - that swishes just so beautifully! Itâs the color of pink that looks like a beautiful sunrise! Then, my favorite pale pink bolero, and delicate high-heeled shoes with a dazzling silver detail. Itâs the perfect blend of Parisian chic and ballet ballerina charm, donât you think?
Iâm just about to jet back to the 21st century. Catch you all next Tuesday, darling!
P.P.S. Be sure to leave a comment below and tell me about your favorite ballet tutus â I'd love to hear from you!
Emma xoxo
