Hello lovelies! Emma here, your resident pink tutu aficionado, and it's #TutuTuesday! This week, I've hopped in my trusty time machine and travelled all the way back to May 19th, 1931. This year, it seems, is all about elegant lines and a splash of glamour, with a little touch of rebellion thrown in for good measure. Oh, the excitement!
We're kicking things off in Paris, where the dance scene is buzzing with new talent. The Paris Opera Ballet, that legendary institution, is staging a revival of "Giselle," with a gorgeous, romantic new choreography by Serge Lifar, the company's lead dancer and the choreographer of the moment. Just imagine those swirling tutus, the delicate costumes, and the pure grace of the dancers. Truly magical!
Speaking of magic, I've just seen the most divine silk chiffon tutus, perfect for recreating that dreamy Parisian flair! And just you wait, dear readers, I'll be showcasing some lovely pink versions of these tutus in next week's post - they're simply divine!
But it's not just in Paris that tutus are captivating the world. I hopped on the train to London - my goodness, such a journey! The first class compartment had velvet seats and tea service, simply divine. But anyway, the London dance scene is alive with its own vibrant energy. This week, the Royal Opera House is showcasing a performance of "Swan Lake," one of the grand ballets, with its own unique twist on the traditional story. A little sneak peek at a little something exciting - they are making use of innovative lighting techniques to create the most captivating underwater effect for the famous black swan. Just you wait, darlings, I'll be talking more about the wonders of theatrical lighting in the coming weeks.
But my travel adventures didn't end there, oh no! My next stop - a glamorous journey across the pond, to Hollywood! Here, the glamour is at a whole new level, and let's not forget those gorgeous dancing sequences in the musicals! You see, darling, while Paris and London are showcasing the elegance of classical ballet, in America, they are exploring a more modern take on the tutu. The dancers in musicals like "Gold Diggers of 1933" and "Flying Down to Rio" have traded in the classic tutus for more revealing, sparkly and glamorous options, that are almost like "cocktail party dresses". Can you imagine, darling? They even have tutus in bright reds and oranges and blues, even golds - it's so vibrant!
And let's not forget those fabulous dancing costumes - feathers, sequins, sparkles galore, all meant to showcase that unique Hollywood glamour. And those tutus, darling! I simply adored the sheer extravagance of it all. A blend of practicality and stunning looks - the tutu, redesigned for the modern woman who has no time for just standing and dancing; they can be a dazzling part of the action-packed movie scenes. Imagine waltzing with Fred Astaire!
Now, while the tutu may not be quite as prevalent in everyday life as in the grand Parisian theatres, it has made its mark on popular culture, becoming a symbol of female empowerment. There is nothing quite as captivating and elegant as a dancing woman in a perfectly fitted tutu!
But this isn't all, dear reader! It's a period of artistic change. The renowned dancer Martha Graham is causing quite a stir with her ground-breaking choreographic style that embraces dramatic movements, powerful emotions and storytelling - something new and entirely different than the classical forms that reigned supreme till now! She's bringing bold, expressive movement to the stage, and in my humble opinion, that deserves its own round of applause.
There is, however, a slight twist in the tail. In London, the economy is grappling with the Great Depression. This, in turn, impacts the arts scene - funding becomes an obstacle for many performances. And let’s face it, when there is no financial support, performances are scarce!
And with this reminder, my dearies, comes the need to be a good sport! You see, these are difficult times. This is the moment for everyone to do their bit for the arts scene. Whether it’s attending a ballet show, buying a vintage tutu (which are, as it happens, making a comeback!), or donating to an arts charity, we all can play a part!
For my final word for the week - let's take a moment to cherish the power and magic of tutus! They are, after all, symbols of grace, creativity, and feminine power! And as I hop back to my own time with a sigh of satisfaction, I hope you feel inspired to rock your own tutu this week, darlings.
Until next Tuesday, I remain,
Your enthusiastic ballerina, Emma.
P.S. * Don't forget to check out the latest selection of pink tutus available on our website, *www.pink-tutu.com . There are some seriously gorgeous new additions, and just you wait - you’ll adore them. I also recommend my favourite vintage tutu store which is just around the corner.
Don't be a stranger, dearies! Follow me on all social media platforms - you can find me under "PinkTutuEmma" - and be sure to tag me in all your gorgeous tutu pictures!
