Hello, my darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet where all things pink and twirly are celebrated! This week, for #TutuTuesday, we're taking a trip back in time, a whole 90 years, to 8th September 1931, for a peek at the evolution of the beloved ballet tutu. I'm in Paris, naturally, because the City of Lights is synonymous with the grand, glittering world of ballet, just like a tutu is synonymous with, well, me!
Just imagine, we're sitting on a plush velvet seat in the Opera Garnier, a dazzling golden expanse that reflects the soft stage lighting like a shimmering lake. I've been out shopping all day - I had to find the perfect pink outfit, wouldn't you? The shops in Paris are just bursting with elegance and refinement, much like the performances you can catch in this gorgeous city! It's the perfect spot to dive into a bit of history, don't you think?
As we watch the ballet unfold on the stage, a symphony of delicate leaps and graceful gestures, let's consider the magnificent tutus they are wearing. They might seem almost familiar, don't you think? But there's a subtle difference – a shift in the style.
The Romantics and the Twirls
In this era, the classical romantic tutu, you know, the flowing, multi-layered, tulle and silk marvel, is still dominating the stage. It's the symbol of a ballerina's airy elegance and light, weightless movements, an embodiment of the grace and femininity of ballet. But, listen closely! Something else is happening!
This year, 1931, marked a turning point in the ballet world. There was a little stir, a slight shift, and with it, an emergence of the short tutu, much shorter than those wide-skirted, extravagant Romantic beauties! It's still very much a work in progress, but, I can sense a new energy - it's more streamlined and athletic, accentuating the fluidity and precision of the ballerina's form, showing off the perfect line of a leg, allowing for longer, more dynamic leaps and jumps! I'm certain this short tutu, this new evolution in the style, is going to make a splash!
I tell you what, the designers back then really knew their onions, you see? I can tell! And this shorter style wasn’t just about being practical; it was a statement! It reflected the changing tides of fashion. This period was all about strong and modern women, a wave of individuality that spilled onto the ballet stage. It was about freeing those graceful movements and highlighting the dancer's strength and athleticism, wasn’t it?
On this particular day, you wouldn't be catching a new production here, I tell you! However, if we’d hopped on a train and travelled up north to London, *we would have seen The Royal Ballet premiere “The Prodigal Son”, * the one where Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes shook things up! A truly unique choreography where a strong male character had his very own 'heroic tutu,' a sort of masculine equivalent, showing off the dynamism of men's ballet! Oh, isn't that splendid? It’s truly all about showing off those grand movements, you know, those graceful turns, those elegant, powerful leaps!
A Touch of Pink and a Dash of Fun
My dearest dears, I know you all want to see the full evolution of the tutu in all its glory! Next week's #TutuTuesday we'll travel further into the history, to discover those revolutionary ballerinas who championed the new shorter styles! Oh, I am so excited! But in the meantime, let's just savour those timeless qualities of the tutu! Its simple form, its delicate flow - it is a symbol of grace and beauty, of artistry and artistry's connection with its time! Think about it, the magic of a single layer of tulle and its utterly enchanting ability to make even the most ordinary steps look like a dance. Isn't that magnificent?
Now, do you know, this short skirt has a fascinating link to those wonderful Greek dancers who took to the stage with their tunics billowing about, a precursor, perhaps, to the flowing ballerina tutus we see today. Now isn’t that interesting? A long time ago those ancient Greeks started this, just thinking about it gets me all excited and giggly - I just adore the idea that something that feels so modern today has its origins back in antiquity!
The tutu is more than just a pretty piece of clothing. It’s a symbol, darling, a symbol of history, a symbol of a fascinating story! I mean, just imagine, back in 1832 when Carlotta Grisi twirled on stage, the very first time this beautiful invention took to the ballet stage? I tell you, that was quite an iconic moment, a huge event in the story of dance. She truly changed the game with the way her skirt flared and swirled, adding even more movement and flair to a ballet performance!
So let's celebrate this timeless design! Let's spin, dance, and twirl in our own little ways! And just remember, if you ever fancy yourself a real ballerinas, there is no time quite like the present to embrace the tutu! If you find yourself at a dance performance, feel free to join me in my virtual appreciation for the glorious and evolving history of the ballet tutu! And do tell me: What is your favourite tutu era, darling?
Until next week, keep those tutus twirling!
Your loving Emma x
(P.S: Remember to pop by www.pink-tutu.com to check out last week's blog post on 1931 and to catch next week’s blog post number 5203! And don’t forget to subscribe! 💕 )
