#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1931-11-03

Hello, darling dears! It's your favourite tutu-tastic time traveller, Emma, back with another whirlwind adventure through the fascinating world of the tutu! Today, we're whisking back to November 3rd, 1931, a time when the ballet world was positively buzzing with excitement. Now, settle in with a cuppa and a slice of cake (a raspberry éclair, perhaps?), and let's delve into the history of the tutu… in pink, of course!

(The clickety-clack of train wheels against the rails fills the air, as Emma bursts onto the scene, a dazzling vision in a candy pink tulle tutu and matching feather boa)

Now, I know you're all eager for the gossip, and believe me, I’ve got a juicy tale to tell. But first, I absolutely must stop by my favourite little haberdashery in Paris, just off the Rue de Rivoli, to pick up some shimmering new sequins! This shop is a dream come true! You can't imagine the sheer quantity of fabulous fabrics - lace, satin, velvet, and tulle, oh my! Just browsing amongst those rolls of rainbow colours is enough to send any tutu-lover into a state of bliss!

(Emma twirls, shimmering sequins catching the light)

Ah, but I digress. Let's get back to our trip in time! This time around, we find ourselves on the other side of the Channel, here in Paris, the capital of the world for fashion and, of course, ballet! And oh, the tutu story here is truly remarkable.

November 3rd, 1931, marks the first performance of a groundbreaking ballet: “Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme”, choreographed by the legendary Serge Diaghilev and his Ballets Russes company! It was quite the spectacle! You know, I actually saw it! And trust me, my darlings, it was the perfect excuse to wear my newest pink tutu – a little fluffy number adorned with sparkling stars – quite the attention grabber!

You see, this is a very important date, because it marks the beginning of the ballet world’s fascination with a certain something: the ‘tutu’ we know and love today!

(Emma adjusts her boa with a theatrical sigh)

Let me tell you, before Diaghilev’s brilliance swept through the stage, the ‘tutu’ looked quite different. Back in the day, ballerinas were stuck with restrictive, heavy skirts that were more suited for formal balls than nimble, elegant movements! Honestly, a girl could hardly even twirl properly!

But Diaghilev, the revolutionary genius, dared to challenge convention! He envisioned a new form, a graceful creation that wouldn't restrict, but rather, amplify the beauty of a ballerina’s every move.

**(Emma, a twinkle in her eye, twirls a tiny replica of a 1930s ballet tutu)

This led to the evolution of what we call the "Romantic Tutu", which revolutionized how ballerinas performed. Imagine billowing skirts of softest tulle, a vision of airy lightness and flowing grace. A complete departure from those old, clunky costumes!

And the most delightful thing? This new Romantic Tutu not only revolutionized how ballet was performed, but how it was perceived! Imagine that! You can practically feel the transformation in the air – a sense of freedom, of lightness, of sheer beauty… just as graceful as a feather dancing on a breeze! It's a captivating, powerful story that leaves you breathless!

**(Emma, suddenly caught in a flash of inspiration, throws out her arms)

I can't help but think – the revolution of the Romantic Tutu was so inspiring, it sparked a wave of fashion and design! It even crossed over to other spheres! Look at all the lovely ladies' fashions of the era. And not just the haute couture, but for the everyday! You can see the airy, graceful lines of the Romantic Tutu influencing all sorts of garments, from the everyday dresses to glamorous evening gowns. Just picture those flowing, translucent fabrics, the gentle ripples, the intricate lace details, a true celebration of feminine beauty!

And as a time traveller who lives for ballet and everything it inspires, I just have to tell you, that's the true magic of ballet! It's all about transformation and the sheer artistry of expressing something truly special! That, my darlings, is why ballet continues to captivate us, even today, all thanks to those beautiful, daring tutus!

Speaking of today! Did you know? Here in Paris, we're having quite a soirée today, hosted by the Comédie Française! The most elegant and accomplished theater in the entire city, wouldn't you say? A perfect blend of classic and chic, they offer a truly unparalleled experience! The entire French fashion scene is out in full force, and, well, I certainly must join them in wearing my very best! *(Emma, now holding a gorgeous satin purse) *

I shall not be found without my newest accessory: a magnificent silver clutch encrusted with amethyst and sparkling rhinestones. It's absolutely exquisite, and just perfect for this chic event.

And what could possibly go better with an elegant, timeless handbag than a brand new, sparkling pink tutu? Just picture it: a symphony of tulle, silk, sequins and... well, more sequins! Oh my, it will be quite the affair!* It makes me wonder: what sartorial wonders might our future fashionistas have in store?

You know, every now and again, I just get this overwhelming urge to spread the joy of tutus and their extraordinary history! This wonderful world is meant to be shared, wouldn’t you agree? The freedom of twirling, the exhilaration of performance, and that unmistakable air of romance? It truly is a magical world.

Perhaps you too have found yourself drawn to this extraordinary realm? It's never too late to embark on your own Tutu Time Travel adventure! Start by wearing a pink tutu, and who knows? You might just find your inner ballerina and be transported to a world where imagination and elegance take center stage.

So, until next week's #TutuTuesday, darlings! Don’t forget to twirl, sparkle and embrace all things pink, for there’s magic in every tulle skirt!

(Emma bows with a final flourish, and with a wink disappears in a puff of pink smoke)