#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1932-05-03

Welcome back, dears, to my little corner of the internet, www.pink-tutu.com! It’s Tuesday, which means it’s time for a trip down memory lane with your favourite time-travelling ballerina – that’s me, Emma, bringing you the very best in #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History! Today, I’m off to the 1930s, darlings! I simply adore the glamorous, chic vibes of this era – the elegant lines, the feminine silhouettes, and of course, the divine tutus!

Blog Post Number: 5236

Today's date is 3rd May, 1932, and I've just hopped off the train in the heart of London. I've come to catch the opening night of Diaghilev's Ballets Russes. The legendary impresario, Serge Diaghilev, had such a huge impact on dance and the arts; he really took ballet to a whole new level! Diaghilev’s dancers, who had left their mark on the world with the dazzlingly avant-garde Ballet Russes, were performing in London at this time. Can you imagine the sheer excitement! The Covent Garden Theatre is packed, every seat filled with a mixture of the artistic, social and royal elite. I’ve slipped into a divine pink, shimmering silk tutu for the occasion. It's the perfect match for my matching bolero jacket and sparkling crystal pumps!

A Vision in Pink!

London is buzzing with the excitement of spring. Everywhere you look, women are rocking dresses with lovely feminine lines – you know, with those lovely nipped waists and flowing skirts. And of course, I’m taking inspiration! While a little pink silk tutu isn’t the most practical everyday wear (it does catch the wind a little too much for the London Tube!), I can certainly imagine adapting its flowy skirt for a dazzling daytime ensemble. Perhaps a pink tea-gown, complete with ruffled tiers and a wide sash, is the perfect way to channel a bit of Ballet Russes magic into my own wardrobe?

I’ve been reading up on the history of the tutu, you know, for research for these posts. There's a whole fascinating journey behind how those pretty, delicate, and floaty garments have evolved. It all started in the Romantic Era – that era of gorgeous gowns and grand romantic ballets – with that dreamy, floating, “almost weightless” look for ballet dancers. Think Giselle and La Sylphide – absolutely ethereal! It’s like stepping into a storybook world! You could easily imagine an elegant ballet dancer floating on a cloud with such costumes. These romantic, flowy tutus came to be called "tutu romantiques."

By the 1880s, another important type of tutu had become very popular, particularly in French and Russian ballets. These were the "tutu-s plates." Think, “plate-like”, or very structured. I’m imagining a circular skirt, a flat, “plate” effect, but that was actually supported by layers of stiff fabric. They would create a wonderful shape!

I simply can't wait to see how the Ballets Russes dancers wear their tutus in this iconic 1930s performance. It will be so captivating to see how those amazing, powerful dancers use their tutus in their beautiful, powerful, passionate performances!

Dance Dreams, Fashion Fables

There’s something truly special about how ballet combines dance, fashion, and theatre – it’s a whole world in its own right! The elegance, grace, and artistry of the dancers all work together in a breathtaking fashion performance – it’s an amazing, beautiful blend of skill and creativity. And all the amazing tutus and costumes add to that magnificent story unfolding on stage – it's just so wonderful!

I'm dreaming of getting into my sparkling new pink tutu to go to Covent Garden tonight! Of course, after watching a world-class ballet, I’ll make sure to swing by London’s most amazing vintage shops for some 1930s inspiration, to try to capture that era’s classic femininity and chic, glamorous spirit. That era really does make a fantastic fashion statement. There's just so much inspiration, darling! It's a delight to browse!

That reminds me, darlings, what kind of ballet fashion inspires you? Tell me about it! What are your favourite tutus, costumes and colours? Do you enjoy going to see live ballet performances? Let’s keep the discussion flowing, and have a delightful #TutuTuesday together.

Don’t forget, I’ll be back next week, same time, same place for another blast from the past! I just know next Tuesday’s #TutuTuesday will be simply spectacular! In the meantime, do you have a pink tutu to wear? Go for it, dears. Go pink! You are beautiful! And remember, don’t forget to live it up and embrace the wonderful whimsy and magic of this dazzling life!

Stay sparkling, Emma x

P.S. You know, my dear readers, it’s hard work travelling back and forth through time! It is so expensive! But my dedication to my ballet passion - I do love to go see all these amazing dance performances and explore different periods in history and I simply love seeing my fabulous pink tutus in all sorts of different styles and fabrics - does cost a little! I manage to pay for my travel with some carefully-chosen performances for fundraising concerts and charity balls and special occasions. I hope you’re enjoying all these historical tidbits from the fabulous history of ballet fashion, and maybe some of you can join me at the next event I’m planning. There's a charity dance gala in my hometown in Derbyshire – they're all going to have a wonderful time in those divine tutus I've picked out, and everyone will love my gorgeous collection of dance costumes. I'll let you know more details very soon!