Welcome back to #TutuTuesday, my lovely lot! This week, we're taking a trip back in time to September 13th, 1932. Hold onto your bonnets, because today's story is a right treat! 💖
As you all know, I'm a proper sucker for all things tutu! So it's always a joy for me to share a bit of their fascinating history. But as your ever-so-slightly time-travelling ballet blogger, I can actually tell you what happened right here, right now, on that September 13th in the heart of Paris, where, of course, the tutu has always held a special place!
The "Romantics" are in!
For you see, dear reader, we're right smack dab in the middle of the romantic ballet period! That means billowing, soft, and whimsical tulle creations are all the rage. The fluffy tutus from this time are positively divine, all graceful swirls and ethereal shapes. And that delicate, feminine, soft look was exactly the mood these ballerinas were aiming for. Think ethereal, elegant, and ever so slightly whimsical – oh, how I do adore it!
Now, I know what you might be thinking, "Emma, surely the tutu was around in the 1800s, right?". And you would be absolutely spot on! We owe the creation of the tutu, the true ballerina fashion icon, to that fabulous Marie Taglioni, dancing on point in her fluffy skirts. And how we all adore those historical ballets, 'Giselle' and 'La Sylphide', such beautiful tales brought to life with a simple but absolutely magical stage look. But the story continues with a dramatic change!
Changing it up: the Tutu Gets an Update!
Yes! Even tutus aren't static! And it's this "romantic" period we're discussing that introduced some rather significant shifts. Remember the classic long, billowing tutu that practically touched the floor? Well, those started to become shorter!
The "Romantic" movement in ballet pushed for more freedom in dancing and expression. So to allow for greater mobility, the tutu took on a new, less voluminous shape.
Can you believe this period also sparked a trend we still see today – the layered tutu?
Yes, all the "Romantics" are rocking some stunning multiple-layered tutus, creating a cascading, cascading effect with fluffy tulle tiers upon tiers. They're absolutely stunning!
It's about the Silhouette
The 1930s were about showcasing a ballet dancer's physique, making her grace and elegance as fluid as her dance. So we had the introduction of the "bell-shaped" tutu. This one is longer and fitted, emphasizing those beautiful, beautiful lines, and it accentuates that all-important romantic silhouette. And let's not forget those gorgeous "Romantic" tutus are made from super-fine, almost sheer tulle!
The Glamour Begins to Emerge!
But, of course, I just can't discuss ballet without discussing that fabulous theatrical glamour, right? I mean, it's one of my favourite things, especially at the opera house in Paris. Oh la la! Those 1930s ballerinas knew how to make a statement!
It was at this point in history that we really start seeing those decadent decorative flourishes, just extra embroidery, feathers, and those perfectly coordinated tutus for a whole ballet corps. You could literally smell the opulent glamour in the air, and of course, the whole look would always include the beautiful pink-hued outfits for ballerinas.
So many tutu memories!
My little diary, just writing about all these "romantic" tutus, those feather trims, is getting me all emotional!
Just imagine: a sea of ballerinas on stage, each one a dream of loveliness. There is nothing quite like a stunning classical ballet. The tutu truly does tell a tale.
This Week's Fashion Highlight
For my fashionable friends out there, let's talk about some seriously inspiring style moments this September 13th in 1932.
Oh! Did I mention that a whole group of artists was inspired to start creating amazing art inspired by the Romantic ballet movement? What amazing, romantic images of the dancers! Imagine a beautiful ballerina's silhouette as a work of art. And of course, the romantic look of tulle dresses, feather boas and a smattering of pink would inspire so many fashionable women in the period to follow. So glamorous!
Stay Tuned
And that, my darling friends, is a little taste of what tutu history looks like in 1932! But the tale isn't over yet!
We'll be digging up even more delightful stories and tutus in my next #TutuTuesday blog post, so don't miss it! You won't want to miss seeing how this time in history paved the way for those dramatic tutus that became popular in the 1940s. It's going to be fun!
*Keep twirling, keep dancing, keep spreading that love for tutus and pink! * And of course, always remember... Life is much too short for a wardrobe without a fabulous pink tutu or two. 💖
Don't forget to check out my blog next Tuesday for post number 5256, when we continue our journey through tutu time! And always, keep checking the wonderful website www.pink-tutu.com to find all sorts of ballet related goodness! See you soon, lovelies!
Emma x
