Hello my darling dance devotees! Welcome back to Pink Tutu, where we delve into the wonderful world of tutus – from their origins to their dazzling evolution, all with a sprinkle of pink sparkle, of course!
Today’s #TutuTuesday takes us on a delightful train journey through time, back to the enchanting year of 1932. Buckle up, dear readers, for we’re about to take a peek at the dance scene as it was, in all its fabulous, swirling glory!
Now, you might be wondering why 1932 is so special… well, for starters, it was a year bursting with beautiful ballet performances across Europe! We’re talking full-length productions of classics like Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty, and emerging contemporary works too, bringing audiences to their feet with awe and exhilaration. And as you all know, where there's ballet, there are tutus!
The 1930s saw the rise of the modern tutus we know and love today. Imagine this – graceful dancers flitting across the stage in airy, perfectly-fitted tutus, each swirl and leap capturing the essence of dance in a captivating way! You’re probably thinking – how could these beauties be topped?
Tutus of the Times
Let's dive into the styles that graced the stage back in '32. The classic 'Romantic Tutu' – with its layers of tulle creating a romantic cloud around the dancer's legs – reigned supreme! These tutus, usually adorned with delicate embroidery or even lace, gave a touch of whimsical beauty to every pirouette and pas de deux.
And what colours? Oh, they were simply exquisite! Shades of white, cream, pale pink and, yes, the ever-so-chic black were the staples of the era. This perfectly complemented the graceful lines and elegant movements of the dances. Think of the exquisite "black swan" costume in Swan Lake - still captivating today, even back then!
But don’t think for a moment that 1932 was all about tradition! The spirit of creativity was alive and well in the dance world. You’d find glimpses of new, bold ideas in costume design too – a dash of bold colours here, a subtle interplay of textures there, a hint of geometric pattern adding a modern touch to the classics. The dance world was beginning to embrace innovation and daringly explore new artistic avenues!
A Fashionable Fashionista
And my dear friends, let's not forget that the 1930s were a prime time for fashion – for both the dancers and their audiences! I’ve got my eye on some divine pieces I’d like to incorporate into my own wardrobe…
A chic cloche hat with a veil? Absolutely! An elegant pencil skirt paired with a silky blouse? Now you're talking! And, of course, we mustn't forget the statement piece that would make any ballerina beam - a tailored tweed jacket with intricate beadwork, perfect for keeping the chills away during those long train journeys across Europe.
Now, let's take a quick look at the performance calendar for this momentous date: 18th October 1932.
You wouldn’t believe the shows taking place this day - it’s simply brimming with enchantment. Imagine – the famous Diaghilev Ballet in London, performing The Firebird… the air would be buzzing with excitement as they set the stage ablaze with colour, costumes, and magical music! And just across the channel in Paris, we could be swept away by the grace and fluidity of Giselle by the famed Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo. Just divine!
And if you’re in Vienna – well, get ready for a feast for the eyes! You’d be watching Coppélia, one of the most delightful ballets ever created, and a tale that's simply captivating for dancers and audience members alike.
Living for the Stage
You see, darling readers, in 1932, a love for ballet blossomed in the hearts of people all over the world. From those grand theatres, bathed in the magic of stage lighting, to the rehearsal halls echoing with the tapping of feet on the polished wooden floor, this era was bursting with beauty and grace. And what makes this era truly special is that even outside of the theatres, there were so many wonderful opportunities to experience the beauty of ballet! Dance classes, local recitals, even a dance party at a fancy hotel… the ballet bug was definitely catching!
Speaking of catching things, darling, it’s time to catch my train to Vienna! My darling friend, the Duchess, is hosting a party at the Hotel Sacher, and we’re going to celebrate with a ballet performance in her exquisite ballroom – all twirling tutus and sparkling elegance, my dears. Of course, I wouldn’t be caught dead in anything but a vibrant, exquisite pink tutu for this affair. After all, what is life without a touch of pink sparkle?!
See you next week, my loves! Don't forget to wear your pink tutus this week!
Love,
Emma
xx
