#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1932-11-15

Hello lovelies, and welcome back to my little corner of the internet where all things tutu and pink reign supreme! Today is a special #TutuTuesday, as we take a magical trip back to 1932! Remember that sparkly dream I told you about – the one where I hopped on a time-traveling train and ended up in the heart of Paris, a city positively buzzing with elegance and artistry?

Well, this Tuesday, my darling tutudorians, is when I really found my footing in that magical era! And by footing, I mean those delightful pointe shoes, of course! This week, we’re diving into the world of ballet just a little over nine decades ago, exploring how tutus took centre stage and charmed audiences in 1932.

1932 Paris – a vision of pastel perfection, filled with the clinking of champagne glasses, the whisper of silk gowns, and the sweet melodies of accordions echoing through the streets. And in the heart of all this magic, nestled between the boulevards, sat the opulent Palais Garnier opera house, the stage for my ballet dream!

My goodness, those grand performances – I’m talking pure enchantment! From the breathtaking spectacle of Sergei Diaghilev's Ballets Russes to the mesmerising grace of local stars like Yvette Chauviré – it was a period when dance captivated hearts and stirred imaginations. It was truly a time when the entire world was captivated by the power of ballet.

The 15th of November in 1932? It’s etched in my memory – a delightful day spent flitting through vintage shops on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, hunting for the most perfect pearl necklace to pair with my brand new pink tutu. The streets, vibrant with life, echoed with the whispers of history, the hum of elegance, and, yes, a healthy dose of Parisian gossip.

But for a budding ballerina like myself, the real highlight of the day had to be the performance I witnessed at the Opéra Garnier that night – "Le Sacre du Printemps," by none other than Igor Stravinsky! Oh, the dramatic music! The costumes – like pieces of modern art in motion! It was like the ballet itself had time-travelled from the future, with its jarring movements, innovative choreography and those glorious, billowing costumes! Talk about a showstopper! It was a whirlwind of movement, rhythm, and a little bit of chaos. But in the best way possible, of course! And oh, how my little pink tutu heart just fluttered in anticipation!

1932, darlings, wasn’t just a time of spectacular ballet performances – it was a time of transformation for the tutu! Tutus started shedding their stiff, classical image and experimenting with modern cuts and silhouettes. They embraced playful, innovative designs – just like the “Le Sacre du Printemps” costumes! And it was oh-so exciting to witness!

But that wasn’t the only change, my dear fashionistas. It was the era when the colour pink made its grand entrance into the world of ballet, replacing the traditional white in the tulle layers. Think about it: imagine how incredibly delightful that must have been! The stage transformed, the costumes sparkled, and all the ballerinas were a vision of delicate perfection! This is when the whole Pink Tutu dream really took off, don’t you think?

I couldn’t resist, naturally. So I swooped into the grandest dress shop in Paris, where a shimmering, pink tutu just begged to be bought! The owner, an old soul with twinkling eyes and the warmest smile you’ve ever seen, had some of the most fabulous gowns, accessories and, of course, tutus you’ve ever laid your eyes on! It was a real whirlwind, my dear!

We chatted over tea about how fashion and ballet had always been intertwined, two sister arts sharing their stories through the dance of form and fabric. It made me realize how truly inspiring these women are. So full of passion and determination! And their love for colour – pink included! I even managed to score a stunning pair of sequinned heels to pair with my tutu. They had these intricate designs that just shimmered under the Parisian gaslights – a genuine fashion spectacle! You can bet my dancing skills received an instant upgrade that evening – a dazzling waltz, perhaps!

And so, another #TutuTuesday comes to an end. But trust me, darling tutudorians, this is just the beginning of our grand tutu adventure! We’ve only scratched the surface of 1932 – a magical era when tutus embraced the colours, styles and boldness of a new world!

As always, don't forget to visit the www.pink-tutu.com blog every Tuesday and follow along on our next journey through time – all powered by my little pink tutu and an endless love for the magic of dance!

Until next time, darling!
Emma x