Hello my lovelies! Welcome back to my #TutuTuesday blog! Today, we're twirling through time all the way back to 1933, a year packed with elegance and, you guessed it, a whole lot of fabulous ballet.
I know, it's been a while since I've donned my pink tutu for a time travel adventure, but as you all know, a girl's gotta have a bit of fun! So, today, I’m stepping onto the London stage for a proper peek into the glamorous ballet world of the roaring twenties - the period just after the Great War. It was a time of rebuilding, new fashion trends and exciting dance innovations, and believe me, the tutus were definitely in bloom!
Now, to get you in the mood, picture this: A sleek black cab trundles through the streets of London, past grand shops filled with sparkling gems and fine silks. People are wearing the newest fashions, their styles a vibrant mix of bold lines and playful fabrics. And you know what? You just might spot a flapper in a shimmering frock, with her head adorned with feathers and a bold, scarlet-red lip to match! Oh, it was simply electrifying!
Now, imagine all this and then picture me, a vision of pure pink bliss in my dreamy, tulle confection, hopping out of a rather luxurious vintage carriage and greeting the delightful denizens of this era with a bright “Hello!” They’d look at me, eyebrows raised in bemusement and say something along the lines of, "Good gracious, missy, where did you come from?". To which I'd, of course, answer with my biggest, most dazzling grin, "Well, I simply couldn't miss this wonderful, history-making day, darling!"
But enough about me, this is about you and our beloved ballet, my dears! Today, we're focusing on the history of the tutu, that divine piece of costume history, which, frankly, is something everyone should know. I mean, think of all the gorgeous tutus we've seen: The airy Romantic tutu with its romantic flourishes and delicate, sheer tulle, or the shorter, tighter, and more athletic, classic tutus with their strong lines that are meant for powerful leaps and turns. And don't even get me started on the endless array of colours – pink, of course, is my favourite!
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves, lovelies! Remember, tutus have a rich story and the 28th of February, 1933, isn't just a regular Tuesday – it’s a day to honour the legacy of the grand and timeless tradition of ballet itself.
So, here's my very own glimpse of that historic day, presented in my favourite fashion:
The World in Pink: My Ballet Adventure to 1933Okay, so as I travel through time, my method is surprisingly simple: A hop, a skip, and a lot of sparkly magic. Yes, this is a trade secret! It always seems to get me exactly where I need to be. Of course, this also means I get to visit the most breathtaking venues in all the world, so as a rule, it works out perfectly!
And this particular trip had me waltzing onto a stage at the Covent Garden Theatre, one of the grandest and most beautiful theatre spaces in the world! It's not the Royal Opera House yet, that change happened a bit later in 1946, but the energy here, in this magnificent house, feels just as enchanting.
Oh, the beautiful melodies playing as I enter, a swirl of costumes on the stage, and, of course, the audience in all their finery with their sparkling jewellery, elegant attire, and hats with veils!
Oh, my dears! What a glorious sight! Everyone looked positively dashing! Just like the dancers, a little dramatic, a bit daring, but in an exquisitely tasteful, sophisticated manner, of course! Nothing vulgar, no no no, never!
And guess what? The biggest attraction this evening? A stunning production of "Giselle," a masterpiece of ballet featuring a timeless romantic tale, ethereal music, and of course, those dreamy, flowing tutus we all know and adore. The dance of the wilis – ethereal, spectral women who have lost their loved ones and are doomed to dance in the forest, is a sight to behold. Those fluffy tutus float and billow as they swirl and sway, creating an absolutely magical visual symphony! The beauty was undeniable, even back then! And those colours - dreamy shades of cream, white and pale blush – perfectly elegant – my absolute delight!
Now, while I admire a classic romantic tutu as much as the next ballerina, let me be honest, my pink heart is still secretly thrilled by a more modern approach! Today’s world embraces variety - bright bold colours, daring designs, but the core elements remain – it's still the soft, elegant, fluttering movement, the beauty and drama, that are the essence of every good tutu! After all, who wouldn't feel like a fairy tale princess in one of those lovely designs, no matter the style, the colours or the silhouette!
And just as the last note faded away in the auditorium, and the applause reverberated in the glorious theatre, I knew I needed a sparkly treat!
So, we ventured into the magical world of shopping! This meant a lovely walk down the elegant Regent Street, filled with fine boutiques selling clothes and fashion that, while slightly different, was just as fashionable and extravagant. And just for you, my loves, I had to pop into one or two millinery stores, for, oh darling, can you imagine ballet with boring hats! I couldn’t imagine it either! This was the perfect opportunity to discover a stunning piece of the period’s splendid, lavish headwear and marvel at the feathers, ribbons and veils - truly, a fashion heaven with so many glorious details that would never go out of style! I found a little gem with a magnificent peacock feather arrangement and a cascade of sparkly tulle, oh my! Absolutely divine!
And so, as I wandered amongst all the stunning fabrics and glamorous garments, the magic of 1933 truly enchanted me!
But before you pack your bags, a little word of caution from a seasoned time traveler! This was a wonderful era of beauty, grace and elegance, and, just a bit more relaxed and daring than our contemporary style! The colours and silhouettes were daring, yes, but never scandalous – more a playful wink of freedom! Oh my dears, if I were to share any tips, it’s the key to embrace a playful, feminine charm. You’ll fit right in, I promise. You could wear the brightest colour - deep emerald, scarlet red, powder blue, sunshine yellow - with a touch of black to ground your outfit, add some dramatic touches and a bit of sparkly elegance - think feather boas and glamorous handbags! Oh, the options are simply endless! And don't forget to add some stunning jewellery – pearls are your best friend, or a glittering Art Deco necklace will definitely do the trick!
And most importantly, always wear a pink tutu. Why? Because even a hundred years ago, it still remains a statement piece that radiates happiness!
So, until next Tuesday, my lovelies, go forth and sparkle!
Love, Emma,
Your Pink Tutu Blogger
P.S. This post was number 5279! Just think of all the amazing tutus I have explored through the ages - and there's always a new, fabulous tutu waiting for me to discover.
*Don't forget to follow me on Pink Tutu - my new website www.pink-tutu.com - it’s an ever growing resource where I explore and share all things tutus! *
Let’s make this a year full of sparkles and laughter, my lovelies. Don’t be shy! Come and twirl with me!
