Post #5305
Hello darling dancers! Welcome to another delightful edition of #TutuTuesday, where we delve into the fascinating world of ballet tutus! As your dedicated Tutu Historian and aficionado of all things pink and twirly, I'm so excited to whisk you back in time to a rather remarkable date - 29th August, 1933.
Today, dear readers, I'm in Paris! The very heart of ballet fashion, you see, where tutus are as popular as croissants at a cafe! I've arrived by train, of course - the only way to truly savour the romanticism of travelling to a Parisian ballet, a bit of a vintage luxury you don't get these days, even with time travel. Now, this trip is especially exciting, as I'm here to witness a legendary performance at the Opéra Garnier! Can you believe it? I get to see the famed prima ballerina, Olga Spessivtseva, grace the stage in all her glory! Swoon.
Now, before we delve into the incredible tutu fashion of the day, I simply must tell you about my dress! Today, I'm in a glorious shade of pink, naturally. This time, my outfit has a sweet, romantic feel, with layers of tulle adding a touch of whimsy. My little hat, a pink feather affair, is adorned with a delicate tulle ribbon, making it look just like a tiny ballerina's headpiece. I’m ready to dance with the stars!
Let’s talk tutus! On this day in 1933, the world of ballet fashion was brimming with graceful elegance! Picture it, darling readers – the iconic 'Romantic tutu' was all the rage, and we all know how I adore the ethereal romantic look! These airy, airy skirts of tulle swirled around the dancers with such ethereal grace - you can just imagine the gasp and applause from the audience as these ballerina nymphs flitted across the stage. This was a period when lightness and fluidity were absolutely essential in ballet performance, a stark contrast to the more dramatic, theatrical styles that were coming into fashion.
But the story of tutus is much more than just what was worn on stage, darling. Did you know that during this period, the rise of the tutu's popularity wasn't just due to their beautiful form? These light, billowy creations were also a testament to a shift in the art of ballet. They embodied the shift away from classical choreography to more graceful, delicate ballets like 'Giselle'. This era is a celebration of the graceful movement, almost like the ballerina is being lifted into the air on wings!
The beauty of ballet fashion of the 1930s, to my mind, is in its simplicity. Gone were the heavier fabrics and stricter lines. In came sheer tulle, emphasizing every graceful movement with such fluidity - the sheer ethereal lightness of this era, you simply have to see it to truly appreciate it! I can’t imagine being a dancer in the earlier days! Imagine trying to do a pirouette in all that bulky fabric! Ugh, simply unthinkable!
And you know me, darling, I’m always looking to be inspired by history, even my wardrobe choices! I do find myself drawn to the delicate details and sheerness of the romantic tutu when choosing my own outfits. They allow me to express my feminine side and they make twirling just that little bit more magical, wouldn't you say? Now, you all know, that’s what we are all about here on #TutuTuesday!
But let's not get too carried away in a cloud of tulle, dear readers. For while I am absolutely captivated by the romanticised tutu look, this era is also known for its progression in the world of ballet fashion. There was an emerging interest in using tulle for men's attire, which I absolutely adore - such a sweet, theatrical contrast. Can you imagine men wearing a beautiful ballet tutu, in a contrasting colour, in a theatrical setting, oh how magical! It must have made a striking statement! I’d love to get more information on this particular movement - perhaps the next #TutuTuesday can be dedicated to this. Hmmm, I might need to visit Paris again - I can’t wait to find out what fabulous fashions are coming up.
I do have to confess that some aspects of ballet fashion in 1933 were rather challenging. Can you believe that dancers at the time weren't always supplied with ballet shoes or tutus for every performance! My time traveling journey means that I have a vast wardrobe, darling - tutus in every shade imaginable! In fact, if there was ever an incident where my clothes mysteriously disappear...well, let’s just say that there wouldn’t be many questions about what happened to them, would there?
The world of ballet fashion continues to be fascinating! It's not just about wearing the tutus; it's about the historical and cultural context behind them, the evolution of style, the technical prowess it requires...the very spirit of grace and elegance! I just love learning about these lovely creations that help to tell the story of ballet itself. You know what they say...you can't tell the history of ballet without the history of its fashion. You simply can't!
I have a little treat for you, dear readers! On this #TutuTuesday I’ve prepared a little gallery of tutu inspired fashion pieces from my own wardrobe - it's all pink and oh so very dreamy! It should be on the blog just below, right? Well, click on it and feast your eyes!
So, what do you think, dear readers? Has this week's journey through time inspired you to don a tutu of your own? Whether it's a beautiful ballet tutu or just a little pink fluff, get out there, twirl, and express yourself! As for me, I’m off to another show tonight. But remember to always keep your ballerina spirit strong, because every day can be a #TutuTuesday!
Happy Twirling,
Emma.
P.S. If you want to tell me about any tutus you adore from your own era, or about a memorable performance, I would absolutely love to hear it! You can email me at
This is part 1. The second half of the article will focus more on fashion from the time.
