Welcome back to www.pink-tutu.com, my darlings! It’s me, Emma, your resident Tutu-ologist, and it’s time for another instalment in our #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog series! I've popped back in time again, this time landing in the grand old year of 1933! I’m channeling all the glamour and grace of that era, sporting my favourite bubblegum pink tutu, feeling like I’ve stepped right out of a Fred Astaire movie!
Today we're going on a whirlwind adventure back to a time when tutus were becoming ever more elaborate! It’s just brilliant how these incredible costumes have evolved through the ages, always finding new ways to embody the magic of ballet!
Today’s post marks Blog post #5308! I can’t believe how many journeys we've been on together already! You wouldn't believe the incredible people I’ve met, from ballerinas to costume designers, even some cheeky squirrels who gave me a good fright! 🐿️ But enough about my adventures for now, let's delve into today’s topic.
1933-09-19: Where Do We Start?
September 19th 1933, ah, a most delightful time indeed! For me, it's always about what the fabulous fashion was doing and which ballerinas were creating magic on stage! Now, my dears, a little secret for you: fashion always seems to come full circle, don’t you think?. Trends pop back in, but with a modern twist - and tutus are no exception!
For example, I have always loved the long, swishing, romantic look of a ballerina tutu - those multi-layered tulle skirts, just breathtaking. But they weren’t the norm all the way back then. 1933, it was still very much about shorter tutus, allowing for plenty of leg work and acrobatics! Think The Nutcracker, think those darling sugarplum fairies. So dainty and precise, that era had that je ne sais quoi.
I can't resist going a bit on a side trip, you know what I’m like! This 1933 date coincides with a grand occasion in the dance world: The birth of Russian ballerina Olga Lepeshinskaya. 💃 Now, her life story is just amazing! She’s not only been dubbed “The Empress of the Stage”, but she was the most honoured ballet dancer of the Soviet Union. You can’t imagine the fame she enjoyed back in the 1940s! Imagine all those tutus. Just think of the tulle! It truly was an exciting period!
Now, where was I? Ah, yes! Where could one find those amazing tutus from back in 1933? Where could I find inspiration for my next vintage creation? Well, you can always rely on London's famous Covent Garden Theatre! If I ever get the opportunity to visit a show in this magical place in the past (and yes, darling, that is most certainly on my Time Travelling to-do list!), I know I'd see those delicate tutus swirling in front of my eyes. It must have been incredible - the sheer grandeur of it all, plus those classic ballets we know and love… sigh!
The Glam and The Glamour!
Speaking of tutus, 1933 was the year that a certain film debuted - “Flying Down to Rio”. This was the movie that introduced us all to a couple of superstars you might have heard of: Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire! 👠 It’s so lovely how these musicals just captured the elegance of the era and brought the joy of dance into the homes of millions! And of course, I couldn’t mention glamour without acknowledging the exquisite gowns worn by both Ginger and Fred in this movie - we’re talking sheer chiffon, lace, beautiful embroidery - pure sartorial heaven.
But back to my favourite topic! Now, here’s a fact to inspire you for your next #TutuTuesday! In the fashion world of 1933, the colour of the season, drumroll, please, was - pink!! My darlings, this truly was a match made in tutu heaven! Do you know what a real vintage pink tutu could do for your wardrobe?. You just have to get one. I truly do believe that everyone should own a pink tutu! I have no idea why some people don't. Maybe it’s because they are not time travelers. Hmm…. 😉
So, where should we head next on our Ballet Tutu History Tour? You tell me! I'd love to hear what your favourite ballet tutus are - the ones that set your heart aflutter. Don't be shy! Tell me everything. We have so many exciting stories to discover and so much Tutu Time to experience! 💖
Don't forget to share your #TutuTuesday pics! Tag us @pinktutu and let's dance together! 💖💃
Emma, Signing off!
