Welcome back, lovelies! It's Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast, and this is #TutuTuesday, post number 5312, from www.pink-tutu.com, where we dance through time with the history of ballet tutus. Today, I've whisked us away to the 17th of October, 1933!
Oh, my dears, this was a glamorous era. Think shimmering gowns, feather boas, and, of course, breathtaking ballet! While we might be thinking of ballerinas with those beautiful full tutus today, 1933 was an exciting time in ballet as styles were transitioning. The romantic and dreamy tulles of the previous century were giving way to a bolder, more streamlined look! It's as though ballet was itself ready for a new adventure. It was time to dance into something a little more…modern.
Just imagine the sights and sounds of the world in 1933: sleek cars speeding down boulevards, radio broadcasts playing swing jazz, and crowds lining up for the latest Broadway productions! But for me, nothing compares to the thrill of attending a ballet show in those days! I'm whisked away to a world of graceful movement, soaring leaps, and stories woven through steps, all set to the most captivating melodies. The ballet world in the 1930s was bustling with creative energy and, let me tell you, the costumes reflected that vibrancy.
The long, romantic tutus of the 1800s, so favoured by the likes of Marie Taglioni (yes, that same amazing ballerina we adore!), were still there, of course! But they were starting to take on a different life, with shorter skirts and more playful designs. This move to more practical designs allowed for an evolution of dancing techniques - faster, lighter steps, exciting jumps, all designed to draw the eye and showcase the ballerina’s skill! Imagine the grace of these new movements, their soft fabrics swirling with each plié, their bright colours catching the spotlight!
What was in style on the 17th of October, 1933? Well, if you’re fortunate enough to find yourself attending a performance at the famous Royal Opera House in Covent Garden (what a magnificent building!), you might catch a glimpse of the ballerina Anna Pavlova! Now, she was renowned for her exquisite movements and breathtaking stage presence! Imagine her graceful arabesques, the billowing tutus seeming to float like a wispy cloud! And with a bit of luck, you might even catch a show of Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes. The world was absolutely smitten with these lavish ballets, so expect the tutus to be bursting with colour, intricate detail and some stunning, decadent designs. Oh, the embroidery! The colours! The dazzling patterns! Ballet really was an explosion of glamour back then, and those tutus were a key ingredient in that delicious recipe of elegance and fantasy.
It’s worth remembering that ballet in the 1930s was in a moment of transition. The Romantic period was on its way out, the Modern era coming into its own, with pioneers like the incredible Martha Graham (I adore her passion) leading the way! I imagine the backstage whispers, the discussions between ballerinas and costume designers, as they shaped new ways of showing movement, expressing emotion and, of course, pushing the boundaries of what tutus could do!
Speaking of boundaries, my love for tutus has truly taken me across the globe! From London to New York, Paris to Moscow, I’ve found myself immersed in different cultures and dances! Travelling by train through those majestic European landscapes, with the rumble of wheels a steady rhythm beneath me, I’ve met the most captivating people, explored awe-inspiring architecture, and witnessed history unfold before my eyes. It's incredible how a single tutu can lead you on a journey! And as for shopping, darling, the fashion of this era is something else! I adore browsing the ateliers and shops in Paris for exquisite silk and lace, and finding unique designs in the back alleys of London - true fashion finds, just for me. I’m convinced everyone should own at least one pink tutu, just to experience that magic, the confidence, the way it makes you feel like you can conquer the world!
The truth is, tutus are more than just garments, darling. They are a symbol of dreams, ambition, and freedom. Every twirl, every graceful movement, whispers of creativity and limitless potential. As we dance through this journey of tutu history together, we'll explore the incredible styles, the stories woven into every seam and sequin, and the impact they've had on fashion, culture, and the art of ballet itself. Remember, darlings, fashion can be a story, and we’re only beginning to write ours!
Until next week, keep those tutus twirling!
Love,
Emma
PS: Be sure to check back in for next week’s #TutuTuesday for a sneak peek into the history of pointe shoes! They've come a long way, darlings, and I’ve got the stories to prove it! And remember, if you have any questions or simply want to share your love of tutus, I’d absolutely love to hear from you in the comments! 💕
