#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1933-11-28

Hello my lovely tutu-loving friends! It's Emma here, your favourite pink-clad, tutu-touting time traveller! It's Tuesday which means it's time to hop back in my time machine and journey through history to find another fabulous tutu tale to share with you! This week's #TutuTuesday is taking us all the way back to November 28th, 1933.

Now, I must admit, tutus weren't quite as ubiquitous back then as they are today (though I'm doing my very best to change that! 😉) However, that doesn't mean we couldn't have a spot of fun exploring the history of dance, and finding those first sparks of what would blossom into the tutu obsession we know and love today!

Before we hop on our magical train journey (let's be honest, a time-traveling ballet dancer needs a bit of luxurious comfort, am I right?) I just want to say, my fellow tutu aficionados, this is #TutuTuesday post number 5318, which I find rather magnificent, wouldn't you agree? We are building a rather large archive here, wouldn't you say?

Anyway, as always, you can find me over at www.pink-tutu.com. And now, let's delve into our trip!

Picture it, my dears, the streets of London! A whiff of coal smoke hangs in the air, mingled with the exciting bustle of shoppers and theatre-goers. We are in the heart of the West End, just as the mercury begins to drop and Christmas cheer is in the air.

1933 was a thrilling time for ballet. The famous Ballet Rambert had only been founded a mere ten years before, and it was already gaining a reputation for being bold and innovative, creating a buzz that reached far beyond the hushed walls of theatres. They weren't afraid to push the boundaries of what a ballet could be!

This year, however, was marked by tragedy as well. The devastating news of the passing of legendary dancer Nijinsky left a huge void in the world of dance, sending ripples of sadness throughout the community. Nijinsky's innovative style and theatrical flair paved the way for modern dance techniques and forever changed the way we approach ballet today.

However, as in life, dance doesn't stop for grief!

We're lucky to see an exciting premiere on this day! *The Ballet Rambert was performing a newly-created piece titled 'The Haunted Ballroom.' * The name alone is positively spine-chilling, don't you think? Just the sort of theatrical flair to make my ballet-loving heart race a little! This, my lovelies, was the era where ballets explored tales of ghosts and supernatural happenings, which of course were beautifully woven into the movements, set designs, and even the costumes.

Now, while there's a possibility our dancers didn't quite have the same kind of voluminous, frothy, pink tutus we associate with modern ballet today, they certainly did have those gorgeous, elegant designs that we associate with the 1930s! Think beautiful flowing gowns with delicate pleating, intricately patterned lace, and a generous use of elegant tulle - oh my, wouldn't those tutus look stunning at our annual Tutu Tuesday Gala!

Speaking of our Tutu Tuesday Gala, my lovelies, the fun didn't stop in the theatres of 1933! The allure of the elegant and delicate dance was creeping into everyday life, as a popular dance fad had been taking hold. "The Shimmy", a dance featuring loose, improvisational movements was quite the craze! While we wouldn't be seeing any formal ballet attire, you can imagine my delight when thinking about these fashionable, freedom-loving ladies letting loose with their flowing skirts and charmingly sassy expressions.

Speaking of fashion! One cannot ignore the wonderful evolution of dresses and styles. Imagine, just a decade ago, those beautifully sculpted gowns of the 1920s which had dipped lower and lower with each new design, hugging those graceful curves. But, with the coming of the 1930s, something magical was happening! A return to longer skirts! Oh, what a beautiful trend for a ballet aficionado like myself! Imagine a whirl of movement! Think longer, flowy fabrics, delicate, draped designs - a delightful echo of what would become our lovely ballet tutus!

Of course, these new styles also required new footwear, and here again, fashion had caught up! This decade ushered in the reign of heels - elegant and feminine. We'd start seeing a huge variety, from the sharp and sharp and sleek to the more rounded, statement heels. And, oh darling, wouldn't they have complemented a lovely ballerina costume perfectly?

And speaking of footwear, the famous Mary Jane shoe had its beginnings around this time, and it quickly became a huge fashion hit! And now my darlings, you'll find a classic Mary Jane is perfect with every single one of our ballet tutus, whether you choose a lovely pink for a feminine, romantic vibe, or a vibrant teal to unleash a little sass! They are perfect for both class and performances, wouldn't you agree?

## Travel & Glamour!

As we glide through our trip on our magical railway journey I'd be remiss if I didn't point out, my lovely ladies, that this era had begun to fall under the spell of the glamorous Orient! Inspired by travel and adventure, you started seeing the use of stunningly vibrant colours as part of the dance and fashion scene, not only in clothing, but even in interior decor. That, darling, speaks to me on a very deep level.

Can you imagine the magnificent tutu I could create? Imagine beautiful emerald greens and a touch of sapphire blue, cascading down in soft folds of the most magnificent tulle. It wouldn't be simply a pink-tutu-loving daydream, but a grand design worth a "Queen of the Orient" title!

But enough about me for a moment. Let's take a moment to inspire you, my fabulous tutu friends. Whether you're a seasoned ballerina or a first-timer dipping your toes into the magical world of dance, remember these simple tips from your favourite time-traveling, pink-tutu aficionado:

• Don't be afraid to be bold, my darlings! Explore every colour in the rainbow, especially when picking out your tutus. We all love pink, of course, but remember the world is a fabulous, colourful place! And those beautiful, vibrant colours will add magic to any dance you perform.

• Never underestimate the importance of a perfectly fitted tutu. If your tutu feels like it's about to escape from you mid-leap, you can be sure it will steal all the attention, and not for the right reasons! A lovely, graceful fit is what will make your ballet shine. And if you're shopping for a special occasion, a tutu that perfectly matches your dress will complete your look, just like those magnificent ladies of the 1930s would have liked it!

• Experiment! Embrace all forms of dance, not just the traditional. Ballet doesn't always have to be prim and proper! You can bring your own flair and attitude. Just take a look at the modern dance that developed after those inspiring steps taken by Nijinsky, and let your own unique spirit shine through.

  • Finally, my lovely ladies, remember, it's always about feeling confident in yourself. It's not about perfection, but about celebrating all that dance has to offer - creativity, strength, freedom, and most importantly, the beautiful journey of self-expression.
  Conclusion

As our magical train begins to whisk us back to our own time, remember my dear tututistas, history is filled with extraordinary stories about ballet. Whether it's a ballet like 'The Haunted Ballroom' that made its premiere today or the inspiring work of dancers like Nijinsky, ballet offers us so much! There are tutus to admire, dances to discover, and memories to cherish, from every time period. And for those of us lucky enough to be living in the age of vibrant colours and celebration of all things dance, it is more thrilling than ever!

Let me know if you want to explore a specific period of ballet, my darlings, in the comments below! I can't wait to learn all about your favourite styles! Until then, remember: it’s always a good day to wear a tutu! And don’t forget to spread the love with a comment, a like or a share. Have a wonderful week and may all your tutus twirl beautifully!

Your always-fashionable, pink-tutu loving, time-traveling friend,

Emma