Hello, my darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where we delve into the fascinating history of the tutu! Today's post, number 5329 in my ever-growing #TutuTuesday series, takes us back to February 13th, 1934, a date that, you might be surprised to learn, marks a pivotal moment in tutu history!
Now, you all know my deep love for the tutu – for its lightness, its airy grace, and of course, its ability to make me feel like a total princess. But did you know that tutus weren't always as, well, tutu-y as they are today? The evolution of this dance icon is fascinating, and we're going to be whisking ourselves back in time to discover a tutu revolution.
Let me take you on a whirlwind tour of the Parisian ballet scene in 1934! A time when the world of dance was abuzz with new energy. In a glorious, grand theatre with twinkling lights and the rustle of silk and satin, you might have witnessed an enchanting performance. This was the era of the Diaghilev Ballet Russes, and the ballerinas were stunning! But they weren't yet sporting the flamboyant tutus we associate with classical ballet today. Instead, you would have seen flowing skirts and bodices, much more reminiscent of everyday fashion.
But something was about to change – and it all came down to one extraordinary choreographer: Sergei Diaghilev. His innovative choreography and daring vision were shaking things up in the dance world, pushing the boundaries of movement and artistry. And this included the tutus themselves.
It's on this very day, February 13th, 1934, that the famous Diaghilev Ballet Russes premiered a new production. This wasn't just any performance; it was the highly anticipated revival of "La Fille Mal Gardée." And, it wasn't just the dancing that was creating waves. No, the ballerina’s costume design was revolutionary!
What had Diaghilev decided to do? He wanted a new silhouette – something less cumbersome, more dynamic, and that showcased the dancers' agility with every turn and leap.
That's when the tutu "transformation" happened. Remember that traditional longer skirt we mentioned? Well, it was getting shortened and shorter – and by the 1934 production of “La Fille Mal Gardée,” it had become something truly revolutionary. It became a** "tutu en pointe," which we know today as a classical pointe tutu. This light, layered masterpiece gave dancers incredible freedom to dance with a graceful and captivating elegance that captured the very spirit of dance itself.
But this wasn't the end of the story. Remember, tutu evolution is ongoing, and as we go through time, we see new variations arise! The 1934 "La Fille Mal Gardée" production with its shorter, en pointe tutu served as a launching point. Think of it as a little ballerina seed that blossomed into all the variations of tutus we adore today!
But my friends, it's not all about the past. This very day is full of fun activities to celebrate tutus and all things fabulous! First on the agenda? A visit to my favorite shop on Bond Street. Today's my birthday, so I am treating myself to the perfect pair of dance shoes. A delightful lunch with my best friend and ballet instructor will be next on the agenda - with afternoon tea to boot, of course! Then it's time to head to Covent Garden to watch my absolute favourite ballerina - Alicia Markova - perform the ballet that started it all - "La Fille Mal Gardée."
What are you waiting for, darlings? Don't forget to slip into your prettiest tutu and let your own dance adventures begin! And remember to share your own tutu-fied moments with me on www.pink-tutu.com! 💖
See you next #TutuTuesday! ✨
P.S. Keep those ballet questions coming! 🩰 Just email them to
