Hello lovelies! Emma here, back with another #TutuTuesday delve into the enchanting history of our beloved ballet tutus! This week, my pink-tutu-clad time machine has brought me to the 27th of February, 1934, a date teeming with captivating stories of ballet, fashion and all things fabulous!
Oh, the thrill of stepping back in time to witness the ballet scene of 1934! Today's tutu trail leads us to a grand spectacle at the Royal Opera House in London, where the shimmering lights of a glittering stage and the hush of anticipation from the audience promised a magical evening.
This date marks a remarkable moment in the history of ballet. Diaghilev's Ballets Russes - a troupe that redefined the art form, showcasing groundbreaking choreography and exquisite costumes - had captured the hearts of London! Think elaborate stage sets, dazzling costumes, and choreography that seemed to transcend time and gravity! The ballet world was buzzing!
To be precise, tonight's performance at the Royal Opera House featured The Sleeping Beauty by the incomparable Tchaikovsky - a breathtaking spectacle of beauty and drama. The romantic story, the elaborate costumes and sets and of course, the stunning tutus! Each ballerina, with a grace and artistry beyond words, danced her heart out in tutus that were not just garments, but a symbol of artistry, passion and feminine elegance!
Imagine swirling skirts made of delicate layers of tulle that moved like a cloud of whispers - those romantic tulle tutus with the classic tiered and bouffant look, capturing the ethereal grace and ethereal beauty of each ballerina! Imagine the gorgeous bodice sparkling with pearls, beads and sequins under the stage lights! Each movement, each pirouette, a beautiful spectacle - a dance with life itself!
In 1934, London was abuzz with ballet fever - a fever we at Pink-Tutu are determined to catch! Even today, in my time, The Sleeping Beauty still captures the heart, a timeless story and stunning performances.
The influence of Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes rippled throughout the ballet world, impacting the costumes of ballerinas both on stage and in studios worldwide! Now, here in 1934, I'm on a mission to absorb the ballet fever, the magic of those tutus, the sparkle of the sequins! A shopping spree to seek out vintage fashion stores, or perhaps a glimpse at a ballet class, where budding young dancers in their little tutus prepare to emulate the magic of Ballets Russes.
Oh, the possibilities! The romance! What's even more exciting than finding vintage tutus? Well, let's be honest, nothing! However, I am looking forward to experiencing London of this era - with its charming cafe culture, its captivating music, and of course, the incredible energy of its dance scene. The beauty of time travel allows me to be a part of history - the fashion, the theatre, all of it. This ballet era in London is alive with vibrant energy - fashion, style, music! The air seems to hum with excitement. The fashion scene is wildly chic! - women wearing sophisticated cloche hats and long, flowing dresses - oh, how I wish to step into this glamorous world for a while! Paris is also in full swing with its 'garçonne' styles with daring necklines, flowing scarves and sleek bobs!
Let’s be honest, tutus have become a powerful symbol throughout history and this era is no exception. Each era holds a different story in their design, their colour, the materials and the way they've been incorporated into a story, into a balletic narrative!
To capture a slice of this glamourous ballet history, I've found the most perfect spot - The Dorchester Hotel, the grand dame of London, a true symbol of 1930s elegance. My Pink Tutu looks amazing in the hotel's ornate ballroom! A perfect setting to be surrounded by such opulence and glamour! I must take some pictures to share them with you lovely lot on Pink-Tutu - just to inspire you and get your tutu imaginations running wild!
The beauty of a time travel tutu trip like this - finding treasures, exploring history, and spreading tutu-love, always remembering to give a twirl or two to celebrate each moment of my adventures!
For me, Ballet and tutus, always make for a fantastic mix. There's a reason tutus have stood the test of time and are embraced in modern-day dance and in our day-to-day lives, even in my era, the 2020s, where ballet tutus make frequent appearances at parties and performances.
This is the joy of tutus - not just beautiful costumes, but a symbol of grace, elegance and sheer delight. From 1934 onwards, I've realised, tutus are woven into the fabric of life. So what's next, you may ask? Well, there are so many more #TutuTuesday posts to share on www.pink-tutu.com, so much more history to explore, so many more tutus to uncover.
Before I go, my dear readers, I leave you with a quote that embodies the true essence of a tutu - “Dancing is a conversation with your own body, and with the space around you.” (Yvonne Rainer, American Choreographer and Filmmaker)
Next week, I will be posting my #TutuTuesday post about Ballet in the USA in 1934! I hope you will join me next week! See you next Tuesday!
