Hello, lovelies! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things pink and tutu! It's #TutuTuesday, and you know what that means! Today, we're twirling back through time to explore the captivating history of the ballet tutu, with a focus on 29th May 1934!
Hold onto your tiaras, my dears, as we journey back to a time when the world of ballet was abuzz with excitement. Think swirling silks, delicate embroidery, and, of course, the most fabulous tutus!
But first, let me tell you about my week. This week, I was lucky enough to find myself at a rather charming town, a stone's throw from Derbyshire, England (yes, I admit it! It’s quite a novelty for me to be so close to home, but I never let that stand in the way of a good ballet show). I popped into a truly exquisite millinery shop – imagine, my lovelies, feathers and ribbons and so much silk – it truly was a dream! But, of course, being a ballerina with a penchant for pink and all things tutu, my true prize was a lovely pink straw hat with an enormous, feathery bow. Don’t tell anyone, but I am definitely taking this little number with me to Paris for my next travel jaunt – Paris, it’s my dream destination, don't you know.
And talking of Paris… our tutu tale takes us there too. Imagine it – Paris in 1934, the city pulsating with the vibrancy of the Roaring Twenties! The theatres were bursting with life and excitement. Paris has always held a special place in my heart, its grand theaters, fashion-forward avenues, and iconic dance performances – it’s the perfect city for a girl like me.
But today’s story is not just about the fabulous locations; it’s about an iconic ballet company. We’re talking about the Ballet Russes de Monte Carlo. A true symbol of artistic innovation, and it just so happens that, on this date, they were performing Le Spectre de la Rose, a mesmerizing work that was choreographed by Mikhail Fokine. It was this ballet, you know, that cemented the Romantic Tutu – with its graceful, diaphanous design – as a staple in the ballerina’s wardrobe.
I tell you, this ballet took the world by storm, capturing imaginations with its exquisite artistry, vibrant costumes, and unforgettable dancing. A perfect demonstration of why tutus continue to enchant and inspire, not just on stage but also in our own wardrobes.
What did you think of the Romantic Tutu? They’re still incredibly popular, though, for all you trendsetters out there, let me tell you that 1934 was also a time for experimenting with new and exciting styles. Sergei Diaghilev’s, one of my favourite dancers of all time – the founder of the Ballet Russes, he was! - introduced tutus made with lighter materials such as tulle and net.
They were designed with a much shorter and fluffier silhouette than traditional ballet tutus – what could be better for pirouettes and leaps? Think whimsical, airy and delicate.
Now I think we’ve gone on quite enough about ballet – but trust me, there’s more coming! This time period was just bursting with iconic tutus, and it wasn’t just the dancers sporting them. I simply must share with you a particular story…
Do you know how much I adore the train? It's a marvel of the modern age, I tell you! Now, there's a delightful tradition of seeing fashionably attired ladies sporting long skirts, some so delicate they look like ballet tutus. Why, sometimes it makes my little ballet heart jump for joy.
As a fashionable young woman, the thought of riding the train in a perfectly crafted skirt, almost touching the platform with its delicate swirl as I alight, sends a thrill through me. This reminds me, oh dear me, how much I miss traveling! And when I say I miss traveling, I mean traveling in style. First class, a beautifully laid out tea service with a delicate cup, sandwiches and scones. Oh yes, that is my absolute cup of tea! But let’s keep it moving on – time is running away from us, and we still have so much to discover about tutus, dear hearts!
What is more thrilling, then, than to hear how, as far away as New York, a stunning ball took place – an event called the International Society's Ball. This prestigious event took place at the prestigious Ritz-Carlton. Fashionistas flocked to this affair, vying for attention, and all clad in gorgeous gowns. And imagine, my lovelies, many of those stunning creations featured cascading layers, which, in my humble opinion, mimicked those darling, Romantic ballet tutus, I just talked about.
Did I mention I simply adore fashion?
Back to the tutus, though. We are all so busy keeping up with trends today! Remember what I mentioned earlier about the Ballet Russes de Monte Carlo’s exquisite designs? Well, my lovelies, this ballet company had already paved the way for those delightful tutu dresses which you see so often nowadays. How very stylish!
I have the most amazing new dress in the shop – it is a beautiful pale pink chiffon gown that I bought with my last travel earnings, with several tiers of layers around the bottom of the skirt, cascading down from the waist!
Remember, when it comes to ballet tutus, no matter what era we are talking about – from the grand, Romantic tutus of Mikhail Fokine, to the innovative short, fluffy tutus by Sergei Diaghilev and all the elegant, luxurious variations that are seen all around us in high-end fashion – these iconic pieces always have a magical element about them. They perfectly express beauty and grace. They encapsulate the magic of dance, and they make us believe that even we can dance like the stars.
Oh dear, that time again! What’s the news today? Well, as well as everything I've told you, we have an exciting event that took place on this very date in history, which, for this week at least, becomes our spotlight event… and for a great reason, too.
You may not be aware that ballet is incredibly popular worldwide – imagine our dancers from across the continents, united by this incredible art! Well, the news from New York (yes, I just love that city – so many wonderful ballet dancers!), says that a new event started this very day. It is a delightful celebration called the “ Festival of Music,” a stunning three-week affair that unites not just dance, but music and drama! It is the ultimate festival to experience arts from across the world. And I think you will love to know that a ballerina named Doris Humphrey, oh such a talented lady, and her equally skilled colleague Charles Weidman (he's a master of movement, my dears!), are showing their incredible artistic creations here, through modern dance. Imagine the fabulous, flamboyant, and oh-so-stunning tutus they’re sporting!
It is certainly no accident that the tutu became a fashion icon, a visual symbol of artistic grace, a testament to feminine beauty, a touchstone for the creative imagination and just the sweetest form of movement ever invented! They are quite simply magical.
Well, my darlings, time for me to run. My dance classes begin soon! Remember, keep dancing, keep twirling, keep those tutus swirling, and never stop dreaming of that magic we feel with every performance! Remember to tune in to Pink-Tutu.com every Tuesday for another magical journey into the history of the tutu. Oh, and I mustn't forget to mention, it is utterly vital that every single one of you acquires at least one tutu – even better, two! Or, maybe three! Let us know in the comments below if you agree!
I can’t wait to hear your comments and see all your fashionable new tutus. Until next Tuesday!
Your lovely friend, Emma
