Post number 5371
Hello, darlings! Welcome back to www.pink-tutu.com, where it's always tutu season! I'm Emma, your resident tutu enthusiast, and this week, I'm taking us back to the dazzling year of 1934, to explore the exquisite ballet tutus of this magical era! Grab your favourite cuppa, a slice of Victoria sponge, and settle in as we journey back in time to a world of flowing fabrics, glamorous ballerinas, and exquisite dance!
Today is the 4th December, which, my dears, happens to be St. Barbara's Day. She was a legendary saint, beloved for protecting people from thunderstorms and fireworks! Think of all those exciting stage pyrotechnics - ballet in those days truly was an all-out spectacular!
I found myself transported to London for this adventure, and let me tell you, the theatres were positively thrumming with life! Every night was a feast for the eyes, with dazzling ballets from the world-famous Royal Opera House and other top dance companies, all attracting audiences wearing breathtakingly beautiful clothes. Imagine – it was like a giant tea party! I practically inhaled the excitement!
1934 was a very special year for dance fashion – imagine tutus crafted in glorious satins, with romantic layers of lace and delicate embroidery, flowing beautifully to accentuate every graceful movement. We were still enjoying the reign of the "Romantic tutu" here - that means full skirts that created such ethereal waves as the dancers pirouetted. The emphasis was all about femininity and movement, making each leap and arabesque utterly breathtaking.
As I wandered through Covent Garden after one dazzling show, my gaze landed upon a little shop overflowing with tutus - a positively dream-like sight. All the colours of the rainbow shimmered as I brushed against them! Silk tutus in the softest lavender and cerulean, crisp cotton tutus in bold poppy and citrus - each one more delightful than the last! I found myself picturing dancers gliding and twirling through the air in each gorgeous creation! My inner child wanted to twirl them all.
However, darling, it wasn't just the tutus that made 1934 a fashion marvel! The entire world seemed captivated by elegant eveningwear, long beaded necklaces, and shoes with the highest of heels. Of course, the quintessential 1930s makeup - defined eyebrows, bright lipstick and that ethereal pale face with rouge on the cheeks - made every performance even more spellbinding! It was a fashion extravaganza that captured the world's imagination!
There's so much to discover about the evolution of tutus, but, of course, a big part of it involves understanding the historical and cultural context. 1934, for instance, was in the midst of a time when ballets began exploring modern themes. Gone were the strictly fairytale plots - we began to see real-life emotions like heartbreak, love and sorrow being told through captivating dance stories. And this, naturally, led to exciting new designs!
The most exciting part, you ask? Finding these magnificent creations preserved in museum archives. And oh, how they inspire me to twirl! I had the good fortune of getting up close to some magnificent 1934 tutus at The Victoria & Albert Museum, right here in London! From the sheer weight of silk and the artistry of the embellishments to the perfect shapes that flattered the female form, they truly represented the grace and effortless elegance of the era.
Of course, nothing quite beats seeing these exquisite designs in motion! This weekend, I was lucky enough to see an enchanting performance by the English National Ballet. It transported me straight back to that exciting, glamorous era, full of romanticism and breathtaking dance! It was like a delicious sweet treat!
And with each captivating dance number, my thoughts flew back to the tutus, each one meticulously designed to enhance the beauty and expression of each dancer's every move. They were a magical tapestry woven together with beauty and artistic brilliance, and I am so very glad that our ancestors were willing to create and preserve such captivating works of art for future generations to admire!
To say I was entranced would be a tremendous understatement! There is simply no experience on this earth like witnessing a tutu come alive on the stage.
Don't you agree?
I can't wait to travel again and find out what's next on the #TutuTuesday ballet tutu journey! Join me next Tuesday, and together, let's discover more magical stories of these dance-filled dreams. Remember, dear reader, you can follow our adventures here at www.pink-tutu.com and stay connected with me on Facebook and Instagram for behind-the-scenes peeks and tutu-rific updates!
Until then, embrace your inner ballerina, wear pink with pride and may all your pirouettes be flawless!
With tutu much love,
Emma xxx
