#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1934-12-25

Happy #TutuTuesday, darlings! I'm your favourite tutu-touting time traveller, Emma, back with another fabulous journey into the fascinating history of ballet's most iconic garment – the tutu!

Today we're twirling back to a time when the world was getting ready to embrace the era of jazz and glamour. Buckle up your pink ballet shoes and hold on tight, we're stepping back to Christmas Day, 1934!

(P.S. Did I mention I found the most divine, oh-so-fluffy pink tutu at the vintage shop in Covent Garden? It's absolutely divine!)

You know how much I adore a bit of history, and let me tell you, the 1920s and 1930s were truly revolutionary times for ballet. Forget the strict, stiff classical traditions of the past. The "Romantic Era" of ballet was on its way out, replaced by a vibrant, expressive movement that captured the heart and soul of a new generation.

Remember Diaghilev's Ballets Russes? They were shaking up the ballet world, bringing a whole new level of excitement to the stage. Their costumes? Utterly stunning, and some of the most iconic tutus in ballet history were created during this period!

Now, 1934 was a year of change and progress. While the world was getting ready to swing into the new decade, ballet was also stepping out of the old and embracing the new.

By this time, ballet had already reached the big screen, gaining immense popularity amongst a wider audience. The "Ballet Russes" even performed at a gala in Paris for the Queen of England - ooh la la! Talk about iconic.

This time period saw a huge increase in public interest in ballet, thanks to the popularity of big stars like Margot Fonteyn and especially the legendary dancer, Anna Pavlova. They were captivating audiences all over the world! They truly embody the graceful and captivating spirit of the time, all dressed up in stunning tutus.

And it's not just about ballerinas and their twirls. Imagine, for a moment, watching Fred Astaire effortlessly glide across the dance floor in one of his legendary dance films. Do you think there might have been a little bit of ballet influence there? Maybe even a few ballerina steps tucked into those quickstep routines!

(Can't wait for the vintage shop next week to have another trip! My pink tutus just aren't complete without that 1930s sparkle!)

While it was exciting to see how ballet was exploding in popularity across the world, it was still finding its feet. Let's talk about the real reason I love this time: Innovation! Ballet was pushing boundaries and experimenting with new choreography.

One name that pops up in every 1930s ballet history book is Sergei Prokofiev, a composer who wasn't afraid to play with modern rhythms. Imagine ballet set to his music! It would be such an energetic and exciting experience.

It wasn't just in music where we saw these exciting changes; the costumes were becoming more interesting too. The rigid, traditional "classical tutu" was beginning to be replaced with a softer, more flowing look. This helped ballet dancers express themselves with a new freedom and movement, bringing a more modern and elegant appeal to the performance.

*(I can't wait to *whip up my own 1930s style tutu. I think pink satin with a sprinkle of crystal sequins will make it completely gorgeous! I will even need to get some fabulous matching shoes! Imagine how this look would turn heads at a ballet recital!)

We're so caught up in celebrating the amazing dance styles of the past that we nearly forgot one of the biggest and most fabulous things of 1934: the fashion. And believe me, 1934 was all about glamour. It was an era when fashion truly had the "wow" factor!

Can you picture a glamorous woman stepping out onto the streets of London in a stunning evening dress, silk gloves, and a feather boa? Imagine a dazzling socialite stepping into the opulent theatre, her shimmering sequins reflecting the light of the chandelier as she takes her seat. This was 1934's glamorous magic!

Do you think this fashion era influenced the ballet scene at all? Oh my, I imagine it must have! Maybe this is why we see such fabulous detail and flair in 1930s ballet costumes.

Imagine those gorgeous long flowing gowns and capes with dazzling beads, rhinestones, and sparkling feathers. Ballet had really become about captivating its audience with beauty and charm!

(Speaking of glamorous style! My best friend Emily has a vintage clothes shop in Chesterfield - her stock of 1930s sequins is beyond amazing. I might have to plan a trip with my latest pink tutu and do a "ballet through time" photoshooting.)

So, while you're all wrapped up in Christmas Day, 1934, and probably enjoying your mince pies, I'm twirling my way back to 2023! It was truly a magical journey. From the beautiful ballrooms to the grand stages, the glamorous parties and the wonderful dance styles - I even went on a ride on a steam train and enjoyed a wonderful London afternoon tea!

Remember, darlings, the love of ballet is timeless. Every tutu, from the grand classics to the exciting, new looks, has a story to tell.

Keep exploring, keep learning, and remember – life's a dance!

Love always,

Emma

(Oh, don't forget, next week we'll be exploring another amazing time. It’s full of twirls and maybe even a little sprinkle of magic! See you then, on Pink-Tutu.com!)