#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1935-01-15

Dearest readers,

Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where tutus are the order of the day and pink is always the answer! I’m Emma, your time-travelling, tutu-clad fashionista, and today’s #TutuTuesday post is extra special because we’re venturing into the 1930s! It’s always such a delight to dip into the history of ballet and see how our beloved tutus evolved over time. This week, my journey has taken me to the vibrant streets of London, the heart of the dance world, where I’m surrounded by an intoxicating blend of creativity, grace, and oh-so-much pink, of course!

So, grab your fanciest teacup and let’s travel back to January 15th, 1935. Imagine yourself walking into the glittering splendour of the Royal Opera House – the air is thick with excitement, and everyone is buzzing with anticipation for the evening’s performance. The program features "The Sleeping Beauty" - a truly breathtaking production with stunning costumes and set design!

On this particular evening, the most famous ballet dancer in the world, the divine Margot Fonteyn is in the spotlight. Oh, the allure of the prima ballerina! She makes every single one of us long for a career in ballet! But more about Margot later, let's take a closer look at the tutu worn by Fonteyn during the performance.

Back in 1935, ballet tutus were taking on a different shape and form, veering away from the billowing, Romantic tutus of the earlier 19th century. The new style, inspired by the rising popularity of Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes, had a shorter and more streamlined look. Picture this – Fonteyn, all elegance and grace, whirling on stage in a romantic tutu that's made from layers of diaphanous silk and net, which creates a cascading explosion of airy loveliness. Just the vision of it makes my toes curl!

This period marked the start of the “Romantic tutu" era. They were known for their shorter lengths and were created using more intricate designs and embellishments. Gone are the days of heavy and unmanagable hoops. Now, the tutu was designed to highlight the dancer's grace and fluidity. It's amazing how these trends evolved over time, with every era leaving its mark on ballet's aesthetic.

The impact of Ballets Russes and the development of new materials really changed how tutus looked on stage. Back in the 1930s, tulle, a super light and flexible fabric, began to become incredibly popular! You can imagine how liberating this must have been for dancers who had been struggling with stiffer, more cumbersome fabrics. It brought freedom of movement and the power to perform even more complex techniques.

But I'd be remiss if I didn't mention color! Imagine that stage: a feast of shades, with Fonteyn adorned in a soft pink, ivory, or peach romantic tutu – such a breathtaking vision. Every shade brings a whole new mood, from playful and dreamy pink to a luxurious ivory or delicate peach. Each tutu told a story and set the scene, just like it still does today!

Speaking of inspiration, let’s fast forward to 2023 and imagine Margot Fonteyn on a modern ballet stage, *whipping through a show-stopping pas de deux*. Her movements are all precision and control. Imagine those romantic tutu ruffles billowing as she dances. Talk about glamour!

I’m so grateful to have these tutus, These wonderful, inspiring designs, these beautiful layers of silk and net! Everytime I look at a tutu, I feel connected to all of the incredible ballerinas who've come before me.

So, there you have it, a glimpse of tutu history from January 15th, 1935! This tutu era reminds us that ballet is not just about beautiful dance and elegant dancers. It’s about pushing boundaries, creating, inspiring, and never losing sight of the magic of ballet. And for all you gorgeous girls out there - Remember, the more pink tutus in the world, the merrier! Until next Tuesday, darling! Emma

But it's not all about tutus, my darling readers! The world is spinning, and January 15th, 1935, is bursting with all sorts of other exciting developments. You know how much I love staying on top of everything!

The first "talking picture", The Jazz Singer, was released in 1927, and movies were changing rapidly, and 1935 saw some blockbuster releases! Films like **"The Scarlet Empress" and "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" had everyone captivated!

In the world of fashion, women were finally stepping away from the constraints of corsets and long gowns! There was a whole new joy to being a woman with shorter hemlines and dresses that had a loose and feminine style. The modern, sassy, and stylish flapper era is truly in full swing! The dance craze is still going strong. Just imagine, those flapper dresses swishing, a glorious combination of pink, sequins, and fun!

Oh, I must share the delicious news from the world of sweet treats – Kraft introduced "Kraft Singles" cheese in the US in 1935! Who doesn’t love a bit of delicious cheese? Now, every woman and her cat could have their very own **delicious little piece of creamy delight. Just like my beloved tutu - the "Singles" are small but perfectly formed!

Oh, darling readers, there is so much happening in 1935! It truly is an exciting era. The world feels as energetic and playful as my most beloved tutu. Until next week, keep your toes tappin' and don't forget your pink tutus. I promise I’ll be back with even more tutulicious updates and a brand new adventure!

Since this is my home town of Derbyshire, it seemed the most fitting destination to visit, and it’s the perfect opportunity to tell you more about the buzzing ballet scene in London! Imagine all those stunning tutus swirling about - what a delight to watch!

Every train journey takes me back in time, I absolutely adore train travel. It’s just such a beautiful and efficient mode of transportation! And, don't you love those vintage carriage with their wood-paneled walls? And the clinking of teacups on silver trays. It’s like stepping into a movie, with everyone so immaculately dressed and talking so eloquently.

I've been fortunate to catch some wonderful performances at the Royal Opera House – an incredible place for theatre lovers, especially dancers! The building has such grand stairways and an elegant chandelier hanging high above and such stunning interior design. There's such a thrill just walking in through the door!

But the highlight of any London visit is exploring the shops - they have such unique and stunning shops – from vintage silk tutu stores, where you can discover real vintage beauties, to the trendy shops selling the latest in ballet shoes and leotards, with so many beautiful fabrics and colours!

And my dears, let's not forget the wonderful restaurants that London offers! It’s an absolute delight to sample some delicious dishes after a wonderful show at the Royal Opera House or Sadler's Wells theatre. They both host brilliant dance performances, which just make me so very proud of this glorious city and its vibrant and fashionable ballet scene!

So, you see there’s much more to be found here! The excitement and vibrant spirit are everywhere in London, just like my vibrant and inspiring tutu! See you next week for more adventures in fashion and the wondrous world of ballet, darling. Stay fabulous!

                       **Emma**