Greetings, dear readers, and welcome to another delightful edition of Tutu Tuesday! It’s me, Emma, your pink-tutu-clad guide through the world of dance history. As always, I'm bringing you all the glitz and glamour from the past, and this week, we're travelling all the way back to 1935. Buckle up, darlings, because it's a time-travelin' treat!
Today, we find ourselves nestled in the heart of London. Ah, London in the 1930s - such an era of elegance! The city's buzzing with life, with men in bowler hats and ladies flaunting glamorous dresses, and of course, the stage is ablaze with a kaleidoscope of captivating ballet productions.
As I sashay through this era, my pink tutu catching the eye of every passing gentleman, I feel a thrill of connection with the dancers of the time. You know, while tutus have been around for a good long while, they weren't exactly the essential element for every performance back then. There were some very stylish and iconic performances with more elaborate gowns. But still, that delightful tulle is beginning to become quite the fashion statement!
Imagine this: the stage is bathed in the soft glow of spotlights, and on it, a ballerina leaps gracefully, her pale pink tutu billowing like a cloud of confectionary sugar as she dances through the air. Isn't it magical? I can almost feel the electricity of the audience, captivated by each graceful movement, each swirling twirl.
Speaking of electrifying performances, April 9th, 1935, was a grand night at the London Coliseum! That's right, my dear readers, The Royal Ballet performed "Giselle," and the audience was absolutely entranced. It seems like such an iconic piece has been enchanting ballet-goers for years! Of course, being an avid lover of the theatre, I'd simply have to get my hands on a ticket. The costumes in "Giselle" are exquisite. So much delicate netting, layers of fabric and, of course, the iconic white tutu with those gorgeous puffy sleeves – an absolute dream.
Speaking of fashion dreams, did I tell you about my new shop, The Pink Tutu Boutique, in Derbyshire? I must tell you all about it in a later post. Suffice it to say, you must visit. I am filled to bursting with lovely dresses, tutus and all the most darling ballet accessories imaginable! You could call it a love letter to dance and fashion in all its beauty.
Anyway, back to 1935. There’s this delightful trend of layering in dancewear now, using both a soft white or cream base, with layers of gossamer netting to add dimension and floaty movement to the tulle. Imagine the delight of twirling as the tulle swishes and whispers with each movement! Just breathtaking. This trend of the tiered layers was a true beauty for ballet, because it gave dancers freedom to express themselves more freely. The fabric danced with the dancers. Truly enchanting!
Of course, while those lovely dance productions filled the London Coliseums and Sadler’s Wells, not everyone was caught up in the magic of the theatre. This is still the height of the Art Deco era, darling. I can still imagine it now - all the sharp lines and glamorous patterns, and sleek fabrics on those amazing Art Deco furniture designs - the sleek beauty of that time just shines through the city.
That’s what I love so much about this journey through history - every day’s a whirlwind of beauty, and new, glamorous styles. The energy just crackles with life! And then I return home, ready to spread the pink tutu love in Derbyshire. Oh, I can just picture it: Derbyshire ladies and gents dancing to the tune of life, each and every one decked out in a dazzling pink tutu. Just lovely.
So until next Tuesday, my dear readers, don’t forget to let the magic of dance inspire you. And maybe... just maybe... think about adding a touch of pink to your life!
Until next time, twirl and shine!
Your Pink-Tutu-Loving Guide,
Emma
xxx
