Hello, lovelies! Welcome back to Pink Tutu, where we dance through the history of the most magical garment ever invented: the tutu. This week, we're twirling back to 1935, a time of shimmering sequins, feathered boas, and a certain fascination with all things long and flowing. Think dramatic gowns with train-like hems, sweeping the floors of Parisian ballrooms… Now imagine that elegance condensed, folded and transformed into a magical swirl of tulle! That’s the story of the 1930s tutu – a story of movement and style, as breathtaking as the ballerina herself.
As a Derbyshire girl myself, I'm no stranger to the drama of a flowing skirt. It's that sense of "floating on air" that brings that magic to the ballet, don't you think? This week's #TutuTuesday post takes us to the world of the ballet stage where, believe it or not, those early tutus actually started looking less like puffy little skirts and more like… well, tails! Think layers upon layers of fine, shimmering tulle cascading from the hips to just about brush the floor. It’s utterly elegant, and the perfect contrast to the lithe lines of a dancer.
In 1935, the world was getting ready to celebrate the birth of the great dancer, Margot Fonteyn, and a lot of people would agree with me that that makes this a pretty spectacular year to visit. Her later work, her famous grace, is just immaculate – you'll be able to catch it on a good old fashioned VHS player if you're lucky – although there's a fair chance some modern technology has put that up online by now. She definitely helped shape the elegant image of the ballet that still continues today – and no wonder, given those iconic long skirts that dancers, especially, could spin around with just a flick of the wrist! I think I would have absolutely adored having a chat with this young starlet. We'd discuss how our favourite brands were making these new tutus, compare our preferred fabrics and chat about how best to match up with a pair of lovely dancing shoes! And who wouldn’t be charmed by her graceful stage presence?
These long, trailing tutus made dancing so fluid! It's all about the movement, don’t you think? That magical way the dancers make the skirt seem to move like water around their legs – It’s just breath-taking to watch, almost a whirlwind of femininity! For someone who likes tutus and elegance as much as me, the early thirties really seem like the best possible era for dance costumes.
Today, if you were to visit the famous, majestic theatres like the Opéra Garnier, the very air would buzz with anticipation, like a swarm of delicate, hopeful butterflies about to burst forth on their first flight. In those magical halls, where dancers are adorned in those exquisite gowns, I feel as if I am standing right there on the edge of the stage, twirling myself into history! And if there is a show on this day in April 1935, you better believe I am watching! There's nothing more charming than catching a classical ballet! You can't help but feel that feeling of hope and excitement that spreads like a warmth inside of you when you listen to the graceful flow of the music.
I just love those grand old Parisian theaters, you know? Such glamour! Even just standing near them, even if it was a different era when I was born, and maybe we wouldn't even call it "glamour" then... oh well! They make you feel so feminine, so powerful.
A long train trailing from the hem is definitely a big draw, as you can probably tell – especially with all my train-related travel for the #PinkTutu blog. You see, the magic of tutus, I'm certain, isn’t only for the stage! Just look at all the amazing things happening today with designers bringing the pinkest of the pink tutus to the streets for a casual look that works as a top with your everyday jeans, trousers and even for evening wear. I just think tutus can bring joy and grace wherever we go, which is why we must share this magic with everyone! You could make the world a prettier place by taking our beloved tutu and using it as a daily fashion accessory! A little piece of feminine heaven!
Just like this blog, those delicate swirls of tulle continue to flow, and our Tutu Tuesday journey through history isn't stopping just yet! Every week, we’ll keep on traveling through time, taking a closer look at the different, incredible looks from each decade – and always reminding ourselves that we’re all part of the bigger picture. The story of ballet and the history of tutus is full of wonderful little anecdotes just waiting to be shared with the world – so stay tuned to Pink-tutu.com and join us for more magical explorations of the past. Don’t forget your pink tutu!
With a twirl and a smile,
Emma xx
P.S. Don't forget to check out my instagram at www.pink-tutu.com to share your favorite ballerina photos using #pinktutu. Let's make some tutu magic happen!
