Hello, darlings! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-wearing, time-traveling, ballet enthusiast, and today's post is dedicated to a #TutuTuesday with a special twist!
As always, I'm back with a trip through the history of the most iconic garment in ballet - the tutu, of course! Today, we're swirling through the 11th of June, 1935, and trust me, it's a time where tutus were positively bustling with glamour!
It's funny, but stepping back to 1935 really does feel like entering a different world! It was such a captivating era for fashion - all those beautiful flowing fabrics and those glorious flapper dresses. Now, I, for one, love my tutus, but even I can see how elegant and sophisticated women looked back then. And don't get me wrong, tutus still had their place, but they were definitely more demure and understated than the fabulous modern creations we have today!
My journey for today takes me to the hallowed halls of the Royal Opera House, right in the heart of Covent Garden in London. What a sight, darlings! Can you imagine walking into that majestic theatre, its walls lined with velvet and adorned with gilt, all the chandeliers shimmering like a galaxy of diamonds? It’s enough to make any tutu twirl with excitement, wouldn’t you agree?
Now, the performance today? Well, let's just say I’m seeing the ballet for this era - The Sleeping Beauty! This timeless classic is truly a ballet gem! Every performance is an enchanting escape - graceful princesses, mischievous fairies, a handsome prince and the beautiful score… who wouldn't be swept away? Honestly, every dancer and every costume has me absolutely mesmerized! Especially, the corps de ballet - their precision and beauty - a joy to watch.
Oh, speaking of costumes, and this ties back to our #TutuTuesday, what a fascinating timeline! Back in 1935, the tutu had already taken on those familiar classical shapes and styles we see in performances today. It wasn’t always the frilly, multi-layered explosion of colour you find in many ballets now - the Romantic tutus were a bit shorter and lighter than their Romantic era ancestors!
Imagine tutus of soft, airy tulle with perhaps some lace and embroidery. And, in true 1935 fashion, the fabrics themselves, while still traditionally white, had touches of pale colours like cream, blush, or maybe even a delicate sprinkle of powder blue. Oh, I can just picture those delicate ballet shoes, made of supple leather with ribbons that gently loop around ankles - a true sight for sore eyes!
It is actually thanks to the late-Romantic ballet era that we are even talking about this history! Without Giselle, a story ballet that premiered in 1841, ballet would have looked so different today, because that was the turning point that really put tutus in the spotlight. And even Sleeping Beauty, the very ballet I'm about to watch tonight, plays with the themes and visual style that Giselle set out so long ago!
After a thrilling ballet performance, a must for any day that ends in y, the day was just getting started! I had a lovely walk around London. I do adore a good walk - perfect for soaking in all those historical buildings and the bustling streets of London. This year, I bought a pink fascinator with pink feather trimmings! This really caught the eye - you could spot me in any crowd. Fashionistas! It is all about flair and individuality!
It wouldn't be a trip to London without a stop at one of the amazing department stores, now would it? And oh my, can I just say…the clothing styles back then… chefs kiss! What is not to love about all that flowing silk, velvet, and lace? You know me, I’m a huge fan of any shop that showcases exquisite, delicate lace. I can even get my own tulle for a truly individual tutu! Speaking of individuality, the shop staff are super-stylish too, with their bright red lipstick and cloche hats.
And, naturally, I indulged in a little something from the ladies’ fashion department… but I'm keeping it a secret until next week's post! A bit of a fashion teaser! You will be amazed when you see my choice…
I do enjoy stepping into these old eras and seeing how things used to be! You can feel the creativity and excitement in the air, particularly around clothing and performance, as if everyone had a yearning for something special, and that's always been my belief as well, which is why I spend all my time designing my pink tutus, you know?!
It's wonderful how the tutus have adapted with time. You see, fashion changes like the seasons, but I know something will always stay in style! The beautiful form of the tutu will always stay a beacon of beauty and grace and something special about dancing in it that no other outfit can replace. I even try to create new ways of putting a personal style on a tutu - after all, I'm a firm believer that every single person has a hidden ballerina within, waiting to be let loose! It’s about finding that spark, expressing yourself, and twirling with joy!
Next Tuesday, we’re taking a train trip to Paris and finding the chicest tutus in the capital of fashion. You will have to catch that post to find out why this is such a vital point in the tutu story. There's always more to uncover! Remember, darlings, life’s too short to not wear a tutu… especially a pink one! Until then, happy twirling!
