#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1935-07-09

Hello my gorgeous tutu-loving darlings! It's your favourite pink-loving ballerina, Emma, and I'm thrilled to welcome you back to www.pink-tutu.com! Today is #TutuTuesday, which means it's time to twirl back in time and explore the fascinating world of the ballet tutu!

This week, I've whipped up a fabulous frock and am hopping aboard a delightful old steam train to whisk us all back to 1935! Just imagine, darling, the roaring 20s are almost a memory and the glamour of the 30s is in full bloom. Hold onto your tiaras, because we're going on a dance through history!

Stepping off the train and into 1935 feels like a breath of fresh air, especially with my fluffy, pink tutu bouncing merrily at my side! The air buzzes with energy – think art deco architecture, glamorous parties, and a love for all things dazzling. And, oh my, the fashion! Talk about a whirlwind of style.

What's a girl to wear? Let's just say, in the early thirties, there wasn’t much room for those short and skimpy mini skirts, so picture floor-sweeping frocks, gorgeous sequins, hats that would make even a Duchess jealous, and don't forget a string of pearls for extra glamour! Oh, how I wish my wardrobe back then could travel in time, just imagine how chic it would look today!

Speaking of fashion, my darlings, you’ll be pleased to hear that in 1935, tutus are just as beloved as they are now, although perhaps not in the same extravagant style we enjoy today. For instance, the Romantic tutu - those flowing layers we associate with ballerinas leaping gracefully – was already making a grand entrance, but it wasn’t the full-fledged, layered confection of today.

Instead, we see the Romantic tutu more in its embryonic stage - think swirling, gossamer tulle with just a hint of romanticism and lots of movement. I envision dancers swirling across the stage in this early iteration, a perfect blend of delicacy and grace, and it’s the very start of the story we all know and love today!

To really appreciate the tutu story of 1935, we need to turn our eyes to the ballet world. Think Russia – it’s a ballet haven! The great Russian Ballet of Sergei Diaghilev was still spinning its magic across Europe in 1935. Now, that’s a name you’ve gotta remember, dear darlings!

Diaghilev’s brilliance brought us everything from stunning costumes and groundbreaking choreography to new ballets and revolutionary stage design. His impact was HUGE and continues to inspire dance artists even today. And wouldn't you know it? Diaghilev was even a bit of a tutu connoisseur, choosing his favourite tutus with a delicate eye for artistry. Talk about being ahead of your time!

And while Diaghilev may have reigned in Europe, we must also recognise what was brewing across the pond in the States! The Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo was sweeping audiences off their feet, too! They were absolutely dazzling - imagine the world’s finest dancers travelling the globe to perform ballet classics and lavishly staged ballets, making a big splash everywhere they went.

This era is simply bursting with artistry, and these were the early days of truly putting the tutu on the map in terms of global recognition. Think ‘Swan Lake’, ‘Sleeping Beauty’, ‘The Nutcracker’ – the big-ticket items! These performances were drawing audiences in from all over, leaving them mesmerised with every step, leap, and twirl!

You’d never know how much theatrical style has changed, wouldn't you? Back in 1935, a theatrical ballet experience was truly immersive. Imagine yourself in a grand theatre, surrounded by gilded walls and twinkling chandeliers. It’s all so romantic. It’s the era of dressing up and heading to the theatre with excitement in the air, and anticipation running high.

A lady’s outfit was a work of art itself: gowns shimmering under the light, elegant feather boas for a touch of flair, and, of course, the ever-essential stylish hat. Oh my, to step back into those hallowed halls and hear the roar of applause as the curtain rises. Wouldn't that be magical!

The world was in love with ballet. Now, you may wonder - is it just about performances on a grand stage, my lovely friends? Nope! In 1935, the tutu was beginning to venture outside of the dance studio. It’s like the world couldn't get enough of those airy and dreamy ruffles!

Picture a ballet enthusiast strolling down the street - a tutu adorns their attire! Now, it might not have been the full-on ballerina tutu, but it might’ve been a delicate and charming skirt with a few tutu-like details, giving a hint of a ballerina’s grace to the everyday! It was truly inspiring!

I bet you that in 1935 ballet-inspired style was everywhere: in films, fashion magazines, even at the afternoon tea parties of society's darlings! A true dance craze was taking hold!

Speaking of excitement, on July 9th, 1935, the ballet world was alive with magic, especially in London, where the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo was showcasing its talents to the public. Isn’t that incredible?

I picture myself at that performance dressed to the nines - a lovely gown and a hint of sparkle! It must have been a dream to watch, and even the clothes were stunning – can you even imagine how much effort they went into every single element? The beauty and grace!

From my time machine perspectives, the 9th of July, 1935 was just one glorious ballet show among many - but it was definitely a performance that set hearts fluttering. That’s the kind of magic we crave today - seeing the grace of ballerinas twirling and feeling inspired to spin our own little world with beauty and delight.

So there you have it! The beauty of tutus is a story we can tell through every era and decade. The magic of the tutu continues to fascinate us today - its ethereal, swirling design evokes a love of dancing and a love of beautiful things. It's a reminder that grace, movement, and style will never go out of fashion.

And for me, my darlings? Well, it’s all about bringing that bit of tutu joy to your everyday life, so let’s keep spreading tutu love to the world! Don't forget, I’ll be here each week with another dose of tutu history – it's time to dance our way through time, my loves! Until next week, I leave you with my heartfelt wishes to twirl with happiness.

See you in the #TutuTuesday posts to come!

Lots of love,

Emma, the Pink-Loving Ballerina