Welcome back to Pink Tutu!
It's me, Emma, your time-traveling tutu enthusiast, and today we're going back in time, way back to July 16th, 1935. Today's journey has a real vintage flair to it, and I've got a rather glamorous pink tutu especially chosen for the occasion.
You see, as much as I love all the fabulous new trends and designs coming out of the dance world nowadays, sometimes there's nothing better than taking a trip down memory lane and appreciating how things have evolved!
This week we're delving into a world of frills, feathers, and more than a hint of Parisian glamour. Our journey takes us to none other than...Paris!
It's no surprise, really, that I’ve chosen the City of Lights. Back in 1935, Paris was the heart of ballet and style, much like it is today. From the Opéra Garnier with its spectacular shows, to the bustling fashion houses on Avenue Montaigne, the streets were teeming with elegance.
On July 16th, 1935, a Wednesday (how utterly sophisticated!) a most special event was happening: Sergei Diaghilev's Ballets Russes were preparing for their final performance in London. What an extraordinary opportunity to witness such brilliance! This company, renowned for its innovation and theatricality, had brought a new kind of spectacle to the ballet world, dazzling audiences with stunning choreography and lavish costumes.
Imagine, if you will, the intricate lace tutus, shimmering with sequins and embroidery. The bold, vibrant colors, the dramatic use of feathers and jewels...all reflecting the artistry and creative freedom that defined Diaghilev's company. Oh, to be a guest at one of those fabulous performances! The sheer magic!
Just as Diaghilev's dancers captivated audiences with their artistry, so too were fashion designers drawing inspiration from the world of ballet. Long before the likes of Karl Lagerfeld sent models down the runway wearing tutus, Parisian designers were taking inspiration from the delicate, airy aesthetic of ballet. We're talking flowing skirts, layered fabrics, and of course, that undeniably elegant touch of pink that always gets my heart racing.
The world was embracing a sense of elegance and sophistication. The 1930s saw the rise of the 'Femme Fatale,' and women's clothing reflected this: structured yet graceful silhouettes, bold accessories, and a newfound confidence. It's not difficult to imagine those graceful ballerinas inspiring women with their poise, their elegance, and their beautiful tutus!
And you know what? They’re still inspiring us! The beauty of the tutu, its symbolism, its elegance... it's something timeless, truly. Whether you’re a dancer yourself or just a fan of the artistry, it's impossible to look at a tutu without being moved by its spirit. It’s about a graceful expression, a movement, a touch of magic.
You see, there's just something truly enchanting about the tutu. The swirl of the skirt, the delicate fabric... it evokes dreams of dancing on clouds. But there's more than just fairytale charm; the tutu, for me, embodies an incredible sense of freedom. A lightness of spirit! You can literally feel that fluttering as you twirl!
On my little jaunt through 1935, I found a gorgeous little pink vintage shop crammed with amazing outfits. It wasn't difficult to spot me there with my new, delightfully old-fashioned, pink tutu! And the owner, an amazing character who swore she’d once danced with Diaghilev (probably a tall tale, but who am I to spoil the fun!), she gave me the most fascinating insight into Parisian style of the era! We had a delightful cuppa and chat about the dancers and how fashion influenced the dancers... oh, and vice versa! It was fascinating to discover that tutus inspired the silhouette of so many women's clothes. It was a truly beautiful and inspirational way of thinking!
Speaking of the lovely dancers themselves, imagine all the stories those tutus could tell! I always feel a little twinge of sadness when a dancer takes their final bow; what a magical part they’ve played in history. All the applause, the emotion, the passion, and then... the tutu goes into storage! (Well, they say every tutu has its final bow, right? It’s certainly got to be better than ending up in the wardrobe with the rest of my "every-day" clothes!). But imagine all the wonderful tales each one of them holds!
You can just feel the magic swirling around them...it’s part of their magic, don’t you think? It's a journey through time.
You know what else is lovely about travelling to this era? The train journeys! I'm an absolute fan of train travel, you see, and the early railway journeys offered so much charm, don't you think? The clickety-clack of the wheels, the puffing steam, and the picturesque countryside rolling by the window. Honestly, it's more than a journey; it's a real treat for the soul, particularly when you're in the company of a beautiful pink tutu!
Now, to continue the theme of elegance and history, I just have to share with you one of my absolute favourite London theatres! It’s the Lyceum Theatre - just a stone’s throw from the Thames and brimming with its own wonderful history. If I could spend more time in 1935, this would be my home from home - a place where dance and storytelling converge, where the atmosphere shimmers with excitement. If ever you want a day of pure theatrical magic, then this is your go-to theatre!
This #TutuTuesday, I hope I've transported you right into the heart of ballet history. Who knows what wonderful stories we'll unearth next Tuesday on www.pink-tutu.com. I'll be right here, ready to embark on another thrilling journey through the wonderful world of the tutu. Until then, happy dancing!
P.S. Did you know that it was this day in 1935 that the first issue of the New Statesman weekly magazine, printed and distributed by an association called The Week-End Review, hit the news stands? I must admit that for me, it's more about the tutu! But, the world is full of fascinating coincidences...
P.P.S And as always, if you are feeling a little extra glamorous or are looking to spread some extra ballet joy, grab your most fantastic pink tutu and make someone's day. Now, go on and dance!
P.P.P.S Stay tuned for more #TutuTuesday fun! Until next week, don’t forget to follow me on social media for all my #pinktutuloves!
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Emma, your Pink Tutu-Loving Time Traveller.
