Hello, darling dancers and tutu enthusiasts! Emma here, your very own time-travelling ballerina, bringing you a little slice of ballet history every Tuesday from my fabulous, pink-tinted travels.
Today, we're waltzing back to 1935! Picture it: Paris. The City of Lights. The air abuzz with jazz, art, and oh, the fashion.
You know I love a good train journey, and this one was no different. Just imagining myself gliding through the French countryside in my perfect pink tutu - the kind with a layer of tulle so soft it makes a whisper jealous - with my trusty beret and matching lipstick to match, well, it was enough to send me straight into a dream.
I found myself in the heart of Paris, just in time for a showing of "Giselle", at the Palais Garnier. What an iconic ballet house, don't you think? A magnificent palace of dancing, with intricate gold and marble decorations - just perfect for making any ballet fan swoon!
The audience was truly mesmerising: glittering jewels, flowing silk, and elegant hats that would make even the most jaded fashionista swoon! Imagine a world where your every outing is an opportunity to make a statement! In this era, every lady made a conscious effort to put her best foot forward, and they absolutely nailed it!
But my favourite part? You guessed it: the tutus.
Tutus of the 1930s:
Imagine a tutu with shorter skirts and more intricate details than those we see today.
This period saw the introduction of more intricate details in the tutu, with elaborate swansdown (feather-trimmed) borders and layers of netting. It was about the illusion of flowing tulle. The silhouette of the tutus was becoming slimmer, reflecting the trend in women's fashion at the time. They embraced a streamlined, more sculpted silhouette which accentuated the grace and movement of the dancers.
And of course, let’s talk colour. This decade was all about pastels, and a blush pink tutu would have been a total dream. The dancers embraced light, feminine hues, and their performance was truly enchanting!
Now, on this date in 1935, what was happening in the world of ballet? There was so much to celebrate!
- Diaghilev’s legacy: Although he'd passed away five years earlier, the genius of Sergei Diaghilev continued to inspire ballerinas. His iconic "Ballets Russes" were pushing boundaries with choreography and costumes, creating a visual symphony for the ages. The impact of the Ballet Russes' unique approach is still evident today, particularly in the daring costumes and intricate dance formations seen in contemporary ballet performances.
- A burgeoning dance community: Ballet was blossoming in the 1930s! We see new ballets debuting, famous choreographers making their mark, and a growing appreciation for this beautiful art form. You just know that when art takes centre stage, there will always be incredible creativity around it! This period also witnessed the rise of professional dance companies outside the confines of Paris, spreading ballet’s magical touch all around the globe!
I am always captivated by the power of this time period - not just in its historical context, but its ability to transcend time. Ballet has evolved, yes, but the underlying spirit of beauty, grace, and artistry is as vibrant as ever.
I’ve already started designing my own line of tutus, drawing inspiration from this era’s timeless glamour. I think they will be a real knockout - I'm dreaming of beautiful rose pink tulle with little touches of shimmer, maybe some delicate lace accents and hand-painted silk flowers.
Can’t wait to show you all the designs! In the meantime, if you fancy taking your own ballet journey back in time, let’s imagine together!
Tell me, what colour tutu would you wear for a glamorous night at the Palais Garnier in the 1930s? Leave a comment below and share your own #TutuTuesday dreams!
Love, Emma [ www.pink-tutu.com ]
