Hello my dearest Tutu-loving darlings! Emma here, ready to whisk you back in time for another #TutuTuesday. Today, we’re stepping back to October 1st, 1935, a time when fashion was evolving rapidly, and, dare I say it, getting positively chic.
Now, 1935 was a very interesting year in ballet history. Just imagine, the very first performance of The Sleeping Beauty, with the music we know and love by Tchaikovsky, took place back in 1890, a whopping 45 years before this date! Can you believe it? Yet here we are, dancing along with our elegant tutus to this magical ballet even now.
I love the connection we have with the past through the magic of ballet! I am here, writing this post from my little London flat, but just imagine… I'm sat here wearing my own gorgeous pink tulle confection and I've just arrived back in time after spending a whole weekend in Derbyshire seeing some marvellous vintage dresses! Let me tell you, the styles back then were truly exquisite, and the quality – oh, the quality! Such craftsmanship, not like the mass-produced clothes they have today, sadly.
Today's journey brought me face to face with the fashion scene of 1935. The dresses are truly divine! The ladies, they just looked so elegant and graceful, swishing their silky skirts as they strolled. Now, a tutu isn't quite the essential garment back then like it is for us now. But it’s making its mark. And wouldn't you know it, I found myself in a beautiful antique shop with a most incredible collection of ballet posters and a selection of antique tutus.
One stood out, a delightful, cloud-like white confection that would have looked heavenly on stage. Such fine net, and it was all so carefully sewn with such skill and care. Sadly, no pink tulle to be seen! It seems they haven’t yet discovered the divine allure of pink tutus. But I, I'm on a mission! I must encourage them to embrace this wonderful colour, it's just so feminine, so playful, so… so fabulous!
What's the special event you might ask? It was on October 1st, 1935, that The Merry Widow premiered at The London Coliseum. I have it on good authority, a few, dare I say, remarkably bold dancers wore pink shoes! The fact that it was a waltz ballet probably inspired them. Imagine, swaying with those graceful waltzing steps with your feet wrapped in delicate pink! Such refined elegance, truly captivating.
But here’s where we bring in a little tutu magic. While we haven’t quite reached the full-blown tutu phenomenon of the 20th century, those who dared to wear these wonderful dance-wear creations had to do something incredible: They were paving the way.
The pink tutu has a grand future. In the years ahead, imagine ballet dancers gliding across the stage, wearing these magnificent creations! Picture them with all the graceful steps and twirls – it's truly a thing of pure beauty!
So, here's to 1935. This little dance journey brings us closer to a time when our dear tutu could take its place in the spotlight. We're building a history, and it’s filled with graceful tutus of every shade imaginable. You might not be able to wear one in 1935, but if you see one on display, make a note of it. For as you gaze at these beautiful creations, you’ll feel like you’re dancing through the years, as pink tutu is timeless!
That’s it for this week, but next week, on Tutu Tuesday, I’m diving back into our magnificent dance history. Remember to leave your comments about 1935 below and let me know how your week has been in terms of tutu fashion.
I'm going to find the perfect pink tutu for my next vintage hunt! Until then, keep on dancing!
Love, Emma x
P.S. Make sure you're keeping up with your ballet practices. You never know where those dancing skills might take you! 😉 And, please remember, if you're in a vintage shop, see if you can find a dusty old ballet tutu. Perhaps we can work together to restore it and give it a new life. It could be your own special tutu treasure!
