Hello, darlings! Emma here, your very own Tutu Time Traveler, ready to take you on another whirl through history, this time landing in the exciting year of 1935. Put on your fanciest pink tutu, grab your opera glasses, and let's travel by train, because today's topic is absolutely brimming with the sparkle of ballet! 🚂
Now, it's the 17th of December 1935, and the chill is definitely in the air, but oh darling, not in my heart! This festive season has my head spinning with dreams of twinkling Christmas trees and dazzling, sparkly, twirling ballet performances! Oh, how I adore this time of year - the atmosphere is pure magic. It reminds me of those snowy December evenings in my childhood, snuggled up by the fire with my darling Grandmother, dreaming of the fairy godmother and glass slippers... And oh! Have you heard about the exquisite Christmas ballet opening this very night at the Royal Opera House? I've just seen the advertisement for the programme and can't wait to see the costumes! Do you love red and gold? Me too! So exciting! 💖
Speaking of ballet costumes and tutus, darling, where do we begin? We have to rewind a little! Tututuesday, this week, is all about history. Imagine if someone, way back in the 1800s, told you there would come a time when everyone would have a tutu! Well, darling, guess what?! That time is upon us! Though not exactly every single soul (although, wouldn't that be an amazing sight!), tutus have been popping up in so many unexpected places! 🤯
Here we are, 1935, and I'm starting to see the first glimpses of that dazzling future. While my favourite fluffy pink tutus might be more associated with the Romantic period and ballerinas like Marie Taglioni (she of the perfect high-kicks, remember?), the ballet world is shifting towards a bolder style. We’re moving into the modern era with tutus being embraced for their beauty and practicality. Imagine! Can you even begin to imagine how exciting this must be?!
Tututuesday History Corner!
As for where we started? The origins of the tutu? The 1830s. You've guessed it! That's right, the year of our little trip today, the very beginning of tutus becoming the fashion trend they are today! A new era was ushered in by a ballet legend - Marie Taglioni, who demanded the traditional long and cumbersome skirts of the day to be discarded for a light, airy and graceful tutu, with the legs revealed for the first time. That one act of change truly shifted the entire ballet world. Marie knew how much a little fabric can speak! And just think of what she started... It is quite astounding to see how that one spark has lit a fire around the globe, spreading across dance, fashion, theatre and so many other avenues!
But that's not all! We need to mention the evolution of the tutu, darling! Did you know we had those earlier ‘romantic’ tutus made of layered, fine and delicate gauze, those heavenly romantic and soft looks, oh, the twirls! Remember? Those floated beautifully on stage. But in this age, they’re becoming bolder, stronger and dare I say… more functional? It's about practicality on the stage as well as the most breathtaking look for the ballerina! And we're starting to see many different shapes! Now, there's the shorter, more ‘whimsical’ tutu with layers upon layers of tulle, and even the pancake tutu, perfectly suited for the jumps and pirouettes we love! And all of it...still so very flattering, dare I say, even a little bit sexy? 😏
And have you noticed? We are entering the era of the tutus for every taste! And if I have my way… Pink! And of course, we must wear pink for our ballet history adventures. What other colour could a time-travelling ballerina choose?! It brings that fairytale feeling back to our journeys. Pink can be feminine and fierce - like a ballet ballerina, darling. It speaks to that elegant and refined grace of a true dancer. It’s an inspiration and reminds me of our love of movement. Do remember my favourite little shop on Carnaby Street? Absolutely the best for beautiful and fashionable pink tutus. I am very pleased to say I managed to secure quite a few in a delightful coral shade which makes me feel very happy. 😊
A Bit of Ballet for Today...
Let's take a glimpse into this vibrant era! Our spotlight falls on Giselle... what a masterpiece, don't you think?! It’s such a captivating ballet. There are moments when it fills me with tears, so captivating are the feelings, emotions and dancing of the ballerinas! In our trip to the ballet theatre this December, I can already see it being a crowd favourite for its elegant beauty. So moving, you see. The Rite of Spring, I find rather stirring... perhaps less pretty and so much wilder than the soft elegance of Giselle, yet its energy and power on the stage are compelling to watch.
If you are keen to travel through time and experience it yourself darling, remember that in 1935, ballet theatre performances have already established a presence as the must-see event for fashionable audiences. Imagine! Even The New York Times has a dedicated theatre section. Fashion, dance and the elegance of ballet are very much on trend. 💖
Well darling, what else shall we speak about? I am looking forward to this week, already dreaming of visiting Paris, watching an opera and buying more exquisite pink tulle and ribbons from the elegant boutiques on the Avenue Montaigne! Oh! But let me know what you think!
See you next week for more Tutu Tuesday, darling!
✨ Emma
[website link] www.pink-tutu.com
