Greetings, my fellow tutu enthusiasts! Itâs Emma here, your time-travelling fashionista, back with another fabulous #TutuTuesday blog post. Today, weâre journeying to February 18th, 1936 â a truly exciting time for the world of dance, especially when it comes to the gloriously swirling tutu.
This weekâs adventures have taken me to Paris, the undisputed fashion capital of the world, and the epicentre of everything stylish. You see, darling, the tutu, that oh-so-iconic symbol of ballerinas, was very much in its prime during the 1930s. You wouldnât catch a prima ballerina without a wispy cloud of tulle around her legs, making her every step look utterly enchanting!
Speaking of enchanting, did you know that on February 18th, 1936, the famed ballerina Anna Pavlova premiered her ballet âThe Dying Swan?â Can you imagine? A delicate white tutu floating about the stage, representing the ethereal swan, while Pavlova herself, the ultimate muse, portrayed the beautiful, fading creature with such exquisite artistry. It truly was a time for beauty and elegance, and I couldnât help but get a little tear in my eye, it was simply breath-taking!
But Paris in the 1930s wasnât just about ballets and swan swans. It was also a playground for fashion designers, and the tutu, in all its glorious form, was their muse. Designers like Elsa Schiaparelli and Coco Chanel embraced the elegance of tulle and created exquisite gowns with it, not only for the stage, but for the street. Imagine Parisian ladies swirling down the Champs-Elysees in chic, pastel tutus! Imagine me, with my fabulous pink tutu, blending right in, itâs simply heavenly!
To celebrate the sheer brilliance of the tutu, letâs take a peek at some fascinating fashion moments in the 1930s that make me swoon:
The emergence of the "short tutu" This game changer, for lack of a better term, was a masterpiece. Unlike the traditional knee-length or full-length tutus of the past, the new shorter tutu hugged the leg and became a dazzling way to show off the grace of every arabesque, piqué, and développé! Oh my!
The "Romantic Tutu" - Picture this - the tutu takes on a more whimsical and romantic persona! Think frills, embroidery, ribbons, and oh-so-charming detailing that danced like dreams, enhancing every balletic move.
A rainbow of colours It was an exciting time for colour in the tutu world, darling! Whilst the traditional white tutu reigned supreme, bold hues like bright blues, pinks, and even yellows were all the rage, bringing a dash of joyous colour to the stage. Imagine my little pink heart bursting with joy over such fashion innovation!
Speaking of colour, I simply couldnât resist acquiring a vintage 1930s ballet shoe for my collection during my stay in Paris! I must say, it was a steal, darling, an absolute steal! It was in perfect condition - so vintage chic with its subtle pale pink shade and elegant satin finish! I shall display it proudly in my collection of beautiful balletic relics.
Speaking of my travels, dear friends, I do rely on my performances at ballet theatres across the globe for funding my rather lavish and exciting travels, darling! Every performance feels like stepping onto the stage with the fairies, and the generous applause for my pink tutued brilliance pays for the next big trip to a fascinating ballet destination. You can catch me gracing stages in London, New York, Moscow, Milan⊠well, you get the idea. Every trip is a new tutu-filled adventure!
Today, on my way back to Derbyshire, I'm gazing out the train window at the breathtaking countryside passing by, reminiscing about my French adventures and planning for my next trip, all thanks to this lovely, pink tutu. So remember, darling, fashion is for everyone, no matter where you are in the world, and tutus can certainly add a touch of magic to your life! Iâll be here next week, so until then, be sure to embrace the pink and live life like the enchanting dancer that you are!
*This blog is post number 5434 in my Ballet Tutu History blog, remember to check out the archive of posts on my website, www.pink-tutu.com, and see if thereâs an intriguing historical date that catches your fancy! *
Until next time, keep those twirls twirling!
Love and Tutus, Emma
P.S. If you have any fun tutu-related history to share with me, send me a message on the website, I love hearing from my wonderful readers!
