#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1936-03-03

Hello my gorgeous fellow tutu lovers! Emma here, back with another installment of #TutuTuesday, where we delve into the glorious history of ballet’s most iconic garment: the tutu!

This week, I’m feeling rather elegant and refined, my pink tutu is perfectly paired with a blush silk blouse and a delicate silver chain with a miniature ballerina pendant. I feel so pretty I could burst! My time machine whisked me back to the glamorous 1930s this time, to Paris, the heart of ballet, where a dazzling performance awaits!

The air is buzzing with anticipation, my darling! Paris is always a thrill. The cafes hum with lively chatter, everyone stylishly attired, the ladies with feathered hats and slim, flowing dresses. As I enter the Grand Opera House, the sheer scale of the place takes my breath away. My oh my, the plush velvet seats, the twinkling chandeliers casting a romantic glow, the air filled with the sweet scent of perfume. The orchestra begins to play, and I know I am in for a treat.

I'm here for a performance by the famous Paris Opera Ballet! The star of the evening is none other than the legendary Olga Spessivtzeva! My goodness, the crowd cheers and claps as she takes the stage, a vision of grace and beauty in her romantic tutu, a fluffy cloud of tulle cascading around her legs. Every movement she makes is so fluid, so delicate. Oh, my heart simply melts!

Now, I have to confess, I’m a little sad this evening. They're performing a ballet called Giselle. Now, the story is simply lovely, but I just have to whisper - and darling, do keep it between us, there are absolutely no pink tutus! Now I know we're a long way off from everyone wearing pink tutus, but one day, I dream of a world where a pink Giselle sweeps across the stage!

Now, speaking of this day, 3rd March 1936, did you know it was a Tuesday too? Just like today! Isn’t it incredible that history keeps repeating itself? Of course, today we're focusing on the fashion and not world events. It’s time to talk about ballet styles and what was all the rage for dancers.

Tutus Take Shape

Let’s go back in time and marvel at the tutus of the 1930s, shall we? This period, you see, was all about perfecting the Romantic tutu. And what was this exactly? Well, think airy, ethereal, and wonderfully voluminous. A romantic ballet, darling, is all about romance and love! They want to look like fairies, whimsical creatures fluttering about the stage!

But the 1930s were about perfecting this airy cloud-like structure.

The dancers looked stunning in their romantic tutus, delicate layers of tulle cascading around their legs, their bodies floating with effortless grace. It was a stunning spectacle! The 1930s, in fact, saw the development of more efficient ways of layering the tulle, which meant that they became lighter and more fluid than their earlier iterations! We’re really seeing this style refined for the ultimate stage presence!

You’d be forgiven, though, if you saw tutus of a shorter variety, those wonderful, almost flirty Coda tutus, the tutus favoured for a show’s grand finale. We still see these styles today, those adorable and elegant short skirts that make a dramatic flourish, don’t they? But remember darling, pink was still not the go-to choice! White, ivory, and cream were still ruling the stage! I mean, honestly, can you even imagine a Coda Tutu in pink? You can practically hear the music just thinking about it, can't you?

After the ballet, the charming aroma of coffee lures me into a chic Parisian café, tucked away on a cobblestoned street. Here I sip on a steaming cappuccino, my notebook full of notes. Oh, what a joy to explore these wonderful Parisian streets! From my notebook, I've discovered a fashion revelation: this era in France is full of extravagant gowns and bold makeup! So, while we have those incredible, ethereal romantic tutus in white, and those stylish Coda tutus, remember that fashion in the 1930s is all about a flamboyant glamour, bold designs, luxurious materials, and intricate details. There is a daring edge to everything. Think bias cut dresses, sleek hats with veils, bold lips and daring eye shadow - the whole Parisian vibe is utterly magnificent!

Alright, so let’s leave our little Paris interlude behind and jet back to Derbyshire, where all my fellow tutu lovers reside! But hey, there’s no reason to not feel chic right now, eh? There's plenty of 1930s style inspiration that we can borrow, no time machine required!

Remember, it's all about combining soft elegance and a hint of extravagance! Think bold, eye-catching pieces in jewel tones, sequins, feathers! You can even recreate those dreamy layers in the romantic tutu with an exquisite tulle skirt and an opulent satin top! Now, while I know this isn’t 1936 and pink hasn’t completely taken over fashion, let's take that bold trend and turn it on its head! Throw on a pair of beautiful pink tights and pair them with a sophisticated vintage blouse! Embrace the drama, darlings, and enjoy a touch of Parisian flair in your everyday look.

So there you have it! This week's installment of #TutuTuesday, reminding you that a ballet tutu's history goes much deeper than just being beautiful; it tells a story, just like we're doing now!

Don't forget to visit us at www.pink-tutu.com and join the conversation with me in the comments! What are your favourite things about the romantic tutu? Share your thoughts and we'll be back next week, spreading some more tutu magic!

Yours in Tutu, Emma