Hey everyone, it's Emma from www.pink-tutu.com here, your very own time-traveling tutu enthusiast! Welcome back to another exciting edition of #TutuTuesday! It’s so lovely to be back, writing to you all from the charming streets of… well, let’s just say I’m not disclosing my exact location. Time travel, you know, always a touch unpredictable! 😉 But rest assured, we’re somewhere with a whole heap of glamour, grand theatres, and fabulous fashion - a ballerina's paradise!
This week, I’ve been swirling through the annals of dance history and landed on 17th March, 1936. So, grab your favourite pink tutu (the more sparkle, the better, darlings!) and join me as we peek into the world of ballet fashion back in the golden era!
Ballet in 1936: A Time for Change
It's an absolute joy to be back in the thirties! It's like a giant, whirling ball of shimmering tulle and glamorous gowns! While the tutu has been strutting its stuff since the early days of ballet, 1936 marked a period of beautiful change for this iconic garment. The dancers were no longer limited by long, heavy skirts, which allowed for a more free-flowing and graceful style of movement.
A Glimpse into the Glamour
You'll have to forgive me for waxing lyrical about the sheer artistry of the ballet dancers back then, but their poise and talent are something truly remarkable. I recently had the pleasure of attending a performance by the Ballets Russes company! Goodness me, the artistry of these dancers is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Each twirl and leap is a spectacle of sheer joy and skill! You’d think a tutu wasn't needed, the performance alone was spectacular. However, without those iconic tutus, the grace of their movement would be lessened - a beautiful symbiotic relationship between garment and dancer, don’t you think?
And let’s not forget about the stage costumes. Oh, the glorious spectacle! Think glittering gowns with shimmering sequins, vibrant silks that flow like rivers, and delicate lace detailing that could make even the most discerning duchess gasp! It was a celebration of all things exquisite and glamorous!
The Evolution of the Tutu: A Peek into History
Now, let’s chat about tutus, shall we? It wouldn’t be #TutuTuesday without it! In 1936, we're seeing a distinct shift in the design of tutus. Remember those floor-length, layered creations of the Victorian era? They're gradually making way for a shorter, more athletic style.
The 'Romantic' era (around the 1800s) had brought the Romantic tutu. You know, all floaty, all ethereal, with layers and layers of soft tulle. This Romantic style was still very popular. But as dancers began experimenting with more dynamic moves, a shorter tutu – a sort of ‘demi-tutu’ - emerged as the favoured style, with a longer skirt for the grand pas de deux and shorter tutus for fast and virtuosic movements.
Tutus at the Theatre and Beyond
And the influence of the tutu extends beyond the theatre walls, my friends! The thirties was a period when the fashion world was utterly enthralled by the romantic, flowing aesthetics of the dance world, and the tutu became a symbol of femininity and grace! Imagine those luxurious gowns – those decadent styles with shimmering fabric, sequins and elegant layers of tulle... All reminiscent of a dancer's flowing tutus! And in that moment, I simply had to twirl, to revel in the allure and magic of this era!
From Ballet to Boutique
Don't underestimate the tutu’s power in everyday life, dear readers. The elegant appeal of a well-designed tutu is a force to be reckoned with! I always say, a dash of pink tulle and some strategic sparkle are a must-have for every discerning lady! Even outside the theatre, the tutu inspires fashionistas the world over with its airy, romantic flair!
Time Travel is Never Easy (but Always Fun)
Speaking of fashion, oh my, it's been so much fun revisiting this particular period of fashion! But don't think for a second that a time-travelling ballet blogger has it easy, darlings! I mean, you know how fussy those trains can be about tutus (not to mention their size limitations!). There's always a logistical dance involved in ensuring my travelling wardrobe is up to snuff! I find travelling by train allows for much better packing than those flying contraptions. All those cases - all that pressure. No thanks. Train for me.
#TutuTuesday: Sharing the Love of Ballet
Anyway, that's it for another #TutuTuesday, my dears! I hope you've enjoyed our whirlwind journey back to 1936! Don't forget to check out my previous posts on www.pink-tutu.com (Post No. 5438, for your reference!). There's a whole treasure trove of tutus waiting to be explored, from the classic Romantic era right up to today! And remember, let's spread the love for ballet, for tutus, for the joy of twirling and dancing our way through life.
And most importantly: don't forget to rock a pink tutu! 💖
Love,
Emma
*P.S. * Keep an eye out for my next #TutuTuesday post, where we’ll be stepping back into even earlier time, discovering the history of ballet footwear and exploring those early toe shoes, because those pointe shoes have a long history of beauty and dedication to the art of dance!
And always remember to embrace your inner ballerina! We're all born with a bit of sparkle inside! 💖
