Hello, darlings! Welcome back to another edition of #TutuTuesday, where we journey through the glorious history of the ballet tutu! As you all know, I, your resident tutu-obsessed blogger, Emma, am absolutely bonkers for these billowing, beautiful pieces of fashion history. And today, my dears, we're stepping back in time to the 24th of March, 1936!
Buckle your shoes, grab a spot of tea and a slice of Victoria sponge, and let's waltz back to the glittering world of 1930s ballet!
Now, I know what you're thinking: "1936? Doesn't sound all that exciting, Emma, love. All that austerity and..." But hold your horses, darling! The world of ballet, you see, it thrives in every era. And in 1936, it was buzzing!
This week's travel was particularly lovely as I found myself aboard a grand train journey to the City of Lights! (Oh, how I adore train travel - such a chic way to journey!) In Paris, my heart did skip a beat when I saw a poster for "La Sylphide," which had opened a week earlier on the 17th. Can you imagine the excitement, dears? A grand new ballet, ready to take the stage! It's all about a mystical sylph and the heartbreak of love... sigh.
Of course, my trip wasn't all about the theatre. It was also a wonderful excuse to browse the Parisian shops! The boutiquers were showcasing beautiful silks and lace, which you can absolutely imagine would make exquisite tutus. I'd imagine the Parisiennes would have looked utterly divine in their Parisian tutus, flitting about the city as graceful as ballerinas.
Back in 1936, though, the tutu wasn't quite the princess-y thing we know and adore today. In fact, many of the ballerinas were still performing in those classic Romantic tutus - shorter, more ethereal looking and, frankly, far too delicate for a clumsy lass like me! But fear not, darlings, because those full, swirling, princess-like tutus were beginning to emerge - the likes of which we now consider to be so utterly iconic.
As the thirties rolled on, the tutus were gradually getting wider and more dramatic. And let me tell you, it made for spectacular choreography! Ballet was all about grace and beauty then, and it truly was the "dancing of the gods"!
And just to keep the "tutu-time travel" fun going, you'll absolutely love what I learned this week! Did you know, dears, that back in 1936, the Royal Ballet, which we know so well today, was known as the Vic-Wells Ballet? They toured a bit everywhere back then. (London, Derby, and all sorts!). Can you imagine? My beloved Derbyshire featuring in a ballet performance! I almost wished I'd been around to see it!
On my next trip back to 1936, I am definitely aiming for a spot of backstage action at a Vic-Wells performance. Just imagine all the beautiful tutus in their dressing rooms!
Anyway, my lovely darlings, I'm running off to put my own spin on things and start designing a modern take on that 1936 Parisian style tutu. I'm envisioning swathes of dusky pink silks, sparkling crystals... You get the idea, lovelies. We'll be looking for the perfect vintage fabrics on Saturday, and I’ll post photos on Instagram. And, of course, I'll post the result on the site next week - you can follow me on the gram by searching for @PinkTutuEmma
Stay stylish, my dear readers, and let’s keep the spirit of tutu alive.
Until next week, my dears!
Yours, with a swish of silk and a twirl, Emma x
P.S. Did anyone spot anything interesting about tutus in the 1936 newspapers or vintage magazines this week? Send me your photos or stories, and maybe you’ll feature in next week’s blog!
