#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1936-03-31

Hello my gorgeous Tutu-Lovers! Welcome to my weekly dose of all things tutu, where we travel through time to uncover the glamorous history of these fabulous frills. I’m your ever-so-pink host, Emma, straight from the cobbled streets of Derbyshire.

It's a Tuesday which means it's time for our weekly dose of Tutu-licious History! Today, we’re travelling to the magical world of ballet in 1936, a time when the tutu was starting to take centre stage, just like yours truly. 😉

Today, the date is the 31st of March 1936, and I can feel the excitement buzzing in the air. I’m just getting off the train at Gare du Nord in Paris, after a long, romantic journey. It's springtime and everything is blooming and vibrant just like my newest tutu - I couldn't resist the gorgeous shade of lavender, inspired by the floral designs on the vintage perfume bottle I snagged at a charming antique shop in Normandy.

Speaking of vintage, today marks the birthday of none other than the icon of classical ballet, Margot Fonteyn! Can you imagine, born just a year before the iconic ballerina Anna Pavlova took the world by storm with her ethereal performance in The Dying Swan? The world of ballet was truly a beautiful sight to behold in 1936, and my oh my, what a fantastic time it was for the tutu!

Let’s rewind the clock a bit to explore where we were in the tutu game before this extraordinary year:

We all know the iconic Romantic tutu, the epitome of grace and fragility. Remember the beautiful creations by Marie Taglioni? That iconic single layered, almost diaphanous tulle that made the ballerinas look like they were floating on air?

The 19th century was a period of romanticism and the tutu, with its delicate structure, perfectly represented the era. Ballerinas could move freely with these billowing fabrics, which led to revolutionary moves and even more emphasis on technique, like those fabulous fouetté turns, the epitome of a classical dancer's elegance.

Well, in 1936 we were still in the thick of it with the Romantic tutu! And why wouldn’t we be? Its ethereal beauty had captivated the world and kept everyone spellbound! Think of those incredible stage sets and shimmering fabrics. Ballet was, and still is, truly the ultimate expression of artistry, grace, and sheer beauty.

Fast forward to the roaring 20s and we’re seeing the evolution of the tutu into something a little less ethereal. These new tutus had shorter skirts and became more flexible, with shorter lengths that helped emphasize athleticism and those beautiful leaps that leave the audience gasping in awe. This change allowed dancers to be more dynamic, creating a perfect combination of power and artistry, both vital components of classical ballet.

By the 1930s, ballet was moving away from a focus on strict traditions and toward more expressive performances. We're still clinging onto the Romantic tutu, but we are seeing those bold and dramatic short tutus creeping into the repertoire. Think bold colours, striking patterns and more layered tutus for those magnificent leaps. This evolution reflected the times – a more modern, sophisticated ballet style, moving with the rhythm of the 20th century.

Back to 1936 – where are my Parisian tutu lovers? I’m going to do a little bit of sightseeing before heading to the grand Palais Garnier to see Giselle, the tragic ballet where the Romantic tutu truly takes the spotlight. It’s an absolutely captivating performance, one of my all-time favourites!

Just imagining all those lovely dancers with their beautiful tutus floating through the air is making me giddy. What an unforgettable experience!

Later on, I plan to pop into a charming little boutique that has the most wonderful tutus – they're more daring and a little less airy, but equally beautiful, all layered in beautiful shimmering silk and delicate netting. This is the true tutu revolution in my eyes – keeping true to tradition while embracing the modern trends!

Remember, I'm not just a Tutu Time Traveller, but a lover of all things stylish! There are no rules, dear reader, except the rule of embracing your unique style and celebrating your own personal expression of a tutu.

Remember: It's all about attitude! It's not just the tulle, it's about what we embody, how we walk, and how we shine. So strut your stuff in that beautiful tutu, you stylish little firecracker, you!

But wait, there’s more! I’m already itching to learn more about tutus. I want to know everything, because I believe that understanding the history of something so wonderful is essential to fully appreciate its beauty and elegance!

So, as I sip on my dainty tea with some petit fours and soak in the beauty of the Parisian afternoon sun, I'm diving back into the history of this delightful world.

The origins of the tutu may seem hazy to some, but I find that little detail to be quite alluring – much like a little black dress or an antique cameo brooch. This only heightens the air of mystery and beauty, wouldn't you agree?

But like all fashionistas know, every fabulous design has a story to tell – it’s how we can connect to its spirit. We need to explore that glorious dance journey! I'm talking about tracing it back to those grand Italian courts with their elaborate gowns and swirling silks. Let's not forget about the incredible costumes that emerged in the ballet world during the 1800s!

This was an era of exploration and change – a wonderful combination of tradition and modernity – and we can see it reflected in the transformation of the tutu itself. I'm all about that – it’s like stepping back into time while taking steps into a vibrant, expressive future.

Remember: Every Tuesday, we're on a grand adventure! Follow me, dear Tutu-Lovers, to explore the wonderful world of the tutu! Don’t forget to join me next Tuesday for more adventures in tutu history. Until then, rock your fabulous tulle with a sprinkle of that oh-so-pink joy!

See you next Tuesday,

Emma (AKA Pink Tutu Princess) www.pink-tutu.com

Post 5440