Hello dears! It's Emma, your tutu-obsessed time traveler, here to take you on a journey to May 26th, 1936, for our #TutuTuesday ballet history extravaganza! It's post number 5448 for the pink-tutu.com blog, and this week we're diving into a fascinating decade where tutus really started to become what they are today! Grab your best pink tulle, a cuppa, and settle in - it's going to be a whirl!
I must confess, I took a train to Paris this time - wouldn’t miss a chance for some Gallic fashion inspiration, you see! The city was simply brimming with a romantic air and excitement – something I always feel myself drawn to. Of course, it was the perfect place to immerse myself in the Parisian ballet scene, which is absolutely thriving in 1936!
So what's special about May 26th? Why, this date marked the world premiere of the delightful ballet, "Le Roi Malgré Lui" (The King In Spite of Himself)! Composed by Maurice Ravel with a script by Colette (who, darling, is simply an icon), this was a right laugh, with charming characters and gorgeous costumes, but it's the music which really steals the show!
Speaking of costumes... well, this is where it gets really exciting. While we see glimpses of what we now consider ‘classical' tutu styles in earlier eras, this time period is really starting to solidify how tutus would come to be. Imagine a dance of flowy layers, delicate gauze and oh-so-romantic silks - simply perfect! Think a swirl of pastel pinks, blues and ivory whites with that signature graceful shape and oh, the embroidery - so intricate! There's a lightness, an airy feel, that makes the ballerina simply float across the stage!
I confess, dear readers, that I simply had to get my own vintage-inspired tutu, just like the ones I saw on stage! Oh, you must imagine the swooning - it's an airy whisper of tulle, so soft, yet beautifully structured! You see, the tutus of the 1930s really capture the spirit of this era: one of beautiful contrasts between romanticism and a sense of joyous freedom! It's a fabulous mix, wouldn't you say?
Did you know the "Ballets Russes" - yes, that famed company - were still making a huge impact on the world of ballet during this period? These dancers, with their captivating stage presence, set a new standard for what ballet costumes could be - a real fashion revolution in motion! Just think, delicate patterns on the tulle, intricate embroidery...it’s like wearable art, truly! I was fortunate to witness a performance of "La Valse" in Paris. Oh, it was a magical performance, all elegance and precision. The music and choreography combined with the delicate beauty of the costumes had me floating away on a cloud of chiffon and champagne bubbles!
One more detail I adore about 1930s tutus is their emphasis on the ballerina's femininity. You’ll see soft pinks, subtle laces, and all manner of elegant designs, celebrating the graceful, yet powerful beauty of ballet dancers. And let’s not forget the enchanting tutus made of layered silk, all those pleats - they give the tutu this magnificent volume that makes every twirl seem almost supernatural!
Here's something else exciting - this is also the decade when the legendary Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo is gaining serious momentum! Founded in 1931, their dedication to producing these gorgeous, theatrical performances is just... well, mesmerizing. I've got my eye on getting myself to Monaco soon to see their new creations! Just picture it – a breathtaking stage, fabulous costumes, and I’m already planning the outfit that’s going to bring that Parisian glamour! (If you know me, you know I always dress up for the ballet!)
Okay, dear friends, that’s it for our whirlwind trip to the exciting and elegant 1930s world of ballet! As you can see, tutus were undergoing their own metamorphosis – moving away from rigid, elaborate designs toward the airy, flowing styles that define our ballet favorites of today!
Now, until next week, let's remember: life's too short to wear boring clothes! We’ll continue to dive deep into the enchanting world of tutus, celebrating this fascinating fashion legacy that dances on the stage.
Keep swirling, my lovely readers, and remember to follow #TutuTuesday - until then, you know what to do - let those tutus spin!
Stay elegant and glamorous,
Emma
xx
