Darling readers,
It's Tuesday, which means it's time for a new #TutuTuesday, and this week, my lovely dears, we're taking a trip back in time! Now, you know how much I adore a good time travel adventure, and trust me, the history of the tutu is an absolute whirlwind of romance, artistry, and oh-so-much fabulousness.
Today, my fashionable lovelies, weâre dipping our toes into the magical world of ballet in the year 1937! Itâs the time of daring new choreography and a real flourishing of ballet culture, and what a better time to be alive! Imagine, ballerinas gracing the stages in breathtakingly elegant costumes, and audiences utterly mesmerized by their graceful movements.
Just the thought of it fills me with pure joy and the urge to whirl around in my pinkest tutu! Oh, speaking of which, what a gorgeous hue to celebrate todayâs date! Did you know, my dear reader, that this was the day the worldâs most fabulous ballet company, The Royal Ballet, held a grand celebration of their own, showcasing some truly incredible ballet pieces and a costume extravaganza! Just imagine the tutus, darling! Youâve got to admit, thereâs no other style that makes dancing look quite so glamorous.
However, before we get carried away with all the fabulous, letâs take a quick step back in time. You see, darling readers, this particular year of 1937 witnessed a delightful revival of interest in classic ballet techniques and movements. This shift, my loves, also saw the creation of some utterly mesmerizing, and exquisitely refined tutus that are still treasured today! Itâs incredible how history influences and reimagines our favorite dance attire! And isnât it delightful how styles come full circle?
Just think, back in 1937, you might have spotted a beautiful ballerina on stage, twirling gracefully in a perfectly constructed, frilled and layered, multi-tiered tulle masterpiece. These beauties, dear reader, are known as "Romantic" or âclassicalâ tutus and they truly were the peak of fashion sophistication in the ballet world. I mean, who wouldnât fall in love with a dress like that? They're a visual poem!
One thing that truly makes these "Romantic" tutus so delightful, darling reader, is their graceful and light shape. They weren't simply a fashion statement but a reflection of the beauty and skill of the ballerina, designed for incredible movement and expressing a softness that complements the fluidity of the dancers. Isnât it wonderful how our passions for artistry and beauty connect in these magical ways?
To really get a feel for the excitement of 1937, letâs take a peek into the grand world of Londonâs Covent Garden. I know I love getting dressed up and popping to a ballet performance myself! London was and still is one of the biggest stages in the world, where stars are born and new stories are danced. If you could just imagine the iconic, shimmering stage lights hitting those tiers of fluffy tulle... pure magic, darling! I've had the opportunity to catch a show on the world famous stage in Covent Garden and youâve got to admit, thereâs truly nowhere like it!
Speaking of those enchanting tulle layers, darling reader, these tutus were meticulously crafted by seamstresses who truly were master artisans, bringing each layer together with needle and thread, creating those oh-so-lovely and airy puffs that make every spin so breathtaking! Imagine being part of the production team! Every stitch woven into that costume holds within it the history of the art and craft of dance. Just amazing!
Now, you know I can't resist the charm of an exquisitely decorated dress, darling! The âRomanticâ tutus of 1937 were not just made for swirling but also adorned with delightful embellishments. Imagine the tiny, gleaming beads sewn with painstaking precision, or even the carefully chosen and perfectly placed feather, adding a touch of the ethereal to these graceful creations. Doesnât it seem magical?
Speaking of sparkle, there was also another element in these delightful tutu creations â sequins! A flashing wave of glittering magic for those magical performances in the era of "Romantic" tutus! The dancing would be simply magnificent as the costumes reflected the lights! A true dream!
The year 1937 was also about more than just exquisite gowns and magnificent dancers! The very style of the tutu started to evolve further. A new form emerged known as the "Bellâ or "Bouffant" tutu! Imagine, darling, a silhouette that flowed outwards, like the wide skirt of a ballerina's beautiful ballgown!
What was wonderful about this shift is it truly enhanced the dancer's beautiful movements, giving them an increased range of motion to execute both traditional steps and dynamic leaps, resulting in even greater excitement in a grand performance! The fluidity and shape of the tutu became integral to the dancer's expressiveness and movement on stage.
It wasn't only in London that these glorious costumes were stealing hearts. Imagine, dear reader, dancers gracefully moving across stages throughout Europe, each graceful turn a celebration of artistic genius! It is exciting, isn't it, how this timeless style evolved to create new magic on stages throughout the world?
From the classic layered âRomanticâ tutus to the elegant âBellâ styles, 1937 was a thrilling year in the history of dance fashion. Each dance a beautiful interpretation, a vision of beauty brought to life! This year marked a pivotal shift in how ballet was viewed, the focus shifting towards beauty, power, and skill. Ballet was evolving into a grand art form, just like fashion and art, a stage for breathtaking performances. And you know what else, darling? The year 1937 also brought the birth of a truly talented ballerina, Dame Margot Fonteyn, who, I believe, would change ballet for many years to come.
My dear readers, weâve had a wonderful journey through 1937 today. A reminder of how fascinating the history of the tutu is. It truly embodies creativity, movement, and artistry like no other garment! It continues to enthrall us, isn't it fantastic?
But now itâs time for me to get back to exploring even more wonderful history! The world of ballet holds so much, my dears, so much elegance, so much beauty! But, before I travel, remember this, darling: Life is a ballet! So get out there, spin, and feel like the absolute star you truly are, every single day. And be sure to always twirl with a touch of elegance, a dash of sparkle, and an oh-so-important pinch of pink.
Until next Tuesday, darlings. Happy twirling!
Yours ever so lovingly,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
