#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1937-07-06

Hello my lovelies! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu-wearing ballerina, and I'm back with another trip through the wondrous history of the ballet tutu! Today, we're hopping on a train, taking a little journey, and stepping into a fabulous time – the 6th of July 1937!

Now, picture this, my dears: I’ve just stepped off a beautiful old steam train, the scent of coal and steam in the air, and I'm walking along a cobblestone street in Paris. It's a sunny summer morning, the sound of baguettes crunching and café chatter fills the air, and I can almost smell the fresh croissants from the local boulangerie. Can't you just picture it?

Oh, darling, let's go shopping! There are such beautiful fabrics around at this time. I'm dreaming of soft silks and lacy chiffons, and maybe a bit of velvet – a ballerina's gotta have velvet, you know. It's all just so glamorous, don't you think? And then I spot it, my lovely darlings… the Palais Garnier.

Ooh, I can hardly contain myself! This is one of the most iconic opera houses in the world, my darlings! Today's the day that the French choreographer Serge Lifar debuted a brand new ballet by the composer, Erik Satie called "Parade." Now, let's talk about the ballet tutus! Oh, they're just heavenly!

Can you picture it, lovelies? A chorus of dancers on stage in exquisitely fitted, short tutus, crafted from the finest tulle – oh my, those colours! Imagine shimmering pastel pinks and blues with just the right amount of glittery trim. It’s absolutely divine! They looked positively regal!

Oh, darling! Back in this time period, tutus were designed to accentuate every graceful movement. Imagine swirling and twirling with such beautiful freedom – what joy! Every movement would look absolutely divine!

And did I mention those headdresses, my loves? Think sparkling jewels, feathers, and delicate ribbons... a complete feast for the eyes. Honestly, just thinking about the gorgeous details makes my heart skip a beat!

Isn't it lovely how much history is wrapped up in our favourite dance attire? A big part of the history of tutus was being in Paris! In this time, there are so many new designers and exciting fashions popping up and everyone, including the ballerinas, are dressing with flair! We have the romantic tutu styles like those made famous by Marie Taglioni and now we see the graceful but powerful tutus made popular by dancers like the ones in this Serge Lifar’s ballet, Parade which would go on to influence ballet throughout the 20th Century. You see, my dears, it wasn't all just about fancy frocks; it was a revolution in style and movement, too.

Now, let’s have a little chat about the evolution of tutus and their influence. It’s all about freedom of movement. Just imagine, darlings! The earlier versions were very cumbersome with many layers of fabric. They limited a ballerina's ability to do those amazing high leaps and those quick pirouettes that are such a joy to see! Over time, the tulle became lighter, more delicate, and shorter - giving dancers more space to move, twirl and leap with graceful fluidity. We've truly come a long way!

Now, darling, I do think it’s time to grab a delicious hot chocolate (and maybe a few more beautiful fabrics!). But I'm so glad I could take you on this trip to the Paris of 1937, a time where ballet tutus, fashion, and artistic expression all came together beautifully. Don't forget, dearies, if you’re thinking of rocking a tutu look, a pink one especially, never let anyone tell you otherwise. Fashion is a beautiful thing. Let your imagination take the lead and rock that pink tutu with pride! Until next week, keep on twirling!

Love,

Emma x

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