#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1937-08-10

Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink-tutu clad time traveller, Emma, back with another #TutuTuesday history lesson from the archives of pink-tutu.com. Today, I'm taking a delightful trip back to August 10th, 1937! Grab a cuppa, settle in, and let's take a spin down memory lane!

Picture this: the year is 1937, and the world is still buzzing from the London Ballet's premiere of The Sleeping Beauty. Imagine, darling, those opulent sets, those flowing costumes, those exquisite moves! It's almost enough to make even me (someone who has travelled through time and seen it all!) weak at the knees. The London Ballet, under the masterful guidance of that legendary figure, Ninette de Valois, is well and truly putting British ballet on the map! This is a time of grand ballets, elegant moves, and, of course, the most glorious tutus!

Now, wouldn't you love to whisk back to the Royal Opera House in 1937? Imagine, sitting in those grand boxes, the scent of perfume wafting through the air, a hush falling as the curtain rises, and the first twirls and leaps of the dancers fill the stage. Such magic! Oh, I could talk for hours about this glorious period in ballet! It truly was a golden era for all things dance and fashion, wasn't it?

The 1930s saw some truly revolutionary changes in tutu design. The old "Romantic" tutus, all billowing and layers upon layers of tulle, began to give way to a more sleek, sculpted look. Imagine a tutu, like a whisper of silk, barely there, yet still impossibly elegant! These "classical" tutus were shorter, closer to the body, and with a tighter, more streamlined silhouette.

Speaking of colours, the fashion world in 1937 is brimming with vibrant hues. Pink, my darling, remains a firm favourite, as are emerald greens, bold reds, and soft blues. Oh, how I love the way a pop of pink brings out the light in the dancers’ eyes. You could even spot touches of silver and gold embellishments. Imagine a cascade of tiny sequins on the hem of a tutu, reflecting the stage lights like a million tiny stars!

Speaking of fashion, you can't mention 1937 without a little trip to the shops! During my latest time travel adventure, I just had to find some chic, 1930s inspired ballet fashion to wear. I found a delightful little boutique near Piccadilly Circus called "The Ballet Emporium". This was simply the place for ballet enthusiasts! From silk ballet slippers to velvet jackets and elegant evening wear, they had it all, darling. I had to pick up the most gorgeous silk ballet scarf with shimmering pink flowers and little tiny tutus around the border. So chic! And the price, darling, the price!

Now, I know what you might be thinking: "Emma, we can't wear 1937-style tutus in the 21st century!" And, you are quite right! The styles may have changed, but the spirit of the tutu, the elegance, the artistry, the whimsicalness – those endure. And it's the spirit of the tutu that I aim to share with you.

And now, it's your turn, darlings! Share with me your thoughts! Tell me all about your favourite tutus – are they traditional, or something a little more avant-garde? I'd love to see your pictures! Don’t forget to use the hashtag #TutuTuesday when you post. Remember, darlings, the power of the tutu lies in its ability to bring joy, create magic, and empower you to express yourself.

Now, if you'll excuse me, darling, I have a whole wardrobe of vintage tutus calling my name. Until next Tuesday!

Emma xxx