Bonjour, chĂšres amies! đ©° Itâs Emma here, back with another delightful dip into the history of our beloved tutus. Today weâre taking a trip back in time, to 2nd November 1937, to explore a little-known facet of ballet history. Itâs not all twirling in fluffy tulle, darling, the world of ballet has been full of surprises and fascinating figures!
Oh, before I forget, a special announcement â my travels next month will see me in the heart of Paris. Paris! The City of Lights, the ultimate hub of fashion and all things chic. Iâm already picturing myself wandering along the Champs-ĂlysĂ©es, sipping coffee in a quaint cafĂ©, and of course, indulging in the most exquisite couture. Can you even imagine the tutu possibilities? I may even bring back some delightful Parisian fabric samples for you all â fingers crossed!
Anyway, back to 1937. The world was dancing to the rhythm of change. While the fashion scene in New York was embracing the bold, streamlined silhouettes of Elsa Schiaparelli and Mainbocher, over in Europe, a little something different was going on⊠ballet was in the midst of a revolution. I know, darling, whoâd have thought?
Now, this isnât just your average ânew ballerina joins a prestigious academyâ type of change. 1937 was a time of radical new ideas about what ballet itself could be. This period saw the rise of ballet moderne, which literally translates to "modern ballet," but that's putting it lightly! This was about much more than just a few new steps and twirls. Imagine if you will, a dance where the movement came from the heart, not just strict routines. Can you feel it? This kind of radical change meant new clothes too, and you can just imagine how excited this tutu-loving ballerina was.
Gone were the long, flowing tutus of the classical ballet days. These new, modern ballets demanded a freedom of movement, and what better way to express that than with something shorter and sleeker? Imagine our classic tutu silhouette, but shrunken down, a shorter length with just enough delicate fabric to hint at the original, yet free for the ballerina to express a newfound athleticism. Itâs almost like a mini ballerina dress, ready for the modern world!
One name that should be on the tip of every tutu-enthusiastâs tongue in 1937, darling, was Martha Graham. This was a revolutionary who truly moved the needle of dance. Imagine, she was a pioneer for modern dance in New York and a huge influence on ballet across the globe. Can you imagine this incredible impact, all from one personâs vision? If thereâs ever an example of just how much one individual can impact a world of fashion and dance, this is it. And she certainly embraced the shorter silhouette too!
Speaking of trends, did I tell you that train travel has been positively delightful lately? Iâve discovered a new passion for taking scenic routes, gazing at the passing landscapes, and observing the little details of the countryside, and all the while soaking in the chicest fashion. What better way to unwind than by hopping on a train with my new scarlet suitcase â my newest colour obsession, darling â filled with the most fabulous outfits! I just adore the way red accents brighten up even the most ordinary travel ensembles.
What really surprised me, however, was the fashion in this specific time period, 1937. I know, youâd think tutus and ballet are synonymous, but during this time, ballet dresses in everyday life were nowhere to be seen! Now I am not sure what the world was thinking⊠youâll have to join me next week for a more in-depth look at the fashion of 1937! Iâm simply brimming with ideas for all of us to take inspiration from for our future looks, darling. I am thinking a scarlet train outfit â wouldnât that be simply divine?
For now, however, letâs not get too ahead of ourselves. We've delved into the exciting history of the shorter tutus that began to take over in ballet in 1937. Can you see yourself dancing with such freedom, dear readers? This evolution was all about a new kind of dance, with movement driven by the heart, just like that red train carriage I saw today⊠perhaps a sign, eh? Letâs continue this exciting journey, shall we?
For now, my lovely followers, I shall take my leave, until next Tuesday. Do tell me what your thoughts are on all things tutu, and remember⊠life is always better with a splash of pink! đ
See you next week for another captivating trip into the world of ballet history, my dear darlings. Until then, happy twirling!
Love, Emma
