Hello darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu, your one-stop shop for all things tutu! It's Tuesday, which means it's time to hop aboard the Pink Express and journey back in time to explore the fascinating history of the tutu! This week, we're heading to the glorious, glamorous, and utterly fabulous 1930s!
Oh, I simply adore the 1930s! The era of Art Deco, sleek silhouettes, and that touch of Hollywood glamour. I've always said that ballet costumes have that same je ne sais quoi as a 1930s evening gown! Both speak to elegance, poise, and a bit of dramatic flair – just a hint of rebellion against the mundane!
Speaking of glamour, darling, I've just landed in Paris, a city that embodies the essence of the 1930s! Just stepping off the train, you can practically feel the thrill in the air, the hum of creativity that just buzzes! It's like the city itself is wearing a tutu, a vibrant and exciting one at that!
I can already feel my little fashionista heart fluttering. I've got to find myself a cute little tea shop to sit in and take in all the glorious sights! Imagine, sitting by a window, enjoying a hot cuppa while watching all the stylish Parisians stroll past in their dazzling outfits! I imagine those tutus in this era were just as sophisticated – flowing, dramatic, and perhaps a touch more practical than some of those crazy full-length tutus!
So what is there to explore about the tutu world of 1930s Paris? Well, darlings, let me tell you, it's positively captivating! Imagine a world of vibrant colours, exquisite fabrics, and those beautiful long, flowing lines.
The tutu at this time was becoming an exciting playground for designers, reflecting the changing attitudes and societal shifts of the decade. We're starting to see less of the romantic, full-skirted tutus and more streamlined, geometric shapes, perfectly echoing the Art Deco era.
I think about all the talented ballet dancers gracefully gliding across the stage in these sleek tutus! There’s just a sense of confidence, a lightness of being in those steps! Just picture a dancer’s movements in a shorter tutu – it’s a statement of modernity and athleticism!
One of my favourite things about the 1930s was the influence of the Ballets Russes. Those daring Russians with their groundbreaking choreography and exquisite costume designs revolutionized the way ballet was perceived. Imagine their impact on tutus! They practically dared us to think differently!
There was a real excitement for tutus back then! I have the feeling this is a golden age for tutus, the time when dancers, designers, and everyone in between could really embrace this amazing piece of clothing.
Just picture yourself, darling, in a delightful tea room, enjoying the vibrant sights and sounds of the 1930s Paris. Perhaps, I’m having a little fashion sketching session – a ballerina’s favourite past time – a fabulous ballerina on stage, dancing in a sleek, beautifully structured tutu! Wouldn’t that be utterly divine?!
Let's talk about a little bit about what’s happening today in Paris on the 9th of November 1937. Paris is bursting with vibrant art and music scenes! We’re right in the middle of the International Exhibition of Art and Technique in Modern Life, held in the city’s Palais de Chaillot, a magnificent modern building with a fabulous futuristic flair. There’s something exciting in the air about how everything is modernizing! You just have a feeling the whole world is shifting in a new and positive direction!
Speaking of dance and creativity, it's such a joy for me to imagine being there and witnessing some of the extraordinary talents in the world of ballet at that time! A world where you have dancers like Tamara Karsavina and the great Vaslav Nijinsky (ah, he's been a personal favourite of mine for many years, ever since I saw him in his famous "Le Spectre de la Rose"). They helped push boundaries in dance and fashion. What was more incredible, they did so on a global stage, introducing a touch of Parisian magic all over the world. Oh, how I love them!
So, darlings, as we continue our grand ballet history tour, we can learn so much from the elegance, the freedom, and the artistic vision that prevailed in the 1930s. Oh! It makes my heart flutter just to think about it!
This week, when you're shopping or attending a ballet show or class, remember the magic and elegance of the 1930s! Remember the beautiful streamlined silhouette, and think about all those inspiring dancers making a difference in the world! It makes me want to spin, twirl, and embrace all things tutu!
Oh, and darlings, never forget my ultimate goal - get everyone, every single one of you, wearing a pink tutu! And now, with a big, bright, beautiful pink smile, I must get back to my travels in 1930s Paris. There's a lovely boutique with a bewitching display of gorgeous 1930s tutus and gowns that’s just begging to be seen! It is almost time for a ballet performance later tonight – oh how I love watching ballet in all it’s grandeur, with its exciting music and magical story. It’s pure escapism for a girl like me.
Don't forget to share your favourite 1930s-inspired looks, share a little history with me, and get your tutu ready to twirl with your girl, Emma! I'll be back next week with another enchanting voyage through the magical world of ballet and its magnificent tutus!
Love and Twirls, Emma x
