#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1937-11-30

Hello darlings, and welcome back to Pink Tutu! It’s a glorious #TutuTuesday and we're celebrating all things tutus in a particularly vibrant and exciting period, folks - 1937! ✨

This is my 5527th post about ballet history and I just can't believe it! My journey back in time takes me through fascinating dances and designs. And just imagine being at the Royal Opera House for this - my train journey up from Derbyshire has always been worth it to be at the heart of all this ballet business!

Today we’re taking a waltz back in time to explore the captivating history of ballet tutus in the heart of London’s thriving ballet scene. So get those pink tissues ready, and prepare for a splash of pink-tastic fun.

Imagine, you could step into the Covent Garden Opera House today, in 1937. It’s a world of plush velvet seats and opulent decor. In the world of the 1930s, tutus had transformed to more of a flowing, full and multi-layered garment and we’re definitely seeing those “Romantic” skirts come into their own with the ballet “Giselle.” This particular ballet has had an enduring legacy, isn't it wonderful how its romantic tutus live on with the graceful beauty of their design and shape? I'd happily wear a beautiful romantic tutu myself and be Giselle. In fact I'm sure a lovely romantic tutu is just sitting there in a vintage store for me to pick up, and we'll have a fun photoshoot together with one for my next #TutuTuesday, or I could do a whole new ballet class wearing it, it'd be wonderful!

Speaking of ballet's enduring grace, just think of all those great stars from this time! It’s quite simply a vintage ballerinas' paradise in the 1930s. You’ve got your Diaghilevs, your De Basil’s and of course, Margot Fonteyn! How elegant. Now imagine having a dress rehearsal with one of these dancers, learning their routines… and wearing that lovely tutus they’ve been working in! I'm trying to imagine that moment, and thinking of their style and how their tutu moves on stage.

Now don’t let those names fool you, ballet's beauty didn’t exist solely in those lofty London halls! The influence of ballet was spreading and spreading, and this led to some wonderful developments. For instance, if you go to a local ballet school now, chances are they'll still have that style of tutu that was in all those lovely 1930s dances. They're simple but still look absolutely fabulous, and have the best twirls, don’t you agree? I've got to get myself to that shop where all the best ballerinas shop and find some real 1930s pieces. That’s got to be my next stop, before heading back to my time!

But the beauty of 1930s ballet isn't just the gorgeous shapes of the dresses! No darling, no! I love ballet for its whole vibe and its glamour. Now what’s going to rock those tutus with a bit of extra pizazz in the 1930s? How about… velvet, my darling, VELVET! Think those flowing, full and multi-layered skirts in some rich purple or green velvet, all swirling and floating in a performance - the ultimate luxurious look! If you were around, you could imagine the gorgeous dresses the ballerinas wore on-stage - the shimmering sequins!

Think of what makes a ballet tutu so stunning! They make you float across the stage, make every turn and pirouette magical. I imagine in 1937 those costumes were already being redesigned to catch the light beautifully on stage, all sparkling sequins and swirling layers… now that's some glamorous stuff, right?! Now don't you wish you were backstage with these performers, maybe even trying out some of their gorgeous shoes or helping them choose an outfit?

And can we talk about makeup? A real ballet icon, one I wear for any special outing myself - bright red lipstick! What more do you need for the ultimate feminine ballet performance than some rich, glossy red on your lips? Now tell me I am wrong? It's perfect for a classy ballet date night!

So now my lovelies, if you were here in 1937 your local ballet class or theater performance might include a performance based on ballet folklore or mythology like the captivating story of "The Firebird" which premiered back in 1910. Those tutus were revolutionary in a brilliant, flowing, brightly-coloured style which truly added a magical element to these fantastic dances!

And now… I shall leave you! After all, even princesses need their beauty sleep. My pink satin pillow is calling! I'll leave you with this... imagine wearing one of those beautifully bright tutus while watching an absolutely breath-taking performance! That, my darlings, is the magic of ballet!

I’ll see you next Tuesday with another enchanting trip into the history of ballet, and if you’ve enjoyed this one do please tell me which historical tutu styles are your favourites! Also let me know how you get on with getting a 1930s tutu into your ballet class! What kind of look are you aiming for? I am hoping for velvet with pink sequins, but that’s just me. I hope we meet up next week for another adventure through ballet's history! Remember ladies and gentlemen, wear a tutu this week, maybe even a pink one!

Bye bye!

Emma xoxo