Hello darlings, and welcome back to another fabulous edition of #TutuTuesday, my weekly ballet tutu history blog here on www.pink-tutu.com. I'm Emma, your time-travelling fashionista, and I'm so thrilled you've joined me on this sartorial journey back to December 1937, the year of such elegant ballet creations. This is my 5,529th post - isn't that just simply divine?
Now, settle in, grab a cuppa (or maybe a delicious pink cocktail - I’m a fan of the Cosmopolitan myself) and let me whisk you away to a world where the air practically vibrates with the elegant twirling of ballerinas.
This week, my time machine deposited me in a glorious city known for its fashion sense, its incredible museums and, of course, its thriving ballet scene - Paris! Oh, Paris, how I love you. The cobblestones, the charming cafes, the atmosphere - just magical. And I must say, I'm quite smitten with the Parisian flair for dress, so chic! And did you know the Parisian opera, l’Opéra Garnier, boasts a fascinating, opulent, theatrical interior? The chandeliers are a sight to behold and the décor, oh my, simply enchanting. I simply had to do some window shopping in the chicest of shops, naturally adorned in a perfectly pink tutu. You wouldn't believe the divine shoes I found - a new pair for every day of the week!
This Parisian jaunt reminded me, darlings, that tutus were not merely dance costumes back in 1937. They were the embodiment of graceful femininity. And while some may view tutus as a whimsical costume, to me they are art on the move. A visual testament to artistry and graceful movement.
And the designs? Well, 1937 saw the advent of ballet blanc, a movement in classical ballet that favoured all-white costumes with breathtakingly intricate designs. This, my lovelies, added a truly angelic dimension to ballet. Think billowing, graceful tulle that flowed like a soft breeze - breathtaking. Just think of the possibilities! So utterly divine and beautiful, it gives one pause for thought doesn’t it?
Imagine being in the audience back in 1937 watching one of these graceful white tutus twirl across the stage! Just imagine! Can you just imagine it! I am speechless. Just speechless. Oh dear, I do get carried away, don't I?
However, it wasn’t all white this year. Oh no. 1937 was a year of bold design in ballet. Vibrant colours, geometric patterns - even the addition of interesting and elegant textures, creating costumes that weren't afraid to stand out. There were certainly no whispers of pastel pinks or fluffy tutu dreams going on at that time, sadly, I’m sorry to report. It's important to acknowledge all facets of fashion history. It seems, though, that we are firmly back to black and white in classical ballet today! Oh my! Why, oh why? I can't imagine being restricted to wearing black, especially in such a beautiful and joyous form of expression! But there I am, wandering off on one of my beloved tangents!
And don’t just think tutus are confined to dance halls. No, my dears! It seems 1937 saw them infiltrate the realm of couture! Now that I can definitely get on board with! Imagine - a blush pink tutu-inspired creation worn for a soirée! The image is breathtaking, is it not? This, my loves, is precisely the sort of trend that sets my little ballerina heart a flutter! And oh, imagine it! A little touch of tutu flair on the streets of London - heavenly! And think - if I could have convinced one person in 1937 to take up tutu-inspired fashion, they might have sparked a whole movement of colour and dance, even outside the ballet theatre. Maybe we will find some photographic evidence of this trend? Hmmm.. Something for me to investigate further I think, on my next trip, darling readers, oh yes indeed. I'm always looking for new ways to inspire those around me to embrace a touch of tutu magic. A little pink tutu loveliness will always make me feel happy.
I might have had the chance to visit l'Opéra Garnier, the world-renowned ballet stage in Paris on the 14th December, however the Parisian audience was sadly deprived of a theatrical spectacle on this particular date, much to my dismay, darling readers! Sadly, I'd have had to enjoy a rather subdued performance from this magical building on that day - the disappointment, you can feel it. Instead, on the 14th, I was swept back in time to the wonderful atmosphere and ambiance of Derby Theatre! This, my lovelies, was an evening of real and honest entertainment, filled with singing, comedy and the joy of performance! So not quite in my usual dancing wheelhouse - it’s hard to find tutus and performance back then darling readers - alas, my sadness. So on that date in December, I was happily transported by a magic steam train. Not an airplane or other magical means, no. No - a lovely comfortable, slightly creaky, steam-powered carriage to my hometown of Derby in England to immerse myself in this fabulous local production. It’s nice to find that people were going to see performances and to be entertained by these local theatrical shows back then. And that, I am thrilled to announce - they really loved it!
It was actually a musical, you know? Now, I might be a dancer, but there’s always room in this pink tutu loving heart for the joyous energy and vibrancy of a good old-fashioned musical performance. This time travel business gives one a whole new appreciation of the history of entertainment!
I’ve gone off on another one of my usual ramblings again, darling readers! Back to the matter at hand, tutus! Now my lovelies, I don't have time to be disheartened by my Paris disappointment. Time is a precious commodity when one travels between times! And who knows? Perhaps my visit was meant to be!
As always, my dear readers, you must get your tutu out and wear it every day. I believe every day can be a #TutuTuesday!
Next week, I’m heading back in time, I'm going to have so much fun! Join me next time as we explore another era of tutu fashion - it is simply irresistible. Remember to subscribe for weekly #TutuTuesday blog posts - just go to www.pink-tutu.com
Au revoir, my lovelies! Until next time!
