#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1937-12-28

Hello darlings!

It's Tuesday, which means it's time for another journey through the delightful history of tutus! This week, we're stepping back in time to December 28th, 1937. Ooh, just imagine all the wonderful things happening on this very day! For me, it's all about fashion and ballet - a beautiful blend of twirls and sparkle. So, grab a cuppa, pop on a comfy frock, and join me as we take a little peek into the tutu world of 1937!

Now, let's talk about 1937. Picture it: the era of sleek Art Deco design, flapper dresses, and bold geometric prints. The world was brimming with energy and a sense of stylish sophistication, and it's not surprising that ballet, with its ethereal elegance and graceful movements, captured the hearts and minds of fashionistas.

However, 1937 was a little bit different. You see, while we are very much familiar with the tutus we see on stage today - the whimsical romantic tutu with the tulle gathered at the waist, we need to go back to 1839, to Maria Taglioni's La Sylphide, for the genesis of that, although you have to admit, it's still got a great look!*

Now in 1937 we're seeing a departure from that, especially in terms of material - there's more use of silk, giving tutus a different drape, a beautiful fluidity, making for the graceful shapes dancers would wear during performances, very reminiscent of classical 19th century dance styles! We're starting to see what we think of as traditional Russian and French style ballet costumes become much more prevalent, and all with the whimsical fluffy aspect you see so much of in the 21st century just getting more popular as we get nearer the second world war. Now let's go have a lovely browse!

Let's delve deeper into those charming silk tutus. Oh, these pieces are absolutely breathtaking - like wisps of air. It's fascinating to imagine these tutus swirling on stage under the glow of the theatre lights - a ballet, an entire stage full of such exquisite fabric is an experience! I can see the graceful movement of the dancers now, how the silk just flows with them like water, light, and free, so wonderfully dramatic and evocative. This must have been what caught the attention of fashionistas and started their love affair with tutus. They even started wearing them outside the ballet theatre.

And did you know, the colours used in 1937 were stunning? Just think - soft pinks and ivory - oh, a perfect dream! The dancers must have looked so enchanting. I can almost hear the squeals of delight from the audience as they witness these graceful tutus, like little clouds in a delicate pastel symphony! What do you think - doesn't pink look heavenly? It’s got the right balance of femininity, and sophistication. A pink tutu will have people turning their heads. It says “look at me”.

### An Ode to the Elegance of 1937

On this day in 1937, the theatre buzzed with joy, with families excited to see performances that often had ballet costumes in dramatic shades of blue and white and the delicate softness of pastel, making their journey from Derbyshire to catch the performance well worth it!

Now, a trip in 1937 would mean a glamorous train journey. Think polished, vintage train compartments - so sleek and elegant - with comfy, velvet seats and all that charming railway travel atmosphere. What better way to journey than in style to a captivating ballet performance? I always love travelling to exciting destinations by train and I'm guessing people of the time were no different.

Just think - from the stage to the streets - the tutus were taking over in 1937! We saw tutus in everything! From charming tea parties to even playful outings. Now that is what I call bringing the magic of ballet into everyday life. I bet it even became an everyday part of dress code in some communities. Now, who would have thought? Imagine seeing your favourite London Gazette headline reading, “Pink tutus are the latest rage in Mayfair!"

Let's end this fabulous trip with a note to keep it elegant, but to always let the spirit of that time infuse your everyday life - bring the charm of 1937 to life by embracing this captivating era’s enchanting style. The beautiful things are so dreamy!

So until next week, my dearest tutu lovers - I hope you had a fabulous Tuesday! Please do share your tutu thoughts and experiences - we want to know more!

Now go forth and spread the pink-tutu magic, you glamorous bunch of beauties! Be fierce, be bold, be you! Remember: tutus aren't just for ballet dancers anymore - they're for everyone who wishes to wear a piece of enchanting history! Keep twirling, keep shimmering, and stay sparklingly fabulous!

See you next week!

Yours in Tutus, Emma xxx