Greetings, my fellow tutu enthusiasts! Emma here, your Pink Tutu correspondent, whisking you back in time with today’s Tutu Tuesday journey to 1 February 1938.
My, oh my! How thrilling it is to step back into this fascinating era. While we associate this date with a certain sombre world event - a mere five years from the outbreak of World War Two – it's also a period bursting with elegance, charm, and you guessed it, tutus!
This Tuesday morning in 1938, I’m whisked away on a steam train to London town, the capital of couture, and naturally, the heart of ballet.
This era saw a resurgence in the popularity of the Romantic Era, with the ballerinas of the day dancing with a grace and fluidity, captured by beautiful, full tutus, the essence of elegance. Just imagine it - delicate layers of tulle swirling and swirling, a delicate cloud of softness floating over each elegant move, as the ballerinas glide across the stage, light as a feather, stories told through their movements.
Today, I am venturing to the Covent Garden Opera House, to witness the enchanting world of dance. This very day, 1938 February 1st, saw the premiere of "The Sleeping Beauty". What a glorious, truly majestic production it is! The exquisite set designs and the sheer grace of the dancers have left me awestruck, with each pirouette a delicate painting in motion. I shall tell you all about it in a dedicated post next week, so stay tuned, dearies!
However, this era isn't just about high ballet, no no. Let's dive deeper, my lovelies. The Ballet Russes, you know, the big kahuna of Russian ballet, well, they have just premiered * “The Rite of Spring”, a scandalous ballet with movements so new, so bold, that it even ruffled the feathers of some traditional ballet fans. They even brought modern ballet street theatre out onto the streets of London, capturing a younger, more vibrant audience.
Even back in 1938, London is a hive of artistic activity. My journey began by a delightful visit to the* V&A museum. They were actually exhibiting costumes and sketches from one of my favourite designers – *Leon Bakst. If his flamboyant and opulent costumes aren't fit for a fairytale then I don't know what is!
Oh! And you wouldn’t believe the gorgeous clothing shop on Oxford Street I just stumbled upon – Harrods, they have it all - exquisite silks, fabrics and an abundance of sequins! Can you imagine, every single sequin shimmering in the light, a reflection of elegance itself. All just screaming out to be worn in a flamboyant tutu and strutted about London! I nearly got lost in the haberdashery aisle, so many choices! The fashion scene is exploding, full of colour, life, and of course, tutus in abundance, although they might not quite be the modern style of tutus we know and love today. It’s all so fascinating. I spent ages there trying to imagine what I would create with those luxurious fabrics, sequins, and trims, all inspired by those fantastical ballet outfits!
My own style of dress? Well, it would be no surprise to hear, is undeniably influenced by this era. Today I've chosen a gorgeous hot pink tutu, layered and flowing, a perfect silhouette for an era that cherished grace. A light and airy garment perfect for London's vibrant atmosphere, and the energy of the season. The sunshine peeks through the cloud above as I stroll down the busy streets. I even caught a glimpse of another ballet-loving soul sporting a tutu herself.
But hold on a second, dear readers! Back in 1938, tutus are primarily associated with classical ballet. And even then, they're often made from stiff, structured layers of tulle, so far from the romantic soft swish of the modern tutu. While these may not have the 'poof' or 'pouffe' of our contemporary favourites, they still are a testament to beauty, elegance and grace. And they're ever-so-slightly catching on as an element of fashion, just a teeny, tiny spark of what we're experiencing in this present era!
As I step out onto the cobblestones, a sudden surge of excitement takes over me. I'm surrounded by bustling shops with brightly coloured displays and an array of interesting individuals in their fashionably flamboyant outfits. You see, ladies and gents, tutus are more than a garment – they’re a symbol of elegance and creativity!
My pink tutu might be slightly out of place in this 1938 era, but my fellow Londoners seem to welcome it!
With my tutu swirling and flowing, I've become a symbol of how this delicate yet elegant piece is truly for every era, even though we're yet to experience that ultimate Tutu boom! Don't despair, dearies, I’m certain we’re just on the brink of a tutu-ific era, we just haven't quite gotten there yet.
Remember, dear readers, a little sparkle and grace goes a long way. I leave you with this thought for the week: "A tutu is like a magical wand, waving away worries and ushering in a world of colour, elegance and beauty."
Until next week's #TutuTuesday,
Keep twirling, Emma xx
