#5541
Hello, darlings! Emma here, back from another exciting jaunt through time! This week, we're travelling back to 8th March 1938, just in time for International Women's Day! I absolutely adore this era for fashion - the skirts were swishy, the colours were bold, and the hats, oh, the hats! But it was in ballet that fashion was truly taking centre stage. Let's dive into the wonderful world of the tutu!
Now, you may be surprised to hear that the tutu we know and love, that pouffy, multi-layered masterpiece of tulle, was still relatively new back in 1938. Imagine, my darlings! We are still fairly early in the evolution of the iconic dancewear we all adore! This doesn’t mean tutus weren't gracing the stage though - far from it! The romantic tutu, a softer, more flowing design, was very much en vogue. Think light layers of tulle, graceful lines, and the ability to create a truly ethereal look. The ballet world was captivated by this elegant, flowing silhouette - a style perfectly captured in iconic performances like Giselle. It's absolutely charming and just a hint of what we’d come to expect from the dramatic costumes to come!
Speaking of the romantic style, did you know the first romantic tutu was designed in 1832 by Marie Taglioni for the iconic ballet "La Sylphide?" Imagine that - a little bit of la vie boheme in 1938! It was truly revolutionary, and it continues to inspire ballets and tutus to this very day.
But the real story of 1938, in terms of tutus, is that the classic tutu, with all its grand tiers and breathtaking volume, was still very much on its way. That said, it's true to say that classic designs had started appearing. The shorter tutus we know today started taking their form. This iconic design was perfectly showcased by some of the leading ballet companies of the day. Ballet, at this time, really started to see itself take a huge leap toward becoming the grand performance art that it is today!
Travel Time
My travel this week, you ask? Why, Derbyshire, of course! You all know my love for England! So I boarded the train in Derbyshire. Now, my darlings, who could resist a journey to London town for a spot of ballet? Well, as it happens, there were some spectacular productions on, including the stunning Swan Lake at Covent Garden! A true ballet classic! Oh, how the swans danced! It really does feel like magic when the entire stage just turns into a sea of graceful wings and flowing movement! The dancers moved with such ease and elegance, they truly transformed the classic design with such confidence. I simply couldn't resist a beautiful new dress for the occasion too. I picked up the most stunning silk and velvet frock for the show – perfect for enjoying the ambiance and the breathtaking spectacle that the theatre has to offer!
I love taking the time to explore the back streets of the theatre district. You just never know what sartorial treasures you might find tucked away in the hidden gems. This week, I managed to find a beautiful vintage lace blouse. I have no doubt I'll be wearing that soon enough – it's truly stunning with my collection of tutus. It's definitely an unseen beauty, as my mum would say. I also found some magnificent pearl earrings, too! What an exceptional day for ballet!
Life Lessons
Sometimes I feel like I have a whole closet filled with ballet tutus, yet, in every single store, there's always something new, something irresistible to grab my eye! But do you know what, my dear readers? When you feel your heart skip a beat, a smile burst across your face, you just know it’s something special and oh so fabulous! What truly delights you makes all the difference in the world! You might have to search, maybe for ages! But trust me when I tell you, darling readers - what is destined to be yours will never be out of reach. The hunt is just half the fun!
So, until next time, be bold, be brave, and never underestimate the power of a fabulous pink tutu to make your world a little bit brighter. Happy dancing, darlings!
Your dear Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
