Hello, my darling darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, dedicated to the exquisite world of tutus. It's your favourite pink tutu-wearing, time-traveling blogger, Emma, here! It’s Tutu Tuesday again, which means it's time to hop in my trusty time machine, fashioned out of a vintage gramophone, and whisk you back to the dazzling dancefloors of days gone by.
This week, I'm back in 1938. It’s been a fabulous year for fashion. Just last week I saw some divine new designs at a milliner's in Paris - there was an absolutely splendid velvet toque with a delicate ostrich feather that sent shivers down my spine! But, of course, a new season brings with it a plethora of exciting new looks, and 1938 is no exception! And, if you're anything like me, you can't resist a good dose of Tutu Transformation!
The year 1938 is ripe with change in the world of ballet. The iconic "tutu" that we associate with the dance was undergoing a remarkable revolution. Now, you see, these days when we talk about tutus, we instantly conjure images of billowing, layers of soft tulle and chiffon – a dreamy picture of unbridled femininity! But it wasn't always this way.
Back in 1938, the "tutu" as we know it was taking a dramatic step away from the more conservative skirts of yesteryear. They were ditching the stiff, structured silhouette and opting for something altogether more whimsical. Think shorter, fuller, and more flowy, offering dancers a new kind of grace and elegance. Think, if you will, the* embodiment of springtime - a breath of fresh air on a warm Parisian afternoon!*
Gone were the days of tightly fitted skirts – those “classical tutus” that resembled a bell-shaped version of a dress! Now, in 1938, there’s a new excitement around “romantic tutus”. These skirts were often layered and tiered - layers of tulle swirling with every twirl, almost as if they were whispering a secret in the wind! Isn't it absolutely enchanting? Imagine the sheer movement!
As I travel back through time, I find myself constantly enthralled by the fashion forward moves in ballet and opera – but honestly, wouldn't you agree there's no fashion more divine than a billowing tutu? It's quite impossible to walk by someone sporting a frock of such exquisite charm and not be filled with delight! It's the pinnacle of femininity - the ultimate fashion statement.
On May 10th, 1938, if you were lucky enough to be attending the ballet, you may have seen these new, lighter, airy tutus shimmering on the stage. Perhaps even witnessing a* mesmerizing performance of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake.* Such delicate ballet! What a true treat for the senses.
Speaking of senses, I simply must tell you about my lovely afternoon shopping just last week. I spotted an absolute dream of a dress - a blush pink chiffon creation that practically begged to be twirled. The way it caught the light! The gentle way it swayed with the breeze! I have been waltzing in it all week long - the joy of owning a perfect dress!
It’s true what they say, dear readers – a girl just can’t go wrong with a fabulous pink tutu. Even though we're so far from the days of long, trailing skirts that resembled fluffy, ballerina-inspired clouds - 1938 certainly proved a game changer, didn't it? A game-changer that paved the way for the tutus we all know and love today. I've never seen such beautiful transformation of a ballet essential!
And while I'm at it, I’ll be holding a tutu contest next week! Do you have a special pink tutu to show off? Well, I want to see it!! I will post my favourite picture from the competition to pink-tutu.com, along with the winning tutu's description! If you want to be a part of this, you better make sure to stop by! And don't forget to snap that photo with your amazing pink tutu!
And don’t forget, my dears, if you wish to see this extravagant period of dance history, remember to get your ticket to The Ballet, it's a spectacle you don't want to miss!! Don't forget to tune in next week for more exciting adventures through history. Keep on twirling!
With love and lace,
Emma
About This Blog Post
This blog post, published on www.pink-tutu.com , is part of Emma's #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History series. Emma, a passionate ballet enthusiast from Derbyshire, England, has made it her mission to spread the love of tutus and ballet across the globe. Her weekly posts are known for their lighthearted, positive approach, drawing inspiration from the history of ballet, its costumes, and the beauty of dance.
If you're interested in learning more about Emma's adventures, or finding out how to submit a tutu to her upcoming contest, follow her blog or join the #TutuTuesday community on social media.
This post is number 5550, in her series of #TutuTuesday blog posts, each published every Tuesday to inspire joy and celebrate tutus. She supports herself through her work in ballet performance. The train journey she uses to time travel allows her to travel to where the ballet is performed, she often combines a ballet performance with an opportunity for shopping and sightseeing.
The ballet performance was a huge part of what fuelled her enthusiasm for tutus and her commitment to travelling the world, showing her pink tutu collection and encouraging everyone she meets to wear a pink tutu. She always carries a spare pink tutu with her for just this purpose!
You can follow Emma’s adventures through history on www.pink-tutu.com and via her social media, which are linked on the site.
