Helloooo darlings! Emma here, your very own time-travelling tutu-enthusiast, back with another blast from the ballet past for your weekly dose of #TutuTuesday! 🩰💖
Today we're stepping back in time to May 17th, 1938! It's quite a pivotal date, if you ask me! For in this year, darling, we were treated to the absolutely divine "Giselle" at the Sadler's Wells Theatre in London! Imagine! The ethereal costumes, the breathtaking grace of the ballerinas... the very thought makes my heart flutter.
It seems the "Giselle" that graced the stage was a little different than what we see nowadays. Apparently, it had more emphasis on drama and emotional depth. This must have made it simply riveting! Just picturing the sheer passion and the exquisite costumes... ah, simply divine!
This period was the golden age for ballet! There was a real sense of theatre in it all. Ballet wasn't just a spectacle; it was a story, a drama told with incredible poise and elegance. The Romantic Era of ballet was in full swing, and everyone was obsessed. Can you blame them? This period of ballet is utterly magical, if you ask me.
You might be surprised to know that the tutus of the era were much less elaborate than what we often see today. There wasn't an endless flutter of layers or a dizzying explosion of colour, as seen in the more modern-day tutus. In those days, the tulle was simpler and more flowy. You wouldn't find layers upon layers, or even as many different colours - more of a romantic elegance, you know? I'm thinking beautiful shades of soft ivory or delicate pastel pink, a touch of the classical and feminine. Magnificent!
What does 1938 mean for our love of tutus, I hear you ask? Well, it shows the enduring power of the tutu. It's always evolving and transforming, but the underlying spirit - that combination of grace, beauty, and magical artistry - remains timeless. And trust me, the evolution is something absolutely incredible. I mean, the tutu is a truly transformative garment, and it's endlessly captivating to watch its history unfold, don't you think?
Of course, back in those days, they didn't have access to our "super-fantastic-magical" modern technology for tulle and embellishments, which makes creating our tutus oh-so-much easier and much more beautiful. Can you imagine, darlings, a whole team of seamstresses just working their fingers to the bone to create a single tulle masterpiece?! A bit daunting to even contemplate, isn't it?! We, my lovely tutu-lovers, are absolutely blessed to have such amazing, advanced tools and fabrics at our fingertips today. ✨💖
Speaking of fingertips... (because I do love my fingers to be dipped in the latest in fabulous, pink tulle - you know I do!)... Let's delve into this magnificent era of ballet, with its absolutely wonderful style!
Fashion in 1938: Imagine an elegant world where evening gowns were a staple, adorned with sparkling jewels and delicate feathers. Dresses had that beautiful, sleek silhouette. I absolutely adore this style. I've worn several period costumes, even while time travelling. 🤫
The hairstyle, my darlings, was nothing short of a work of art! You could have your choice: sleekly pulled back and arranged in beautiful chignons, soft waves flowing around your face, or even playful curls, just bursting with style! Just gorgeous! Now, how utterly divine would that be? I must get some divine hair pieces and learn some historical styles for next Tuesday! Magnificent! 💖
And who could forget the shoes?! Shoes of this period were made for twirling. It was all about pointed toes and dainty heels. Oh, the absolute delight of getting to dance in such divine footwear. I find I actually wear very similar styles even in our day - sometimes a shoe stays popular for centuries, because it works! 👠💖
And of course, who can forget the accessories?! I absolutely adored the pearl necklaces, the sparkling earrings, and the adorable little gloves. What I truly miss is the *glamour of getting dressed up for the theatre. Today's audience seem to want casual, while 1930s folks went all out for evening performances. I even love dressing for class! My outfit gets complimented every time, you should see my latest outfit! 🤫💖
Fun fact about this day: A wonderful performance by the legendary ballet dancer Tamara Karsavina was being planned in the London Pavilion. Oh my, what an amazing performance, so full of life and vibrance. Just imagining the grace and the poetry of her movements... simply divine. 💕
Well, my lovelies, it's time for me to step back to my own time (because travelling in the 1930s is a lot of effort. That vintage dress I found doesn't have any stretch and my feet were in agony - let's be honest... you only notice how uncomfortable an outfit is after an evening out, am I right?!).
I'm off to see what I can whiz up with my latest, magnificent tulle purchases! I am a sucker for anything sparkly, so expect some pink-tastic updates coming up! Remember, my lovely tutu enthusiasts, embrace your inner ballerina, wear a pink tutu, and spread the joy! You'll find me here every Tuesday with more delightful ballet stories, and we can explore all the fun fashion and dance the day away.
Don't forget to join our fabulous community on www.pink-tutu.com! We can share tutu stories, discover new fashion, and even make our own fabulous, magical, tutu masterpieces! ✨
And until next Tuesday, darlings... may all your pirouettes be perfect! 💖
Yours in tulle and time travel,
Emma
