Hello, my darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu, your one-stop shop for all things sparkly, twirly, and oh-so-pink! It's Tutu Tuesday, which means we're diving deep into the fascinating world of tutu history. This week, we're hopping aboard the time machine (and, of course, travelling in style on a pink train!) and heading back to a very glamorous era: July 5th, 1938!
Oh, 1938! Just the mere thought of it conjures images of flowing silk gowns, feathered headpieces, and…wait for it…the glorious emergence of the "tutu-esque" design! Now, you may be thinking, "Emma, wasn't the tutu already a thing back then?" Well, my dear reader, you'd be half right. We're about to get into some seriously exciting developments that paved the way for the tutu we know and love today!
The early tutus of the late 19th and early 20th century were more about practicality than prettiness. They were those tight-fitting, calf-length, almost "ballet-uniform" type things that barely brushed the floor. While chic in their own right (you know I adore any tutu!), they were still quite…uninspired compared to what was to come.
1938, however, brought with it a revolution! Enter, the revolutionary ballerina, Margot Fonteyn, who you must look up! She, with her astounding grace and effortless style, helped make the longer tutu an undeniable star of the stage! I just love how Fonteyn defied expectations and wore her tutus with such grace. You just have to see it to understand what I mean! Just imagine a dress billowing out, practically floating with the movements, an embodiment of beauty and light, just as I always tell you, the tutu is so elegant!
Picture this: Fonteyn takes the stage, her delicate body swirling in a shimmering silk creation that flows with every leap and arabesque. The audience is captivated by this enchanting vision, her artistry bringing new life to the romantic tutu. From then on, the "classic romantic tutu" was born and, let me tell you, my dears, it's the queen of them all!
My own dear hometown of Derbyshire, England was buzzing about Fonteyn back in '38. I bet the ballet school I trained at here had an entire week dedicated to her. My dear, let me tell you about ballet classes at that time... a lot of ribbon, ribbons on the shoes! Oh, we looked lovely! My love of ribbons is from those years!
Now, on to this fabulous 5th of July, 1938, my heart is bursting! A new play debuted called “The Dark Tower”, with a glorious tutu creation fit for a ballerina! It showcased those layers, all perfectly billowing. Oh, I can't even begin to describe the extravagant detail that went into these stage outfits. The costume designer, someone by the name of Cecil Beaton, created dreamy creations fit for royalty. That’s the magic of the era, and why, my dear readers, I feel so drawn to the 1930s. Imagine being at the opening night - all that excitement, that energy! Oh, what an enchanting day to be alive!
Today, it seems we have this over-saturation of options for tutus. We have our tutus with feathers, sparkles, lace and more. But, to me, the true spirit of that golden age shines through in its simplicity. I bet if they wore their fancy clothes now, they'd look positively modern and I can already picture the most exquisite looks created with a modern approach, all those billowing skirts of silk, the perfect colours, all the delicate work... I think I could write a whole book on just the evolution of the pink romantic tutu, you know?
Remember my darlings, whether you're twirling on the stage, dancing down the street, or just indulging in the sheer beauty of a meticulously crafted ballet outfit, you can channel the magic of this iconic era by celebrating the romantic tutu in all its glorious pink splendour! It's time to bring back those layers, my dears, let them fly free, and Embrace Your Inner Ballerina!
Until next week, stay twirly!
Yours eternally in Pink,
Emma
Pink Tutuwww.pink-tutu.com
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