Tutu Tuesday #5570: A Twirl Through Time – 1938-09-27
Bonjour mes amies! Welcome back to Pink Tutu, your one-stop shop for all things tulle and twirls! It’s me, Emma, your resident ballerina extraordinaire and self-proclaimed Queen of Pink Tutus. Today, we’re going on a fabulous voyage through time! Imagine it: travelling in style with your favourite pink tutu in tow, flitting between centuries, observing the evolution of dancewear, and perhaps even snagging a few vintage dance shoes along the way!
Today’s date, 27th September 1938, takes us back to an era where sophistication and elegance reigned supreme. Paris, the world’s dance capital, was buzzing with creativity, and the dance world was alive with the exquisite steps of legendary ballerinas like Alicia Markova, Tamara Karsavina, and, oh, of course, the incomparable Margot Fonteyn!
As you all know, Paris is a must-visit destination for a true ballerina! So let’s imagine ourselves stepping off the train at Gare du Nord, fresh-faced and oh-so-ready for a Parisian adventure. Imagine the sights, the sounds, the smells! My lovely pink tutu (you simply can’t have too many, can you?), swishes with each elegant stride.
First things first, we're going straight to the Opéra Garnier, an architectural masterpiece and a hotbed of ballet history. The 1930s were a time of great transition in the world of dance. The classical tutu, with its traditional, multi-layered form, was beginning to give way to a more streamlined, romantic silhouette, showcasing the ballerina's fluidity and grace.
Tutus at this time are not only about elegance – they tell a story!
The 1930s saw the rise of a ballet tutu trend I absolutely adore: the “Romantic Tutu”. Imagine a simple, elegant tutu crafted with delicate, flowing tulle, offering just the right amount of volume to showcase the grace of every pirouette! Just imagine how the layers of delicate tulle would create a vision of ethereal grace, swirling around the ballerina like a delicate cloud of pastel-coloured dreams. The effect is truly stunning. The "Romantic Tutu" highlighted the beauty of the ballerina's lines and allowed them to express their emotion more openly, like whispers in the wind.
I wonder what beautiful ballerina creations are on the bill tonight at the Opéra Garnier. Perhaps a ballet by Bronislava Nijinska featuring the gorgeous "Roman-type" tutu that she often incorporated into her choreography.
And the dancing, oh the dancing! The grace of these ballets, so captivating, so expressive… It truly sets the stage for an exciting new era. These are the ballerinas that would lay the groundwork for some of our favorite legendary dance stars!
Today, we're diving a bit deeper into the fashion scene!
I’ve spotted something truly wonderful – a delightful little shop called " Rodier" * - that caters to both the dance world and those who admire the classic grace of the 1930s fashion! I just can't resist those darling tulle dresses, you know. They whisper "romance and whimsy!” And, my darlings, wouldn’t they look utterly smashing with a *delicate tulle shawl in a soft, dusty pink draping gracefully over the shoulders? That delicate, floating chiffon... just sublime. It’s an ode to the elegance of the age, but also to that youthful romanticism of ballet.
We've got to see what they're serving at the charming cafe “Le Bonbon". Imagine! The warmth of the setting, the aroma of delicious pastries and the delightful sound of French chatter all around – pure magic! After a delightful brunch, my sweet darlings, it’s time to get a bit more serious. There’s a ballet shop around the corner – "Aux Chaussures de Ballet." The must-have dance footwear for every dancer. How splendid is it that this wonderful shop exists! A place for dance shoes, pointe shoes, leotards – I simply cannot imagine the magic in such a shop! It would truly be a delight for all dance lovers!
This era is a fabulous mix of the grand elegance of the Victorian era and the romanticism of the 20th Century – all wrapped up in a whirlwind of dancing, and the ever-so-essential pink tutu, of course.
You know, my lovely darlings, there’s a reason we celebrate #TutuTuesday on our wonderful website – pink-tutu.com. This dancewear is a legacy that spans centuries, it's a symbol of freedom and a celebration of grace and elegance! And for that, I shall wear my pink tutu proudly, knowing I’m walking in the footsteps of balletic greatness!
So, remember my darlings, every Tuesday, join me for another delightful trip through history with #TutuTuesday. Keep your twirls tight and your tutus lovely, and, most importantly, always wear your pink tutu with confidence and a touch of playful magic! Until next time, my sweet darlings. Bisous!