#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1938-11-08

Hello dears, it’s Emma here, your pink tutu-loving ballerina, ready to whisk you back in time with our weekly dose of tutu history! Today, let’s step into the time machine and twirl back to 8th November 1938!

This week, we’re focusing on the world of ballet in the late 1930s, and wouldn’t you know it, this date was particularly exciting!

Off to the Theatre

The Royal Opera House in London, my favourite destination in all of history, was alive with a performance that evening, and I was lucky enough to snag a front-row seat! Oh, what a night! The company was performing none other than “Swan Lake”, that stunning and tragic ballet of love, betrayal, and swan transformation. You all know how much I adore a good fairytale story.

As the lights dimmed, and the stage was flooded with ethereal light, I was mesmerized by the intricate choreography. The delicate tutus, their layers and delicate movement creating breathtaking beauty, simply took my breath away. Now, back then, the tutus were made with layers and layers of silk and tulle. So incredibly delicate! Imagine how heavy those tutus must have been to wear, especially when performing such demanding and elegant choreography! It makes me grateful for the lighter materials we have today!

Fashion and Shopping

While I’m still reeling from that amazing ballet performance, it wouldn’t be a true Emma time-travelling experience without a trip to London’s famous department stores! What a fabulous time this was to be a woman and a fan of ballet - there were shops full of frills, tulle and everything sparkly you could ever imagine. I managed to score a couple of new ribbons for my hair and a glorious pair of dancing shoes with diamanté embellishments.

Let's talk tutus: Now, the fashion world of the late 1930s was in love with flowing lines and delicate fabrics - it’s all quite dramatic and dreamy, just like my beloved ballet. Tutus reflected this, with fuller skirts and intricate details, much more flamboyant than the slim, simple lines you see in contemporary dance today. Can you imagine being on stage wearing one of these voluminous creations, spinning, leaping, and pirouette-ing with every ounce of your strength and grace? I just hope I could hold it all together!

And now for the History lesson:

In 1938, the world was on edge with political tensions rising. Despite the unsettling world outside, the world of ballet continued to flourish, pushing the boundaries of dance, and evolving its style. And isn’t that the way it always is? Just like the art and passion of ballet itself, we find inspiration and strength in the face of change.

But what I'd really love to know, is what’s happening in your world of ballet today? Do you see the passion and artistry of those 1930s ballets? Let me know, dears! Leave your comments on my blog, www.pink-tutu.com. I love hearing from my readers, and hearing your thoughts. And please don’t forget to share your ballet adventures. I’m always searching for more ways to celebrate our love for this artform.

Until next time, may your twirls be full of joy!

*Yours in tutus, *

Emma

P.S: I’ve heard rumours that there's a wonderful ballet exhibition taking place in London soon. You know me and my love for exhibitions, and I just might make a little trip back to this glorious era and check it out! I'll share all the juicy details in next week’s #TutuTuesday!