Hello my darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu, your one-stop shop for all things tulle and twirls! It's Tuesday, which means it's time for another blast from the past, a peek into the fascinating world of the ballet tutu! Today we're going right back to 1938, and believe me, this date holds some real gems.
This is post number 5583, my dear friends, and each one is an adventure, a little glimpse into a bygone era! The world of the tutu is such a rich tapestry, and with each #TutuTuesday, I can't help but fall in love with it all over again.
Now, let's hop onto my trusty time-travelling train (a luxurious, pink carriage of course!) and whisk ourselves back to that fabulous December of 1938. Where to go, you ask? Well, it's rather obvious, isn't it? We're going to Paris darling, the capital of chic and the beating heart of ballet! Paris was simply bursting with beauty, brimming with elegance and style! Oh, the thrill of simply being there.
The Twirling Scene:
Remember, my loves, the 1930s were all about the glorious Ballets Russes. We're talking about a truly awe-inspiring period for ballet, where dancers were transforming the artform with passion and artistry. Just picture it: the most fabulous dancers in exquisitely embroidered tutus, all dancing under the Parisian chandeliers. Oh, my, the drama! And speaking of drama, what could possibly be more magnificent than the renowned Ballets Russes choreographer Sergei Diaghilev himself! Can you imagine, my darlings - being there in that historical era witnessing ballet history unfolding before your very eyes! I do love a good story, and 1938 had plenty.
In this fabulous time, the tutu was really hitting its stride, evolving with each ballet production. Remember those fabulous romantic tutus, so full of billowing layers, made for whirling and pirouettes? Those, darling, were the rage in Paris! Imagine layers and layers of silk and tulle swirling gracefully and sparkling beneath the theatre lights. Imagine it with me, my dears, feel the excitement of that fabulous scene! It makes my heart flutter just thinking about it.
Style Secrets: 1938 Glamour!
1938 Paris - where fashion meets artistry - oh how my fashion heart soars! But back to that oh-so glamorous tutu for just a moment! There's more to tutus than you might think, and let's face it, fashion and ballet are two peas in a pod.
Back then, those tutus were more than just dance costumes - they were a statement, my lovelies! It was all about the colour, the silhouette, the details. We were witnessing the dawn of that fabulous ballerina-inspired fashion. Think delicate, floral motifs, feminine pastel shades and that unmistakable billowing, swirling effect that tutus bring. I mean, what's more chic than wearing something so ethereal and stylish off stage?!
For those fabulous ladies in Paris, a ballet show was an event! Imagine the crowds of elegant Parisian women in the theatre. They were decked out in all their finest dresses - silk, lace, beautiful beaded handbags. Their ensembles were all complemented with that unmistakable French flair! A little sparkle here, a touch of chic there. But my dears, they just had to have the right hat and of course the most dazzling jewels. Oh the sheer joy of dressing up for ballet! I mean, you really just cannot go wrong when tutus and couture are involved.
Shopping Shenanigans:
Let me tell you, my dear girls, Paris was the mecca for the finest boutiques and most beautiful clothes. It's no wonder everyone dreamed of escaping to that Parisian city of dreams. Can you imagine a little ballet-inspired frock paired with a stunning feather hat and of course the most adorable little ballet shoes, a tiny little pair just like those fabulous ballet dancers. A little Parisian flair goes a long way, my lovelies!
Oh my darlings, I just love to dream about this magical place, the history, the elegance, and the timeless glamour! But let's talk fashion, my sweet lovelies! Those 1938 designers knew what they were doing! The silhouette was so streamlined and so feminine, think soft shoulders, waist-cinching styles. All the elegance of the 1920s had carried on beautifully, just a touch more delicate and a whole lot of Parisian style. Just the very air in Paris seemed to have this magic, making each little skirt so much more playful and every little flower blooming just a little bit brighter. Oh, my darlings, don't even get me started on the shoes! So very beautiful, just little ankle-strap heels with beautiful buckles and so incredibly chic.
Oh the shoes! I love a great ballet shoe and shoes back then were all about femininity and style, especially for those lovely Parisian women. Just those exquisite little ankle-strap heels or a beautifully designed pair of platforms - all finished off with just the right pair of beautiful gloves, silk stockings, and, of course, a little feather boa for extra flare! I always say, "The right shoe can transform an outfit," and in Paris 1938, that definitely seemed to be the case. And don't get me started on the beautiful pastel pink gloves! So chic! Just the right finishing touch for the fabulous, sophisticated, Parisian ladies who knew their way around the city.
Oh my dears, let me tell you, 1938 was a glorious year to have been in Paris. So much fun, so much culture, so much gorgeous fashion. It truly was the Golden Era for the tutu, both on and off stage. And speaking of the stage...
Stage Sensations:
Did you know that 1938 was the year that the famous Grand Duchess Marie of Russia returned to the stage? The very same year that Paris had been charmed by the famous Parisian ballerina Alexandra Danilova. I simply love these stories about talented dancers and it really does paint a glamorous and dramatic image of the time, and for sure makes that 1938 Paris all the more memorable.
I am simply mesmerized by their talent. And oh! Those stunning costumes created especially for the Grand Duchess and Alexandra Danilova - the finest embroidery, sparkling fabrics, and so much attention to detail! Ballet dancers, my sweet darlings, have this incredible ability to inspire awe and bring so much beauty and joy to the stage. Every step, every turn, and every twirl becomes pure magic.
Of course, my darlings, my time traveling travels are very closely linked to ballet and how the tutu changed over the decades. I am just thrilled that my time traveling has given me a unique opportunity to experience such history. To think that back then the tutu was considered an incredible invention - to see these amazing dance pieces from a completely different historical era just fills me with a wonderful joy that I can't even express.
It's just a pity I wasn't born back then to experience those wonderful events and, my darlings, I'm sure all you wonderful women would have joined me at the Parisian theatre - after all, who doesn't love a bit of theatre! And in the words of my dear, late grandmother who would always whisper to me "always, darling, make time for a good ballet show!" And now back to our little historical adventures.
More Than Just Tulle
Oh, my darling tutus! Just imagine yourself in 1938 - wearing that soft, feathery pink, swirling tutu on a cold, crisp December night in Paris. With your pink evening gloves and matching little ballerina shoes. Just picture the theatre lights reflecting on your delicate, ballerina tutu! My darlings, just imagine, if you could only imagine it. That is a vision to be cherished and remembered forever! Oh my, the dreams of little ballerina girls who would have adored being back in this time!
But remember, darling, the ballet tutu is more than just a pretty dress. It's a symbol of freedom, creativity, and expression - it's a canvas for our dreams. From the iconic ballerina posing on a stage to a group of young ballet dancers practicing at their local dance school - the tutu unites us and reminds us to live with passion, creativity and grace.
The tutu is not just a costume; it's a legacy, an inspiration, a beautiful tribute to those who came before. Each layer of tulle is a story, a dream waiting to be danced into reality. So my dears, remember when you see a tutu spinning and twirling across a stage, take a moment to appreciate its rich history and to celebrate all the beautiful and inspiring ballet stories that have been told over the centuries! And just as I said a few paragraphs ago, remember my dear grandmothers wise words: "Always darling, make time for a good ballet show."
Pink Tutu Love!
Of course, I love a little historical drama. But I can't end this week's post without reminding you to always have fun with fashion. Wear that gorgeous tutu with confidence. It doesn't matter if you are dancing on stage or taking a trip to the shop; there's always an occasion to don your favorite tutu! And of course, that gorgeous pink color is a wonderful way to spread your own style and sparkle and remind people that ballet can bring so much joy into our lives. Remember the joy of a twirling skirt and let your inner dancer bloom!
Love, Emma xx
