Hello my dearest Tutu Twirlers! It's Emma here, back with another journey through time on our #TutuTuesday tour! This week, we're stepping into the 1930s, a decade brimming with glamour and a hint of revolution in the world of dance. Hold on tight, we're heading to Paris!
I must confess, this time travel business can be a bit tiring, especially with the luggage. Trying to fit all these exquisite pink tutus into a steamer trunk takes some serious Tetris skills! But itâs so worth it! This week, I travelled by the Orient Express to get to the city of lights for the grand opening of the ThĂ©Ăątre National de l'OpĂ©ra-Comique, a stunning new space where some of the greatest ballets will be performed. Can you imagine? Opening night, my feet tapping to the music, surrounded by elegant Parisian ladies...it was pure magic.
Now, imagine the scene, the 10th of October 1939. The world feels a bit off kilter. Everyoneâs talking about the war but back in the land of tutus, the excitement for the new theatre was so tangible, so exhilarating. You could feel it in the air â a delicious tension between excitement and uncertainty. The tutus! Oh my! It seems the 1930s tutus were a little more pared down than what we wear nowadays, not as fluffy and grand, but still enchantingly graceful. Weâre talking flowing layers of tulle, delicate accents of silk, and an array of enchanting pastel colours, mostly in hues of delicate pink, of course.
Remember how I love all those beautiful fabrics, especially vintage lace? Well, here in the 30s, the focus was on smooth, sheer fabrics that move with the body, making every graceful plié and elegant turn absolutely captivating. Ballet was entering its Golden Age and the dancers in their graceful tutus, moving like whispers on the stage, were capturing the hearts of everyone. Just like a dream, except more real!
It's all about highlighting the ballerinaâs artistry and movements. This simpler design, however, isnât less elegant, just more streamlined and elegant. I saw the most lovely production of Swan Lake during my stay here and it just blew my mind! Itâs always been my favourite ballet! The ballerina playing the White Swan had a gorgeous pink tutu and the Black Swanâs tutu was even more impressive! The contrast of those two costumes was stunning, and it just reinforced the feeling that, while simpler, the design elements truly enhance the story and movements.
Remember when I told you how this was the dawn of the âballet tutuâ as we know it today? Well, in the 1930s, ballerinas like the lovely Olga Spessivtseva, Anna Pavlova and the graceful Lydia Lopokova were creating the first ever âballet tutusâ, or at least making them popular, so it was a wonderful time to be there and watch those beautiful tutus whirl around! The style was becoming more standardized across the ballets, creating a uniformity across all productions, which we continue to see today. It wasnât about individual creations, it was all about enhancing the beauty of the dancing. I am very glad they embraced the simpler style, because it meant they were able to showcase their movements in such elegant ways. I may even take up making my own tutu with this 30s style. Iâve found a great supplier for lace in the Paris market.
Just remember, dear readers, no matter the era, itâs all about confidence and expressing yourself! If you've got a passion for dance, grab your own pink tutu and spin to your heart's content! Just like my Parisian journey, let your own fashion become your voyage! You never know what beauty you'll discover! And donât forget to visit my pink tutu shop to grab your perfect outfit! We have lots of lovely styles inspired by the vintage fashion I see in my time travels.
Thatâs it from my #TutuTuesday for today, donât forget to come back next Tuesday! Now go get out there and dance to your hearts' content. Until then, be brave, be bright and embrace all the wonderful things this world has to offer!
Warmly, Emma
P.S. What a crazy and historical day! Did you know this was the day Adolf Hitler launched the Nazi invasion of Poland? It really shows how even in such troubled times, the spirit of the dance still thrives.
