Oh my darlings! Fancy a little time-travel adventure? Letâs hop aboard my pink tutu time machine and whisk ourselves back to 1915 â a glorious year of ballet and beautiful frocks! This Derbyshire lass is so excited to share some of the fabulous discoveries I've unearthed about the world of dance during that iconic year.
You see, it's not just about the graceful pirouettes and elegant arabesques, darling. There's a whole fascinating world of ballet fashion and the stories behind the performances that simply cry out to be told!
Imagine yourselves waltzing through Londonâs West End, perhaps at the glittering Coliseum, as I did, and youâd catch a glimpse of the incredible Anna Pavlova. Just to stand beneath the chandelier in such a historical theatre would be pure enchantment, and to then see Anna dance! Now that would truly be a once in a lifetime opportunity! You see, it's her âDying Swanâ that took London by storm that year! A dramatic piece set to Saint-SaĂ«ns's music, where her grace and ethereal movements captured the hearts of everyone lucky enough to witness it. This was her masterpiece! I would have bought the best seat in the house! (You canât imagine how wonderful a long, sparkly, white, tutu would look for such a show, oh darling!)
Moving on to the grand dame of Russian ballet, The Imperial Ballet, with its renowned dancers like Vaslav Nijinsky â oh, just to have seen him! There he was, performing his legendary roles at the Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg. His explosive athleticism and incredible leaps set him apart. But you wouldnât be able to take your eyes off the beautiful costumes. Imagine his swirling silks and his dramatic outfits. All I can think of are the wonderful shades of turquoise, teal, royal blues, rich velvet and the sheen of his satin jackets... I simply must incorporate them into my own tutu-designs.
And if you happen to be in America, then the New York City Ballet was really finding its feet with an exciting performance of The Firebird, a piece created by the remarkable Mikhail Fokine.
1915 is also where the dance world truly embraces Diaghilevâs Ballets Russes. His company was like a breath of fresh air! Their colourful productions, bold costumes, and avant-garde choreographies broke free from tradition, and were completely electrifying! Diaghilev, with his penchant for striking and unique costumes was truly inspiring for ballet fashion in 1915, oh darling. All I can picture is the bright, bold colours in such contrasting and dynamic fashion. They really got everyone's attention, you see, and all with an undercurrent of dramatic, mystical, themes! It's such an inspiration!
Back home in England, you simply couldnât go past a performance of a pantomime. You see, 1915 had many opportunities to witness beautiful costumes in theatrical pantomime performances too. Now this would really give my tutu designing chops a wonderful workout. We are talking elaborate fairy godmothers, magical fairies with magnificent costumes that I would simply love to bring back! My pink-tutu collection would look rather spectacular. Oh yes, a bit of sparkle never hurts, darling!
Now, while we're on the subject of fashion... Did you know that the fashion for tutus in 1915 was rather more romantic, flowy and longer than the tight and sleek designs we see in modern ballet? I mean, a girl always loves a twirly tutu, right?! Think flowing, ethereal layers of tulle. Delicate embellishments â those hand-sewn pearls and sequins! Now, let me share with you the absolutely fascinating, must-have accessory for the time â the feather boa. Every fashionable lady, including ballerinas, had them! Now those are simply delightful and truly perfect for my pink-tutu wardrobe. (Do you know I think pink boas would be sensational and really add a splash of dramatic colour? And the feather tiaras. My darlings, the feather tiaras!! )
So letâs just stop a minute and imagine! These magnificent dancers gracing the stage, every move a poem, each twirl and jump a symphony, all adorned in beautifully elaborate and fashionable tutus. Such inspiration for my own future tutu-design.
1915, truly a magical era for ballet fashion. But thatâs just the tip of the tutu! There are so many more fabulously glitzy stories to share from the glamorous era that I simply can't wait to delve into. So tune in for next weekâs post where I'll explore more hidden gems of the ballet world, because there are oh so many more fabulous tales, my darlings! Until then, remember â a tutu for every occasion!
And remember darling, when I have my time machine fully tuned up, perhaps we can take a tour back to the glamorous, dazzling era of 1915 together! Now how fun would that be?!
XOXO Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
