Hey darlings! Emma here, your pink tutu-clad guide to the fabulous world of ballet. Today, we're time-travelling to 1917, a year filled with a swirl of change, romance, and yes, you guessed it – absolutely stunning ballet! Buckle up, my loves, because we're going to waltz through the most fashionable year of them all!
The World of Ballet, 1917: Revolution in Style
Can we even talk about fashion without swooning? I mean, the elegance of the Edwardian Era was already sublime, but 1917 was like adding a touch of shimmering pixie dust. Skirts were shorter, showing off those darling little ankles. And darling, those bodices? Think corsets that actually made a statement with luxurious, flowing fabrics! Imagine yourself gliding across the stage, looking like a ballerina fresh out of a dream!
And the dancing itself? Absolutely electric! In Russia, a revolutionary fire was burning brighter than a chandelier in the Bolshoi Theatre! We had Serge Diaghilev and the Ballets Russes showcasing the magic of choreography. His Jeux in 1917 was quite the spectacle. I hear he had dancers sporting little tutus that looked like they were straight out of a playful dream! Think sleek lines, minimalist chic - absolutely revolutionary!
Then there was Nijinsky. You all know how much I love his wild style, don’t you? He practically rewrote the book on how a man dances with L’Après-midi d’un faune, just brimming with romantic sensuality. Honestly, those tutus were barely there - just wisps of silk. You could feel the power of every movement, every single pose. Just fabulous!
Don’t forget the music
Can we even discuss dance without discussing the sound? Debussy's score for Jeux is pure, shimmering enchantment. Imagine being swept away in the wave of sound, the elegant flow of the dance reflecting the music's emotions - simply breathtaking!
But beyond the revolution in the style of the music and dance, a little further away from the world of ballet, history was being written too. You might remember the First World War happening in 1917 - so much turmoil and sadness in the world. But even in times like these, beauty and the artistic spirit shone through. This year was proof positive that dance could soothe and inspire, no matter the challenges we faced!
Dancing Around Derbyshire
Back here in Derbyshire, life was bustling with its own special kind of energy. It felt like the entire county was swept up in the war effort. We were all pulling together, contributing in any way we could! I've heard tell of wonderful war charity balls being held at the Derby Assembly Rooms - with ladies twirling and gents in their finest military attire, making sure spirits remained high! And those dresses? They just had that classic 1917 elegance! Just think of a dance floor glittering under a thousand candles, all in those flowing Edwardian gowns... absolutely magical.
Our Pink Tutu Legacy
Imagine that! We're walking through history and realizing how much the dance world resonates with life. There's something timeless and magical about that, isn't there? The passion, the expression, the sheer joy of movement that connects us all across time and place.
And don't forget - we’re not just about old-world magic! This isn’t the first time a ballet’s had an impact on the world. Even now, our little dance legacy inspires trends all over the world. See those elegant tulle skirts on the runway? Absolutely echoing those beautiful ballerina bodices. I even spot echoes of Jeux with those modern minimalist dresses!
Looking ahead:
So, there we have it, 1917, a year bursting with ballet beauty! Next week, we're taking a closer look at the fascinating fusion of ballet with the other arts in the roaring 1920s. Prepare yourselves, my darlings, for an even more flamboyant and captivating journey through history. I’ve already started dreaming up the perfect outfits!
Until then, don’t forget to keep your tutus dusted off! And don’t be afraid to let the music and movement flow through your soul. Who knows, you might even find yourself making history!
P.S. What’s your favorite ballet look from 1917? Don't forget to share it on our #pinktutu and tell me your favourite 1917 fashion finds on @pink_tutu - let’s celebrate history, dance and of course...PINK! ✨💕
