History of Ballet in 1920

Hey darlings! Emma here, your resident pink tutu enthusiast, ready to take you on another trip down ballet history lane! We're hopping on the time-traveling tutu express (fueled by glitter, naturally) and zipping back to 1920, the era where flappers, jazz, and bold colours ruled the roost, just like my wardrobe, honestly! 😜

So buckle up your sequins and grab your favourite vintage-inspired clutch – we're stepping into the glorious Roaring Twenties, an exciting period for ballet. Let's dive in, shall we?

In 1920, the ballet world was buzzing like a hive of bees! There was a palpable feeling of reinvention, and ballet, like fashion, was getting a dramatic makeover. We see new and dynamic styles starting to take centre stage – a definite break from the traditions of the past.

Think longer tutus flowing gracefully like cascading silk and those mesmerising leg extensions. Imagine tutus adorned with delicate lace, with a shimmering silver ribbon snaking around the waist, oh, it's just exquisite! Imagine the dancers twirling to a jaunty tune, their delicate steps keeping pace with the spirit of the times! We're talking "Dancing at Dawn" at the Hippodrome, where the audience is on the edge of their seats!

It's an age where women started making their voices heard through the movement, and ballet mirrored that with bolder, more assertive choreography. 💃 It's an exciting time for the creative minds that revolutionise dance, breaking with the traditions of the past, creating new ways of expressing stories with their bodies! It's a wonderful change that opens doors to a new chapter for ballet!

Oh, the clothes! Swoon! Think glamorous, feminine designs, but with a more liberating spirit. Forget the super-tight bodices of the 1800s. The tutus are softer, with a graceful and flowy look. There’s a delicate grace to their movements as the dancers move effortlessly on stage!

Remember the little black dress, that quintessential statement of the era? Think of that sleek sophistication applied to a tutu and you've got the essence of this magical dance-fashion era. 👗💖

Oh, and don't even get me started on the headpieces – feathered, sparkling, or adorned with exquisite flowers - the ladies are making their heads look like crowns, truly. What a spectacle! It's a bold combination of elegance and individuality, where the fashion is as important as the dance itself.

Just imagine the glamour! A whole string of brilliant ballets graced the stage, each one a sparkling jewel in the crown of the ballet world! In the world of theatre performances, The London Coliseum is bustling with action! I'd just love to twirl under the twinkling lights of its stage, just imagine the magic!

Londoners are captivated by Russian Ballet dancers who are stealing the hearts of the theatregoers with their artistic grace! The world is falling in love with the intricate art form of dance.

One of the shows making waves, both in London and Paris, was Serge Diaghilev's iconic "Le Sacre du Printemps" – remember that scandalous, raw, and rhythmic creation that rocked the dance world?

Just the thought of this ground-breaking ballet sends shivers down my spine! Its fierce beauty and revolutionary approach opened up a whole new world for dance and really left people mesmerised.

Then, there’s “Pulcinella” – another sensational ballet showcasing the genius of the one and only Stravinsky. Oh, to be whisked back in time and hear his melodies soaring through the theatre!

But, darling, this was no ordinary era. It was filled with vibrant life and creative energy! The theatre became a space of exciting experimentation. This was where innovative artistic voices like Serge Diaghilev, Vaslav Nijinsky, and Léonide Massine thrived and blossomed!

I am on a quest to find out what made 1920 so unforgettable, I am so excited to get into the world of ballet fashion this era and try on those incredible tutu designs! Imagine those gorgeous slinky satin and velvet combinations in rich hues, and feather boas as delicate as dandelion wishes!

We need to appreciate those who led the way. And that includes recognizing the incredible female choreographers like the trailblazers Marie Rambert and Cecily Ethel Anderson. I am just so proud of their bravery and resilience in a time where it wasn't so easy to be a woman in the art world.

These daring creators are breaking down the glass ceiling, allowing the dance world to evolve and grow! This was their time to empower the dance form and redefine beauty, it is simply incredible to look back and witness these artistic moments!

But, you know me, darling. I'm not one to just dream! My goal, just like in the 1920s, is to bring ballet into the mainstream. We need to turn the streets into our stage, celebrate movement, and spread joy through our love of ballet.

This means putting on my pink tutu and heading out, ready to bring a splash of dance magic wherever I go! I'll be twirling in Derbyshire, sharing this magical art form with everyone! Let's spread the love and create new memories on the dance floor.

Until next time, darlings. Stay beautiful, stay bold, and remember, there's a pink tutu waiting for everyone!

Lots of love,

Emma 💖