Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back with another exciting blast from the past for your weekly dose of Ballet Tutu History! This week, we're stepping back to the glorious 28th of May 1912, a date brimming with historical significance, both for the world and, of course, for the wonderful world of ballet!
Imagine, dear readers, London in the early 20th century, bustling with the sights and sounds of a burgeoning empire! As I step off the train from Derbyshire, the air is thick with the scent of freshly baked bread and the excited chatter of children making their way to the local parks. A gentle drizzle paints a misty shimmer across the city streets, reflecting the gaslights in an ethereal dance. And I? I'm wrapped in my favourite fluffy pink tutu, twirling through the streets with a skip in my step!
But let's focus on our reason for being here today - ballet! Now, 1912 was a truly vibrant time for the art form, both in England and around the world. Here in London, we see a remarkable evolution in ballet, moving away from the heavy, dramatic styles of the past towards a lightness and fluidity, a sort of magical grace that captured the heart of audiences everywhere.
Let's delve into what was happening specifically on this date in 1912... Ah, this is where things get really interesting, darling!
*May 28th, 1912, the day of the year in 1912 that... Nothing in particular happened in the history of ballet. I think. "Boooo!" You may cry, "Another dud!" Never fear, you darlings! I'm no slouch when it comes to history. If I can't find a tutu event, we can at least learn something else exciting about our world during this time! *
Did you know, dear readers, that on May 28th, 1912, the RMS Titanic sank in the North Atlantic? While the sinking was certainly a tragedy, it did have an effect on the world of ballet in an indirect but surprising way. You see, many talented ballet dancers were aboard the Titanic, en route to new lives in America. The tragedy resulted in the loss of several young and promising talents, reminding us that ballet, like life itself, is a delicate and precious art form.
However, dear readers, let's not focus only on the sad. While the sinking was certainly a tragedy, it was a story of courage and heroism too! Stories about ordinary people becoming heroes with the selfless deeds and brave actions, all reminding us to hold on to hope. That spirit is alive in us, is in our art and in everything that is good! And so, with a cheery twirl and a light-hearted spirit, let's turn our gaze towards a brighter future. We will celebrate ballet in all its brilliance and diversity.
Now, as for the tutus, I've been making some exciting discoveries. Imagine, darling, a world where the tutu is only used in performances, tucked away for those special nights under the glittering lights! The thought is almost unbearable!
Luckily, the 1910s brought with them an increasing use of tutus for recreational purposes. Now, everyone and their granny, young, old and everyone in between, were spinning around in their tutus in ballet studios around the world. Ballet class became the rage, a delightful pastime enjoyed by all sorts of women - not just professionals!
Remember dear readers, the 1910s are seen as the Golden Age of Ballet. While some view tutus in the 1910s as a little on the fluffy and bulky side, they were a bold departure from the heavier, much more restrictive forms of the previous eras. It’s during this time that the tutu takes on the familiar form of the fluffy, cloud-like and even sometimes glittery style we know and love today. The 1910s were a time of great artistic advancement for ballet, leading to tutus, with their layers and soft flow, that were perfectly designed for intricate and breathtaking steps!
So, dear readers, on this #TutuTuesday we celebrate the past and look forward to the future of this incredible art form. I'm dreaming of a world where everyone, from toddlers to grandmothers, twirls with abandon, celebrating the beautiful art of dance and the graceful flutter of a perfectly pink tutu.
Remember, darling, every day can be Tutu Tuesday! Go forth, find that hidden inner ballerina, and dance!
And, until next week, remember to visit www.pink-tutu.com, where you can find my entire collection of Tutu Tuesday posts and learn everything there is to know about the magical world of ballet and tutus. Keep twirling and dreaming, you beauties!
Emma x
