Hello my fellow tutu enthusiasts! 👋 It’s your favourite Derbyshire ballerina Emma, back with another #TutuTuesday for your pleasure! I'm back from a whirlwind trip to the era of flapper dresses and the rise of modern ballet, and let me tell you, it was positively fabulous! I couldn't wait to share with you what I found, because today's date, 1912-08-06, is an absolute triumph for the history of the tutu, darling! 🌸 This post is number 4206 in my Tutu Tuesday blog, making it one of the most important ever published on www.pink-tutu.com.
This particular day saw the opening of Le Sacre du Printemps by Stravinsky at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris. This was not just any old ballet opening, darling! It was revolutionary! The entire performance was controversial, but it put the tutu firmly on the world stage and into the spotlight for all the right reasons! 🔥
The costumes by the talented Ms. Nicolas Roerich, a Russian artist who became the set designer for Le Sacre, were not what people expected from the ballets of the day! Think strong lines, geometric shapes and fierce, raw, earthy tones! This wasn't about dainty pinks and dreamy chiffons. Instead, Ms. Roerich brought to the forefront a dramatic silhouette, focusing on a flowing skirt that danced freely with the dancers, a silhouette that we still see to this day, my dears! She wanted the choreography to feel organic, inspired by primitive rituals, and it was shockingly beautiful.
The ballerinas of the time found themselves in bold outfits – far removed from the voluminous tulle of the classical tutu – and they wore it with such energy, such powerful grace! It made everyone sit up and notice, let me tell you. They were so powerful and so emotive – the music was bold and unconventional and the dancers had to convey that boldness in every move. It really was a revelation for all involved! The scandal helped put this show on the map - even the dancers’ skirts became part of the discourse.
We may be several decades from the turn of the century, and dancewear may have changed quite a lot in the intervening years – our pink tutus have become iconic after all! - but I see a common thread running through these developments in ballet! It’s the continuous search for new ways to express through movement, through fashion, through choreography, and through pushing the boundaries of what a dance should be.
Le Sacre du Printemps made a statement in so many ways, and its impact reverberates through ballet history today. The tutu is a blank canvas, it's ever evolving, it's an exciting, vibrant piece of costume!
I remember seeing it for the first time on one of my travels back in time. I took the train (it really is my favourite way to travel, especially for vintage clothes shopping!) and when I got to Paris I went to the opera house – that's where the original choreography was premiered - it’s magnificent! You should definitely add it to your bucket list. I simply had to wear a hot pink tulle tutu in honor of the occasion. A perfect touch for my fabulous outfit that day! 🩰
So, how do we get inspired by Le Sacre du Printemps and bring that excitement to our tutus, dear readers? Here are a few tips for incorporating that spirit into your outfits. Think:
1. Strong Shapes – It’s all about creating lines and highlighting movement! Consider layering and bold fabrics that hold their form, especially when you’re out and about shopping for those special finds or catching that next show.
2. A Touch of Edwardian Glamour: Perhaps some lace trim on your tutu would make it just that little bit special, and don't forget some stylish hairpins! You can also look to the 1920s flapper era for fashion inspiration. The roaring 20s and the ballet scene certainly weren’t strangers.
3. The Perfect Pink: What’s pinker than pink, my dears? That’s right – HOT pink! For your next tutu outfit, try adding a little hot pink. It might be a ribbon, some fabric for a bow or an eye-catching bag.
4. Dare to be different! It’s all about having the confidence to make a statement and look your best. What works for me may not work for you. Don't worry - we can explore different style approaches for the perfect look to fit your personality. Just remember, it's your time to shine.
And remember, ladies, every day is Tutu Tuesday for those who are brave enough to wear them. Dare to express your individuality!
Catch me on Twitter (@PinkTutuEmma) for more updates. You’ll always find a post on pinktutu.com. See you there, my dears. 🩰
Your tutu enthusiast and travelling blogger,
Emma x
