Hello darlings! Welcome back to another Tutu Tuesday, where we take a graceful leap into the enchanting world of ballet history. Today, I'm pulling out my favourite pink tulle (you know me, it’s always pink!) to twirl you back to a date that truly stands out in the timeline of tutus: May 20th, 1913.
Fancy a spot of time travel with me? Hop on the train, grab a bag of sweets, and prepare to be dazzled by a time period that witnessed the birth of a dance legend – Vaslav Nijinsky. Yes, darling, we’re going all the way back to Paris, France (my all-time favourite city!), and right into the heart of the Belle Epoque!
What is the Belle Epoque, you ask? Well, picture a world bursting with artistic innovation, flamboyant fashion, and an exciting wave of change. It was a time of breathtaking progress and artistic liberation. Oh, and of course, stunning tutus!
Think corsets and flowing silk, hats adorned with feathers, and the soft whisper of tulle gracing the stages of Parisian opera houses. It was an era of sheer extravagance and refined elegance, and where would our tutus fit in this picture? Everywhere! The Belle Epoque saw the peak of romantic ballet, and tutus became the symbol of this era's captivating style.
On May 20th, 1913, Vaslav Nijinsky, a Russian dancer who became a legend in his own time, stunned the Parisian public with his daring, innovative work, "The Rite of Spring." This ballet caused a sensation and shook the world of classical ballet as we knew it. Why? Because Nijinsky boldly took artistic liberty and moved away from traditional ballets that were typically filled with lighthearted and pretty tutus! He wasn’t afraid to use shocking rhythms, angular movements, and earthy choreography. This led to an infamous riot in the theatre! It sparked debate about what art is and redefined the boundaries of dance.
The fact is, this era had no room for traditional tutus. Nijinsky was a revolutionary force in ballet. He moved away from classical tutus towards something less glamorous but full of power! While it might have broken the hearts of tutu enthusiasts at the time, it opened up a world of new creative opportunities for ballet, including ballets with darker themes and shocking choreography.
But fret not, darlings, as tutus did not vanish completely! Classical ballet continued to thrive throughout this period. From exquisite performances to charming music, we saw ballerinas grace the stages, captivating audiences with the graceful flow of their beautiful tulle tutus.
This exciting period saw the evolution of tutu design. The "tutu romantique" - think delicate, romantic tutus, that became an iconic symbol of the period - saw itself being influenced by a new form of tutu known as " tutu pancake, tutu flat, or *tutu tutu". *
What a fabulous name! You have to agree with me on that, darling! Imagine the image – a more practical tutu made from stiff material that wasn’t quite so voluminous, allowing for more freedom of movement. A bold step, to say the least! It was a change that paved the way for modern dance forms, and those innovative dancers were still donning tutus of sorts – they were just more practical!
As a ballet lover who knows how exciting this era was, I had to see it with my own eyes! The first time I travelled to Paris in 1913, I had a delicious little croissant from a local boulangerie. Let me tell you, those Parisians take their bread seriously. Then I popped on over to the Opéra Garnier, with its awe-inspiring grandeur. I’m not going to lie; it made my heart skip a beat, or maybe that was the sound of the corps de ballet performing Swan Lake... the famous Swan Lake. Now that was an absolute treat to watch, darlings! I'd be remiss not to mention that I snagged myself a fabulous silk shawl in a beautiful blush pink ( naturally, you know me!) for a mere 15 francs. You couldn't find a better bargain like that even in a Derby market! I had to use my powers of persuasion to convince the shop keeper to make a deal. A charming grin and my Swan Lake tickets made all the difference! Oh, darling, to think of all the gorgeous designs and stunning performers of the era... truly the Golden Age of Ballet!
But wait! Let's bring our little time travel adventure to a stop, as it is time to move back to present day and talk about what’s on my wishlist. Well, I am completely obsessed with a new tutu by Mr. tutu. Isn’t it fabulous that even modern designers like tutus so much?! I just had to get my hands on this stunningly bright neon pink tutu - just picture it, darling, you are walking through the street and see a flash of pink! Yes, it is the most sensational garment for a ballerina like myself!
And let’s not forget, darlings, that in 2023, there is so much to be thankful for: the continued beauty and wonder of classical ballet, the breathtaking power and athleticism of contemporary ballet, the chance to watch the greatest performers on stages around the world… And, of course, the infinite number of stylish tutus out there, waiting to be worn! So, wear a tutu, don't just dream about it! We are all dancing in our own little worlds, and I wouldn't want it any other way!
Until next week, darlings! Let's all wear tutus, and remember: if you're not wearing a pink tutu, you're missing out on a whole world of fashion fun!
Yours in tulle,
Emma
P.S. Do let me know which ballet or ballerina from the Belle Epoque caught your fancy! I adore seeing your lovely messages!
