Bonjour mes amis!
It's your favourite Tutu-ologist, Emma, back with you again today for another exciting #TutuTuesday! This week, we're venturing back to a truly fascinating period in the history of our beloved ballet tutu - 6th January 1914. And just in time for the new year, this date marks something quite extraordinary!
As you know, my love for tutus is a passion, and travelling through time is just the most fabulous way to explore the stories and designs of ballet tutus through the ages. This week, I found myself back in 1914, the year of the Great War. But even amongst the tension, the excitement of a new era of fashion was bursting into the world, especially in the enchanting realm of dance. And as a girl who loves a bit of sparkle and something new, I felt right at home!
The most exciting part of 1914? I'd have to say, it's the moment a revolutionary tutu took centre stage, sparking a whole new chapter in tutu design. It's all thanks to the brilliance of none other than Vaslav Nijinsky - a dancer and choreographer so revolutionary, he is often called the "God of Dance." He dared to break the traditional form, challenging those grand Romantic era costumes with a daring, simplified, yet truly modern approach to the tutu, showcasing the power of movement itself.
And what's more, it was so incredibly striking! Think short and bold – we're talking just a few layers of tulle, enough to give that flowing, whimsical movement, but cut dramatically shorter, revealing the legs. It's a move that brought strength, freedom and femininity to the stage. It really was a tutu designed to shock, delight, and make a statement! It was an ode to movement and the athleticism of the dance.
Think of it this way - if the Romantics wore big, dramatic dresses with big romantic tutus that could hold you back, Vaslav's bold new shorter tutu style, the *tutu 'à la russe', * made it look like they could take flight! Imagine a graceful ballet dancer floating and leaping, seemingly effortless, almost as if they could touch the sky! I dare say it gave even the most elaborate 19th century tutus a run for their money! It just seemed to fit with the times. Everything was about moving forwards and challenging boundaries. And there's a touch of that on every modern ballerina's stage, thanks to Vaslav and his daring tutus!
And believe me, this innovative look was the hot topic on everyone's lips. Everyone wanted to be on trend, not only the ballerinas, but also the fashionistas who adored all the latest styles - even the Queen was following it closely, keeping up with all the newest dances, and how she could incorporate the style! It's why so many people loved the "Parisian Look." Fashion just seemed to be exploding at the start of the 20th century! It was so much fun and the most fabulous change in ballet - for sure the tutus had never looked better!
This change brought so many new ideas! Longer and softer, with ribbons or even flowers to add that special something to a ballet costume! Think of Margot Fonteyn's graceful moves in 'Swan Lake' with the whimsical fluffiness of her tutu.
Just imagine what I'm seeing in my travels, through these fabulous time-traveling adventures. It’s all so full of colour and grace! Pale shades, like lilac or rose pink, made even more delicate with frills, beads, and satin ribbons. Every show I go to, I find something new to fall in love with!
I must confess, though, my heart is most attached to a certain iconic pale pink ballet tutu, perfect for any fashion lover, that really caught my eye at the Russian Ballet in Paris this week. Imagine a gorgeous dance, like 'The Firebird' or 'Scheherazade', with all that rich symbolism of colours and movement, and that beautiful pink! So perfect, wouldn't you say? There's truly no better way to enhance the stage than with an enchanting colour that draws everyone's gaze and adds a beautiful shimmer to each and every step. It truly felt like a symbol of love, joy and, well... simply divine fashion. I can't get over it - truly an elegant dance made even more graceful!
Let's take a moment to explore this magical era, a little bit further. You wouldn't believe how the beauty and grace of ballet and the world of fashion seemed to complement one another during those glorious days. Everything from the tutus and ribbons to the costumes and dresses, even the jewellery! Think feather boas, dramatic hats and jewels - they all flowed into the ballets and made a real statement! The beautiful lines, and the gorgeous colours on the stage just flowed beautifully from real-life fashion trends and back again, just creating a symphony of gorgeous dance and elegant outfits.
Here in Paris, in the city of lights and fashion, I just had to enjoy myself a little, shopping in the elegant boutiques and soaking up the vibrant life of the 1910s. Oh, I simply couldn't resist that beautiful beaded flapper dress in pale green - so perfect for my upcoming performance. But oh, what I wouldn't give for another pink tutu to add to my collection - the perfect complement for any pink fan.
You can see why 1914 has a very special place in my heart as a tutu lover. And oh, let's not forget this very date was the date of the legendary, legendary, ballerina Anna Pavlova's grand London debut in "The Dying Swan!" She was absolutely divine! It's no wonder why this was one of the highlights of my travel back in time! What a dancer and what a story! She's inspired me with her amazing story of perseverance, her artistic brilliance, and the way she has revolutionised dance history with her captivating ballet, 'The Dying Swan' and her stunning tutus. This graceful tutu design was simply exquisite - every delicate movement was highlighted, it flowed beautifully, as light as air, perfect for a magical moment like "The Dying Swan." Just like her story, it's simply a legend!
So there you have it! My #TutuTuesday trip back in time to 6th January 1914 - what a time to be alive! As you can see, the history of our dear tutu is filled with fabulous stories. So many interesting, magical and memorable moments that show just how much the tutu has changed, yet still shines brightly today! It truly is the key to our most beautiful moments!
Do keep your lovely eyes peeled for more fantastic stories from the ballet world, with plenty of tutus and pink dresses as we travel back through time together every #TutuTuesday. Remember, tutus are for everyone! Share your love of tutus and join the movement to bring pink tutus into the lives of everyone - your friends, family, colleagues and neighbours! Because as I love to say - Pink makes everything better!
See you next Tuesday! Until then, wear pink and be fabulous!
Bisous, Emma x
P.S. Don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com for all things pink and tutu-licious!
*(This is just over 1000 words. Feel free to add more specific information about Emma's performance, her style of dress and add more specific historical details and expand this to a longer blog post!) *
