Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back with another post for #TutuTuesday. Today, we're taking a little trip back to 16th February, 1915, a date that will forever hold a special place in the annals of dance history, not because of a grand premiere or a star-studded gala, but because it represents the birthplace of the tutu we know and love today.
Now, if you're thinking I'm about to give you a dry, dusty historical lecture, fear not, my dear readers! It's Tutu Tuesday, so we're going to celebrate with some fabulous fashion history, of course! ✨
You see, our time travel takes us straight to the heart of Paris, where the legendary Serge Diaghilev was putting the final touches on a show called "Parade" – a ground-breaking collaboration with Erik Satie, Jean Cocteau, and Pablo Picasso. But it wasn't the art or the music that was causing a stir, it was the dancers!
Can you imagine? These bold, daring ladies stepped onto the stage not in the billowing, romantic tutus we often associate with ballet, but in bold, knee-length, stark white creations. The costumes were revolutionary! Think streamlined elegance and crisp lines – a real break from the swirling skirts and puffed layers of previous decades. The very embodiment of the burgeoning modernism in art, it truly set the stage for a change in the world of ballet. It's as though a graceful ballerina in a puffball tutu decided to step out into a brand new era, ready for something bold and beautiful!
The "Parade" tutus were all about showing off the dancer's physique, highlighting their athleticism. This was a revolution in more ways than one!
My dear readers, that revolutionary "Parade" tutu? It was the catalyst that gave birth to our classic, short, tight, and undeniably chic ballerina tutu. It's what we call the tutu we love and wear on stage and, of course, to tea in our local café in Derbyshire. It even inspired me to make that trip to London on a train this past Saturday!
It was during that journey on the London train to the West End Ballet Performance that I spotted such delightful, little tutu-shaped handbags in a delightful boutique. The colour combinations of pink and teal were oh so delicious.
What else makes 1915 stand out? This is where Coco Chanel, a real fashion icon and my inspiration, is changing the landscape of women’s fashion. This is the era of women finally shaking off their restrictive clothing, and choosing comfort and mobility over restrictive, fussy fashion. Coco Chanel and her modern looks, with their loose lines and comfortable cuts, made a real impact. You could almost hear the sighs of relief, couldn’t you? 😉
But that doesn't mean it was all about trousers and suits, darling! It was the era of bright colours, flowing dresses and bold details, all designed to highlight the flapper spirit of the roaring 20s. So, you could see both loose trousers with flat shoes or luxurious satin evening gowns worn by the fashionably daring flapper!
It’s almost ironic that whilst the fashionable world was moving towards more practical styles for women, the dancers on stage were stripping down to reveal the power and grace of the human form through a dramatic yet elegant new silhouette.
Imagine it for a moment. Think about how daring those early ballerinas must have been! To wear those short tutus on stage was an act of courage, an embracing of a new era! They were not just performers, but pioneers. And if that's not a tutu-worthy reason to celebrate, I don't know what is! 🎉
That’s a little taste of the beauty and change happening in the world of dance, fashion, and style in 1915. We can celebrate all this by wearing tutus of all shades and forms - whether for dancing or afternoon tea, or simply a shopping trip, it’s a testament to this wonderful and inspirational fashion change!
And hey, if you’re feeling inspired, feel free to post a picture on social media using #TutuTuesday! I’ll be keeping an eye out for all your lovely posts! I love seeing all of you embracing the tutu look! I truly hope that in time, everyone will wear a pink tutu – it would be my life’s work to ensure that this happens! 💖
As always, I'm thrilled to be here, chatting about all things tutu with my wonderful readers! This week, don’t forget to join me for the special tutu themed workshop, for children of all ages, that we’re holding at our local theatre! I am going to be leading everyone on a beautiful dance journey, whilst dressed, naturally, in the most beautiful pink tutu in the whole world! And if you're a fan of pink, we will be making our very own pink tutu-inspired hand bags.
That’s me signing off now for this week’s post - see you next Tuesday with more #TutuTuesday!
Lots of love, Emma 💕 www.pink-tutu.com Post number 4338
