Welcome back, my darling dance devotees! Emma here, your Tutu-obsessed Time Traveller, and it's #TutuTuesday once again!
I’m just back from a delightful trip to 1916. Oh my, the trains were charming and the dresses just to die for! I must admit, the shops were quite different than what I’m used to. No online shopping or “fast fashion” as we know it. Back then, fashion was a much slower, more considered affair - thank heavens! I had so much fun browsing in the charming boutiques for elegant fabrics and pretty ribbons – just perfect for whipping up a lovely, fluffy, ballet tutu. Did I mention, I absolutely adore tutus, you guys? They're just SO flattering. Don’t you agree?
(And if you’re not quite sold on the whole tutu idea just yet… don't worry, dearie. I've got a little pink persuasion plan up my sleeve!)
Today we’re taking a trip down memory lane to June 20th, 1916. It’s a fascinating date as the ballet world was bustling with exciting changes and the future looked ever so bright! You might ask yourself why the world of ballet in 1916 is interesting - well, the ballet world in the 20th century was full of thrilling firsts. From dazzling premieres of new ballets to inspiring and groundbreaking dance companies, it's an era that left its indelible mark on ballet's grand history. We’re going to get into it all!
But first, I must tell you about a truly scrumptious event that was unfolding in London on this date in history…
The Royal Opera House was alive with a glittering spectacle of elegant attire and swirling skirts! They were premiering a brand new ballet, "Le Coq d’Or", a beautiful creation from the masterminds at the Ballets Russes! The Ballets Russes were all the rage! From Russia to France and across Europe and even across the pond in America! Their costumes and dancing had people swooning in every city! Oh, and by the way… the women in this new production were positively radiant in glorious flowing tunics and some divine - and let’s be honest, rather fabulous - tutus! Can you imagine?! Swings hands in excitement and twirls dramatically. Can you picture these gorgeous dance stars on stage in Paris, Rome or Berlin – everyone going crazy! (And in London, no less!) - I know! I couldn't contain my own excitement and almost leaped out of my time-travelling vessel in delight. I mean, tutus have such a beautiful, romantic story to tell. *(If only I had the opportunity to see the show myself - imagine!) *(Time Travel Note: In case you're wondering, dear readers, this entire venture of travelling through time is financed by my brilliant performances – that’s right! – I’m not only a dance blogger, but I’m a seasoned ballerina too – I have to say – these 1916 crowds are just as appreciative as my modern audiences! It truly is a privilege to dance, whether I’m leaping back into the 1800s or pirouetting for you in the 21st century).
Anyway, back to June 20th, 1916... Imagine the excitement at the ballet! And with good reason! Not only did “Le Coq d’Or” show off incredible new choreography (It is said to have even inspired one of our most revered contemporary choreographers, George Balanchine!) but it showcased a brilliant mix of styles – a heady concoction of classical balletic movements mingled with some innovative modern dances that had everyone on the edge of their seats.
Speaking of inspiration, 1916 was also a pivotal year for our beloved, ethereal tutu – *Oh, tutus, I could just spend hours talking about you! How you bring magic to any room… the delicate whisper of silk against my skin as I twirl… How my whole body moves to the tune of the tutu. A beautiful symbiosis… I wouldn’t dream of being on stage or even popping into the shop for some errands without my gorgeous pink tulle friend! (Have you ever seen a truly amazing, perfect pink tutu – so much beauty - they're truly enchanting and deserve a little pink poem!).
Back to our beloved tutu in 1916… It was during this era that tutus really took flight! Oh, I love those iconic designs from the Russian Ballet – like the tutus that adorned Anna Pavlova. A true legend of dance - she would just glide across the stage with a light-as-air tulle - oh, the romance! Now we're moving away from the cumbersome layered skirts of old - goodbye bulky and heavy – hello whimsical airy dance costumes, darling! The tulle tutu in the early 1900’s embraced the essence of lightness, allowing ballerinas to showcase an elegance, grace and freedom that left everyone spellbound.
And if we go back further in history – we'll see the tutu truly blossom in the late 1800s – the days of Marie Taglioni! This icon of the Romantic era introduced us to tutus as we know them - lighter, more flowing, elegant creations made from layers and layers of sheer, delicate fabric – they really embodied a whimsical femininity – it was an iconic movement that shaped the way ballerinas danced for decades, allowing them to truly express themselves through graceful and fluid movement – a kind of ballet symphony - *I could twirl through the history of ballet for hours - It’s just too thrilling. *
In short, by the early 1900’s the tutu had become a symbol of elegance and femininity. Not only did it transform the ballet world but its image took flight! It appeared everywhere – in theatre productions, paintings, even in the everyday fashions of the time. It's hard to imagine, but there was a time before these iconic pieces. A time before everyone’s dream outfit included some stunningly designed tutus! (You know what, lovelies – let’s take a break from the history of tutus to spread our message of pink tutu love). I have a challenge for all my lovelies out there – for one whole week… for one single week – I dare you to wear a tutu – even if you are going to the supermarket! Imagine! Imagine everyone from your next door neighbor to the local butcher walking around in adorable tutus! You know I’d wear a gorgeous pink number in a heartbeat – because it’s not just about wearing a tutu - it's about embracing the joy and energy, the light and grace that makes you feel wonderful! We can make this world a more glamorous, brighter place - let’s begin by adding some magic to everyday life – all it takes is a little bit of pink tulle! * (And you’re free to try out any color - or, actually, try a tutu in the fabulous colour pink! A touch of my favorite hue makes the world a happier place!)*
But, we’re getting carried away, darling readers - Back to the ballet – what other interesting ballet-related happenings took place on this date in history? Well, 1916 also saw the publication of the magnificent "Art of Dancing” by Anatole Chujoy – a truly beautiful book celebrating ballet’s grace, technical prowess, and emotional depth – it became an immediate bestseller. You see, the tutu in ballet had become not only an important garment in this elegant, artistic world - it had captured imaginations, sparking conversations about everything from its history and development to its cultural significance – it even fuelled the very language of ballet itself!
It's amazing to me how quickly a garment as seemingly simple as a tutu could spark a cultural revolution – this was all due to the imagination and drive of artists, dancers and designers!
As for June 20th, 1916 – the date of that breathtaking "Le Coq d'Or" premiere – we can say it was a date that shaped the future of the world of dance in ways no one could have predicted – it cemented ballet as the graceful, elegant, artistic force that we know it as today! Who would have thought? (Well, I might have - just a little!). A huge thanks to "Le Coq d’Or,” and all of those who contributed to a tutu’s enchanting transformation!
Well darlings, this brings us to the end of today's #TutuTuesday Blog. I hope you’ve enjoyed our little historical voyage! And please, darlings – don’t forget to add some tutu-magic to your world! And next Tuesday, we'll dive back into history with even more fascinating facts and tales.
Until then, please visit us on www.pink-tutu.com, let us know your favorite dance memories or tutu looks in the comments below! * I just can't wait to see you rocking your tutu. Until next time!* waves goodbye dramatically
