Hello, darlings! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink-tutu-clad time traveller, and welcome back to another #TutuTuesday! Today, we're waltzing our way back to 1916, a time when the world was caught in the throes of war, but beauty still bloomed in the hearts of those who loved dance. Buckle up your dancing shoes, dears, because this is going to be a grand journey.
Blog Post Number 4411 (because even time travellers have to keep track!)
Now, before we get to our delightful fashion adventures, I do feel it’s important to mention that this was a very difficult time in human history. Many young men were away fighting and lives were being lost every day. I would never want to detract from that hardship, so please be mindful when we talk about the frivolity of fashion.
Right then, back to our glorious past. Imagine it – cobblestone streets, the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting from quaint little shops, and a world that feels slightly slower than ours, perhaps a touch more romantic. For dancers, this period held its own unique style. While the tutu was already a well-established part of the ballerina's costume, the silhouettes were different from the ethereal styles we see today.
Remember, in the early 20th century, ballet was undergoing a bit of a revolution! Russian ballet, with its beautiful artistry and passionate drama, was making waves across the world, bringing a touch of dramatic flair to the traditional romanticism of the ballet world. So what were the ballerinas wearing in these magical performances? Think graceful, yet demure, with more fullness and layers compared to today’s form-fitting designs. The focus was on flowing movement, almost like a shimmering wave of fabric as they glided across the stage.
On 11th July, 1916 there were quite a few interesting ballet events going on, dear readers. In London, the Covent Garden Opera House (how charming is that name?) was alive with the sound of music! I saw the company performing a performance of The Sleeping Beauty, a masterpiece by the legendary Tchaikovsky, which really showcases the graceful elegance of the period’s tutu styles. The dancers twirled in their beautiful creations, each movement an ode to femininity and grace.
After the show, I snuck myself a delicious supper at a cosy little restaurant near the theatre, and you wouldn't believe it, dear, but a few famous faces popped in too! ( I couldn't possibly reveal their identities, my darling. I can't spoil the excitement! ). I do love these impromptu celebrity encounters – it makes it all feel so much more like a story!
Speaking of celebrities, this date in history was also the birthdate of Doris Day in Cincinnati, USA. Although Doris was destined to become a legend in the world of films and music, I dare say that, like me, her heart probably danced to the rhythm of a pink tutu. 😉
Then, we whisk ourselves over to the magical realm of Paris for a peek at Sergei Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes! If you know your ballet, you'll know that these innovative dancers and choreographers pushed the boundaries of what was possible, turning ballet into something incredibly vibrant and dynamic. The tutus in these performances? A spectacle to behold! They moved away from the traditional and embraced a new kind of elegance - longer and wider, draped and flowing like liquid silk! It's no wonder Diaghilev’s dancers, with their daring movements and lavish costumes, caused quite the stir back then.
That evening, I also indulged in some of my favourite Parisian delicacies. Paris was buzzing with all the activity and my love for its romantic charm was simply ignited. As a young ballet dancer back in 1916, the vibrant dance culture of Paris would be quite the inspirational dream!
The point I want to stress here, my dear readers, is that whether it's the grand tutus of The Sleeping Beauty or the revolutionary styles of Ballets Russes, 1916 was a year that was definitely shaping the dance scene for decades to come!
The best thing about the ballet in this era is its joy and freedom of expression – that’s what I aim to share through my blog and through all of my dancing adventures!
If you want to know more, darlings, don't forget to subscribe to www.pink-tutu.com and check back next Tuesday for another magical trip through history. You'll also want to keep an eye out on my blog this week for a special feature on vintage ballet shoes. Trust me, they’ll have you twirling around in time.
Keep dancing!
Love, Emma 💕
P.S. Now wouldn’t you all agree that the best way to celebrate our Tutu Tuesdays would be by joining me on a pink-tutu filled ballet escapade to London? Think tea, cake and endless hours of ballet enchantment. Let me know your thoughts below – I'm all ears (and twirls!).
Please remember to keep coming back for a weekly dose of tutu-ific history! And of course, as a special bonus treat for you, darlings, I've written a quick guide to some fun and frivolous fashion moments from this special date. Just keep your eyes peeled for my post tomorrow. I can hardly wait to show you the style sensations that swept across Europe back in 1916.
This is just a start, you can build on it with your own creative ideas about historical events, fashion, and even more ballet lore.
