Welcome back, darlings, to another edition of my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog! This week, we're taking a trip to a time when the world was still adjusting to the tremors of the Great War. It's August 15th, 1916, and we're here in glorious Paris, where the scent of lavender hangs in the air, and the echoes of waltzes and mazurkas whisper in the salons.
Iâve found myself rather enchanted with Paris. You simply must get down here sometime! You canât even imagine the wonderful shops on the Champs-ĂlysĂ©es! Every shade of pink imaginable, with enough frills and bows to make a fairy queen swoon. The only challenge is finding something for the boudoir that is tasteful as well as, shall we say, âgrand.â I have managed to score a couple of new tutus. Imagine a shimmering lilac with silver sequins, or the most delicate powder pink, which shimmers with silver sequins. The price? Itâs a steal! I canât wait to break these in with the dance instructors at the studio this evening.
Today's trip has certainly brought up a storm of feelings in me. Yes, there is sorrow, a collective sense of sadness, in the air here in France. However, amidst it all, the creative spirit continues to blaze brighter than ever. Parisians have a spirit you wonât find anywhere else in the world - the desire to express, to feel, to be alive! This yearâs Ballet Russes is a testament to it. Just last week I saw âThe Rite of Springâ - and the stage shook with the force of a full orchestra! There was such fire and passion! It was a shock to the senses, a raw and visceral expression that left me breathless.
Letâs talk a little bit about that! The Ballet Russes was founded by impresario Serge Diaghilev and it brought a tidal wave of modern dance to Europe! Think stunning costumes, wild dances that went against everything we knew before. It's all so daringly beautiful. The ballet world was, shall we say, very much shocked at the time. But the audiences loved the audacity! It made it all so interesting, all so thrilling.
And of course, what would a grand ballet be without a fabulous tutu? Just like the dances themselves, tutus of this period were bold, extravagant, and brimming with creative flair. The ballet world, at this time, had taken a big step into new, modern styles. We are not stuck with those frilly, overly adorned designs anymore. Ballet companies, designers, even dancers themselves were pushing for innovation.
Think, long, billowing skirts, dramatic layering, luxurious fabrics. One could even say, dare I say, even a dash of danger! The skirts on these ballerinas? The length was beyond outrageous! Now we've certainly learned to adapt! But what I think is most interesting is that this period of the history of the tutu saw women embracing these new looks, feeling a newfound confidence and power in their art. The world felt like it was ready to change.
Itâs important to remember the women themselves. Ballerinas like Anna Pavlova, Vaslav Nijinsky and Ida Rubinstein⊠the way they wore the tutu, the movements, and the artistry of it all - that was poetry in motion. The womenâs independence, and creativity, made a big splash in the ballet world - and the wider fashion world, too!
Oh, but there's another tidbit to share about our time in history, darlings! Just today I've picked up a copy of the latest issue of Vogue. This month's issue showcases the fashion that is coming out of our little London! Now, you see, thatâs how the whole âBallet-as-inspirationâ came about, dear friends. Look at these new fashionable ideas for garments, with simple lines, and a sleek look. But we find a hint of a dancerâs form here, with their swirling shapes, soft pleats, and of course, the perfect fit. It makes all the fashion sense in the world, to copy what a ballerina does on the stage! You could see why these styles took hold in the women's wear market.
For all you young ballet enthusiasts, and those wishing to join the ranks, it seems it has become the very fashionable thing to emulate the ballet, so a tutu or two must be a vital part of the wardrobe. Even the Queen! Queen Mary is famous for wearing those graceful gowns, long skirts, and elegant headdresses. And why wouldnât we copy these fashions? Theyâre beautiful! And itâs fun, itâs light, it makes you want to dance!
Oh, and donât forget - there is a lovely ballet going on this afternoon, just at the theatre in this wonderful town of Paris. âLe Carnavalâ!
Now off I go! My darling ballet friends, keep an eye on this blog, and do join me next week! Weâll be chatting all things tutu and I promise there will be even more style, history and fashion than before. Don't forget to get yourself a beautiful pink tutu. Spread the love, darling.
Your loving and fashionable,
Emma
pink-tutu.com
