Hello darling dancers, and welcome back to Pink Tutu, your one-stop shop for all things tutu-tastic! I'm your favourite Derbyshire lass, Emma, back with another #TutuTuesday delve into ballet history, and oh boy, this week's a real treat. I’ve just popped back from a jaunt through the glamorous world of 1916, and I’ve got some fascinating tidbits on those magnificent tutus they wore then.
Just imagine, darling: 1916. The Great War is raging, but the world of ballet is in full bloom. You wouldn't believe the elegance and grandeur of it all, from the grand theaters to the magnificent costumes. Now, picture me, perfectly coiffed and dressed in my most exquisite pink tutu (naturally!), ready to soak up the artistic marvels of this incredible era.
On this very date, 17th October 1916, the world of ballet wasn't exactly graced with a grand premiere or anything of that ilk, but you know what they say, the smaller the occasion, the greater the excitement! And trust me, this trip was a symphony of excitement.
Now, tutus back then were the very definition of exquisite. Think billowing layers of tulle, so fine they'd shimmer like moonlight, crafted to create that magnificent bell shape. Picture this, darlings - it’s like being enveloped in a cloud of dreams – only made of the finest silk and feathers. I just love that soft and delicate air they had.
But here's the fun bit, the one that sends my love for tutus into overdrive! They weren’t always pink back then! Well, not in the vibrant hues we adore today. It was all about subtle pastel shades, with muted lilac and dreamy blues being the popular choices. Even black, you know, like the velvety wings of a beautiful butterfly, was used for that extra touch of elegance. Imagine, tutus that shimmered under the stage lights, casting a captivating glow over the dancers – a vision of absolute enchantment.
Now, imagine this as I do: I waltz into the heart of London, all swirling tulle and graceful elegance, ready to join in on the vibrant ballet scene. What a perfect place to enjoy the glamour of this historical moment! From the charming cobblestone streets to the captivating ambiance of a theatre performance, I'm immersed in the enchanting aura of this extraordinary period.
Imagine strolling through the vibrant Covent Garden, taking in the vibrant life around you and finding a piece of ballet history nestled amongst the colourful fruit stalls!
The theatre performances, darling, were a masterpiece in themselves! Imagine stepping into the regal grand hall, the atmosphere charged with the electricity of anticipation. Then the stage lights come up, revealing ballerinas with delicate blooms of tulle around them, performing their captivating choreography with graceful movements, like blossoming flowers dancing to the symphony of the orchestra. I dare you not to get a little bit emotional, my loves!
The most popular choreographers in this period? You just have to know them: Michel Fokine and Vaslav Nijinsky. They brought such artistic freedom, a touch of the extraordinary, to their choreography that you’ll feel like you’ve fallen straight into a storybook. The magic was real - a sense of genuine wonder and imagination brought to life!
To top it off, the fashion of the day complemented the ballerinas beautifully! I am absolutely in love with the wide-brimmed hats and intricate headpieces - the height of fashion at the time, darling! Then there are the beaded gowns and lavish fabrics worn by the society ladies, always so captivating, so elegant. Just imagine the joy of browsing through those stylish boutiques in search of that perfect accessory to accentuate my own ensemble!
And of course, there's always a thrill in hopping aboard a steam train for a little day trip. Picture the swaying rhythm of the train, a touch of vintage elegance, all while you lose yourself in the wonderful history and the magic of these past decades!
I must say, I’ve found myself inspired by this trip to the past. The tutus they made, those graceful swathes of silk, inspired my own designs, darling!. It’s an honour to bring those timeless pieces back into focus and share my love of tutus, the way they make me feel, *my loves!* This tutu Tuesday, it's all about the classic ballet style. Embrace the romance of this historical moment and be inspired to spin, twirl and twirl your way to a joyous new look!
Be sure to visit Pink Tutu again next week for another dazzling journey into the captivating world of #TutuTuesday history.
Yours in tutu,
Emma, the Pink Tutu Blogger,
Always reminding everyone: It’s *always tutu time!**
