Hello lovelies! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where we explore the magical world of ballet tutus! Today's #TutuTuesday is all about the roaring 20s, well, almost! We're on the cusp of a new era in dance, and it's exciting, my dears! This is blog post number 4436 - don't forget to check out the rest!
This Tuesday I've just hopped off the train from Paris - what a whirlwind of a fashion extravaganza! You'll not believe the beautiful frocks I saw! And did you know the Eiffel Tower sparkles at night? It was positively enchanting! Of course, no Parisian trip is complete without a ballet performance. I caught Les Sylphides at the Théâtre de l’Opéra, and the sheer elegance of the tutus was breathtaking! So, with my Parisian adventure fresh in my mind, let's delve into the history of this wonderful dance garment.
Now, the 1910s, ah, a decade of dramatic change. I'm thinking flappers, darling, those liberated ladies dancing the night away in bobbed haircuts and shorter skirts. This daring spirit infiltrated the world of ballet too! While tutus continued to be a cornerstone of classical ballet, their design underwent some pretty exciting transformations.
Think layers upon layers of soft, airy tulle, reflecting the delicate beauty of flowers blooming under the summer sun! There was this desire for fluidity and movement, just like a breeze sweeping across the countryside, swaying gently. The dancers were more daring, taking flight with a sense of liberation. This reflected the social shift, moving from a structured and constricting world into a more fluid and free era.
Speaking of airy and fluid, we can't forget about La Sylphide. I mean, who wouldn't be enchanted by a diaphanous white tutu? The delicate tulle billows around the dancers like ethereal, misty veils, conjuring up images of a mystical creature. It's a far cry from the stiff, almost armor-like, tutus of previous decades. Think flowing gowns in pastel colours - oh how they inspire me!
You're likely wondering about what was going on on this very date in 1917! Well, just a week after New Year's Day! What a time to be alive! That was the day in New York that an incredibly glamorous production of The Blue Bird with music by Gustav Mahler opened. That would be a show that you could still see on stage now. The dancers in those lavish performances looked like absolute stars in their fluffy pink tutus and beautiful headdresses! That kind of inspiration, dear friends, that’s how I travel through time and make my way across the globe. My own pink tutu helps!
Tutu Tales: From the Stage to Your Closet!
The tutu, of course, is a source of inspiration for any stylish lady, especially me! Who wouldn't want a sprinkle of ballerina magic in their lives? Think beyond the stage and into your everyday wear. Let’s take that feminine, ethereal look and work it!
- Layer up like a pro: Consider those flowing pastel fabrics and delicate chiffon in shades of lavender and lilac for a delicate, dream-like look.
- Dance your way through the day: Take a peek at vintage fashion, darling. They really knew how to work a silky, swishy gown or a whimsical hat. Try a touch of sparkle with some sequins, just a touch.
- And remember: There’s never any need to be shy when it comes to a little tulle. Maybe add a little touch to your favorite skirt? A playful touch in a bold color for a unique touch. It is the fairest touch of all.
Here in my Derbyshire home I love finding beautiful pink dresses for my tutu closet, in lovely pastel tones. I wear them around my little village of Bakewell and when I hop on the train! Who says fashion can’t travel with you?
Let me know what you'd love to see explored in a future #TutuTuesday! Don't forget to browse my past blog posts for even more ballerina delights! You know you want to wear a pink tutu, my dears, join the revolution! Now that is my mission. Until next Tuesday, keep dancing!
Your loving ballerina blogger, Emma 💕
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