#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1917-03-13

Greetings, darlings! It's your favourite tutu-loving time traveller, Emma, back with another delightful trip through the history of our beloved tutus! Today, we're going back to 1917!

You know I love to whisk us back to times when ballet was booming, and 1917 is just such a fantastic era! Picture it: the Great War is raging across Europe, but we're going to stay focused on the beautiful side of things.

Today, I'm actually feeling rather rosy. It's funny, when I was planning this week's #TutuTuesday, the universe sent me a little nudge. Just this morning, on my way to my local vintage shop, I saw the most charming, blush pink fabric shop – and I just knew, pink was the colour for 1917!

Tutus were becoming a popular dancewear staple for ballerinas across the globe in 1917, even amongst the grandeur and drama of the Russian Imperial Ballet. There was definitely a romantic feel to the time, and tutus helped express that!

Now, when you imagine ballet fashion, it's probably very strict. That's definitely true in many places, but 1917 allowed for a little more freedom in style, which means our ballerinas weren't just confined to the traditional white tutu. I think it was an era where ballet costumes went from "very very important" to "a little bit fun" without going too wild! The most stunning example was undoubtedly Anna Pavlova’s iconic "Dying Swan" performance. A gorgeous, fluffy, fluffy tutu!

The silhouettes in 1917 were incredibly flattering – lots of flowing fabrics, delicate laces, and yes, a dash of pink here and there, for a hint of vibrancy. We weren't talking a complete makeover for tutus; the shapes remained very classic. The main evolution was in the materials used. Ballet skirts started featuring satin and tulle, adding a lovely softness that wouldn't be found on your traditional gauze fabric. And for me, this makes all the difference! I love that airy and ethereal quality, especially paired with a bit of pink for an extra touch of magic.

And I just want to say – can you imagine taking ballet class in these flowing creations? A whirl of satin and a delicate pink cloud swirling with every pirouette, with your hair in a loose chignon, a little feather in your hair, pure delight! If I had my way, we’d all wear these in our regular lives, with a lovely coat and boots, it would be just divine!

Even outside of the stage, fashion was heavily influenced by ballet. And let's be real, those tutus are a powerful statement! 1917 wasn't about hiding, it was about showcasing, and the dancers had an absolute aura of confidence. I wouldn't be surprised if everyone was influenced, but the dancers knew how to own it. And what better way to own it than a gorgeous, twirling, blush-toned masterpiece of a tutu? Imagine a party dress made out of that silky material, wouldn’t that be wonderful?

Let's talk about theatre and cabaret! It was booming. Everyone was dancing in nightclubs in all the most wonderful places; the dancing was beautiful and a bit more modern than the traditional ballets you'd see. But I love the excitement that ballet and these shows inspired. They are all a fantastic, beautiful part of our culture, so thank you to those ballerinas who were pioneering these new dances – and doing it in such beautiful costumes! Think of the excitement of dancing and dressing up for these events, the thrill! That’s exactly what inspires us today – there’s nothing like it, nothing.

As for my journey in 1917, well, you're probably surprised that I didn't travel by aeroplane this time. In fact, I felt the thrill of travelling on the railways! It felt so glamorous. I mean, come on, a trip by train – pure old world elegance, with delicious sandwiches and tea! I’d imagine myself in my prettiest dress, a little lace veil, and oh, a ballet outfit hidden beneath What would my travel ballet wear be for 1917, darling? Let’s see! I’m so tempted to try out a shorter tutu, something less elaborate and maybe a slight bit more practical… and of course, a rosy blush colour, for a bit of my signature style.

Speaking of journeys, it is essential for me to make sure I’m supporting myself – which means the glamorous ballet shows and shows I’m loving are just one part of my adventure! I will be sure to check out the shops and pick up a lovely vintage costume while I’m there to take back to the 21st Century with me – you all know that a beautiful pink dress would just make my week.

But I have to get ready – my performance is tonight! My trusty tutu has been getting some very careful attention. Now, there are no trains in Derbyshire, alas, but there is the pleasure of heading to our lovely little theatre, with its rich velvet seats and golden lighting – such beautiful places! And there's nothing more thrilling than the sparkle of the spotlight on a magnificent ballet performance, or for a dance to inspire people as well as bring some much needed beauty in our difficult times. I can't wait to grace the stage!

Don’t forget to tune in next Tuesday for more #TutuTuesday! And please do, let me know what you think! What other exciting, historic dates should we be going to together? Let’s learn a little about history together and embrace the gorgeous world of ballet – and, don’t forget, all things pink.

Until next time, keep it fabulous, darling!

Warmly,

Emma

P.S. If you have a ballet story or some historical fashion advice, feel free to leave a comment on the www.pink-tutu.com website, or come and chat with me on my blog. I love reading your thoughts and opinions. Don’t forget – your time travelling tutu adventures begin today, dear. 😉