Greetings, dear readers, from your favourite tutu-loving time traveller, Emma! Welcome back to another week of exploring the wondrous world of tutus. This Tuesday, we're travelling back in time to April 10th, 1917, right in the middle of the Great War. Can you believe it? The world was in upheaval, but dance, and its beautiful costumes, remained a beacon of grace and artistry!
Imagine my delight at stepping off the train into the bustling city of Paris, where I knew my Parisian shopping adventures awaited. While the news was dominated by war reports, Parisians remained devoted to their love for all things beautiful – and that certainly included ballet! This date in 1917 marked the premiere of Sergei Diaghilev's renowned "Ballets Russes" production of The Nightingale.
This production was a triumph of design and artistry! The costume for the Nightingale itself was a vision of opalescent silks and feathers, capturing the magical, bird-like essence of the character. Imagine delicate fabrics, swirling gracefully, shimmering under the stage lights! Sighs dreamily.
However, stepping back a little from this extravagant production, 1917 wasn't only about the opulence of The Nightingale. It was a pivotal year for ballet costume development! The ballerina's wardrobe was starting to undergo a subtle but important transformation.
Just imagine a bustling shop in Paris: silk, satin, feathers, sequins, and an explosion of colours in all shades of pink, it’s a shop assistant’s dream! But this shop was a little different. Here, the emphasis was not just on luxury but on practical function for dancers, giving them the freedom to move. This shift, you see, started the movement towards the shorter, more functional tutu we know and love today. Gone were the days of floor-sweeping, cumbersome skirts that hindered movement. The new look offered dancers a chance to move with grace and precision.
And what better way to appreciate the impact of this evolution than to wear a tutu myself? This week, I’m sporting a delightful shade of rose-pink tutu – I call it "Peachy Princess", inspired by the sweet innocence of a 1917 Parisian ballerina. Imagine swirling silk ribbons, adorned with a few feathers, and the subtle sheen of satin, perfectly complemented by a stylish beret. What a darling combination!
Oh, did I mention? 1917 saw the first official appearance of “street ballet”, where ballet was introduced to a broader public outside of the theatre. Ballet moved from the confines of the stage and into the lives of everyday people! It was a wonderful moment in dance history, and I can't wait to see what the next decade brings.
I know, you might be thinking, how do we capture the spirit of 1917? Here are some ideas! Grab a vintage silk scarf (or pick out a bright, rosy fabric) and create a delicate sash around your waist. Add some flair with feathers! Just a small touch to your outfit can instantly evoke the romantic, artistic feel of that era.
If you have a tutu tucked away, pull it out for your own #TutuTuesday tribute! Or simply pick out your most elegant, beautiful dress – the joy of this era is all about capturing the beautiful, refined essence of that time period.
Let’s share the love for dance and all its exquisite artistry – it’s the most beautiful and inspiring way to express our inner selves.
Until next Tuesday, I’ll be hopping back in time to see what delightful tutus I can find. Keep on twirling, dear friends!
Your Time Travelling Tutu Blogger,
Emma xx
