Hello, darlings! It's your favourite tutu-loving blogger, Emma, back again with another historical foray into the fascinating world of the ballet tutu! This week, we're waltzing back in time to September 4th, 1917.
Before we get into the thrilling details, let me just say, I'm simply smitten with my latest vintage find - a darling pink silk tutu, with layers and layers of delicate tulle that make my heart flutter. You'd think a pink tutu would be an eyesore against the Parisian cobblestones, wouldn't you? But oh, my dears, this is one fabulous vintage treasure!
Now, about that September 4th, 1917 date… Can you believe we’re right in the midst of the First World War? This period has had such a huge influence on fashion and life, and you wouldn’t believe how much it affected the way tutus were designed and worn! For the ladies of London, Paris, and New York (I love travelling by train to these wonderful cities!), practicality was everything. It’s no wonder, with the ongoing war, that dresses and skirts grew shorter and simpler, and less fuss became the rule. This did have a tiny impact on the ballet, but fear not, darling!
Instead of the intricate and fussy layered designs that would eventually become so iconic, tutus in the early 20th century tended to be simpler, shorter, and closer to the body. This helped the ballerinas move with more freedom and grace, which is essential, isn't it? I mean, you don't want a tutu getting in the way of your fouetté, do you? 😉
And did you know, 1917 was a year filled with beautiful ballets? One particularly memorable performance was The Nutcracker, premiered in New York by the Ballets Russes, which features the darlingest little dancers wearing tutus that are more delicate than butterfly wings. Now that is something worth travelling to see! Imagine, darling, watching this enchanting ballet on a stage alive with vibrant costumes, vibrant music, and enchanting dancing!
It is times like this, during World Wars, that make you truly appreciate the art of dance and theatre, don’t you think? They offer a break from reality, a chance to lose yourself in beauty and magic, even for a brief moment. And what better way to celebrate this art than with a little pink tutu and some classic music?
And speaking of music, wouldn’t it be lovely to hear some of the wonderful ballet music that would have been popular at this time? Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, with its delicate and haunting melodies, or Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, full of energy and power! Now that’s music you can move to!
As we finish our little journey to the past, it's important to remember how much things have changed in the world of ballet. Even with shorter, simpler designs, the early 20th century still featured a world of wonder in ballet. They still brought joy, beauty, and artistic brilliance to their audiences. And who knows, perhaps this style will be the next big trend for tutus? I, for one, am all about it! It's fun, it's flirty, it's fabulous, and best of all, it’s quintessentially pink! 💖
As always, let's make this a week of swirling, leaping, and pirouetting with grace and a dash of pink, my lovelies! Happy dancing! 🩰
Remember to keep your tutus twirling and follow me on @PinkTutuBlog for more fashion finds and historical ballet tidbits! And for more on ballet, make sure you head to www.pink-tutu.com!
Lots of love, Emma xoxo
Post number: #4471
P.S. Want to learn more about 1917 fashion trends? I have the most charming vintage fashion guide, all about the changing styles and silhouettes! If you'd like me to feature a vintage fashion tip in my next #TutuTuesday blog, drop me a line with a comment! I'd be happy to answer any of your fashion-related questions.
P.P.S. Don’t forget, there's a new ballet show premiering next month! I've already got my tickets – it's going to be the hottest event in town! Make sure you follow me on social media for sneak peeks and more photos from the show!
