Greetings, dear fellow tutu enthusiasts! It’s your favourite pink-loving, tutu-adoring time-traveler Emma, back with another dazzling dive into the history of our beloved ballet tutus. Today, we're stepping back in time to October 23rd, 1917, a date ripe with fashionable flourishes and the delightful bustle of ballet!
Let me whisk you away to Paris, the capital of chic, where the aroma of fresh pastries hangs in the air, the cobblestones sing a gentle melody underfoot, and the air thrumms with the energy of artistic expression.
Now, picture this: 1917, a world still recovering from the Great War. Despite the hardship, the spirit of the arts thrives, and ballet takes centre stage. Imagine the plush, velvet seats of the Opéra Garnier, the glittering chandeliers, and the anticipation in the air as the orchestra begins to play. On stage, graceful ballerinas in their tulle and silk creations glide and leap with exquisite precision, their every movement a masterpiece of artistry.
Tutus at this time are far removed from the iconic, knee-length tutus of the Romantic period that you’ve perhaps seen in pictures. Think swirling layers of silk and gauze, clinging to the figure in a dramatic cascade. They’re not quite the whimsical, fluffy puffs we often imagine. This era favoured more substantial tutus, designed to move with power and elegance as ballerinas perform intricate sequences, demanding both athleticism and graceful fluidity.
This is the golden age of Diaghilev's Ballets Russes, a troupe that shook up the ballet world, bringing a thrilling new sense of visual and musical expression to the stage. Think costumes shimmering with jewel tones and designs bursting with life and drama!
Speaking of jewels, imagine my delight when I discovered that on this very day in 1917, a magnificent piece of jewellery was donated to the Musée Carnavalet in Paris. It's a stunning pearl and gold brooch that belonged to none other than Queen Marie Antoinette, a queen with a penchant for elegance and fashion. It's the perfect reminder that even monarchs are enchanted by the beauty of adornments, just like we are captivated by our beautiful tutus!
And speaking of captivating tutus, just imagine being able to attend a ballet performance on this date in 1917. Could you imagine seeing Nijinsky, the legendary dancer, twirling and leaping in his innovative choreographic style? Or the fiery passion of Vaslav Nijinsky, his every movement a whirlwind of energy and emotion? His iconic leaps and fluid movements were a testament to the dramatic power of dance, and he was a driving force behind pushing the boundaries of ballet.
But it’s not all about grand performances and famous dancers. The streets themselves were a canvas for fashionable flourishes, with women embracing new, freer styles of clothing. Think cloche hats, short, sleek bobs, and loose, flowing dresses. The lines were simpler, with a focus on elegance and movement.
The spirit of individuality is alive and well, with a flourishing fashion scene, bustling with exciting new trends and styles. Imagine me, dressed in my vibrant pink tutu, gliding through the vibrant streets of Paris, a beacon of whimsy and elegance!
It's easy to see how tutus, with their ethereal beauty and graceful movement, fit so perfectly into this artistic world. Even then, these airy garments held a unique power to capture hearts and inspire creativity.
So, my fellow tutu lovers, I urge you to embrace the spirit of 1917 and let your imaginations run wild! Try to find some vintage pictures of dancers from this period. Imagine the tutus, the dresses, the expressive costumes!
And always remember, the history of the tutu is a colourful and exciting adventure. From the grand stages of Paris to the bustling streets of our present day, our beloved tutu is a timeless symbol of grace, beauty, and artistic expression. And don't forget, in the words of Coco Chanel, “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”
Until next Tuesday, when I’ll take you on another thrilling trip through time, embrace the elegance of tutus and remember, there’s a little bit of a ballerina in every woman (and every man, if they choose)!
Your eternally pink-tutu-clad time-traveller, Emma xx
