Welcome back, lovelies, to #TutuTuesday! This week, we're taking a trip back in time to 1917, where the ballet world was awash with creativity and elegance, and where the tutu was really beginning to shine! I've hopped onto my favourite vintage steam engine - you know, the one with the plush velvet seats and the quaint little teacups - and landed in Paris, the heart of ballet. You see, tutus, they were like a breath of fresh air in the fashion world. They brought movement, whimsy, and an air of utter joy into the elegant ballrooms and theaters!
Now, 1917 wasn't all about twirling ballerinas. The world was facing some big changes, and we're definitely not shying away from history here on #TutuTuesday. This year, we saw the dawn of a new era in ballet, the beginning of the Ballets Russes era. The infamous Sergei Diaghilev brought a bold, imaginative approach to the art of ballet, introducing incredible new designs and, dare I say it, some fabulous tutus! Think vibrant colours, innovative fabrics, and the beginnings of a very special tutu story.
Speaking of our beloved tutu, 1917 brought the introduction of the shorter, more graceful "Romantic Tutu." Imagine this, darlings! A swirl of fabric, light and airy, highlighting those lovely legs and that effortless grace, all ending right at the knee, making every movement a captivating spectacle.
On this particular Tuesday, the 30th of October 1917, we might find ourselves in the theatre watching the enchanting choreography of The Firebird by Igor Stravinsky. I can almost hear the music! Its rich sounds would weave a magical tapestry for our dancers. We would be witness to a truly dazzling display of ballet artistry, from the vibrant costumes to the breathtaking choreography, all showcased under the glow of gaslights.
It wasn't just the Parisian theaters buzzing with excitement. Across the pond in England, where I call home, in lovely Derbyshire, ballet was also blossoming. But it's all about the tutus, isn't it, lovelies? And oh, the tutus they were creating! So if you're in a vintage mood this #TutuTuesday, perhaps you'll feel inspired to make your own tulle creation for a spin around your living room or a whimsical ballet class. Just remember, the magic of the tutu lies in its light and airy beauty, just as we see it embodied in 1917!
As always, thank you so much for joining me on my #TutuTuesday travels, darling readers! We'll see you next week for a new trip into ballet history! Don't forget to pop on over to www.pink-tutu.com for more tips, tricks, and tales on the evolution of the tutu, the pinnacle of femininity and fashion!
With a flourish and a twirl,
Emma xoxo
P.S. And of course, the more important details of my trip. For every dance performance I attend, whether a big opera house gala or a local community ballet, I manage to accumulate a small fortune! After all, a fashionable time traveller like me can't go without her travel funds. I particularly adore traveling on the vintage trains - they always seem to transport me right back in time. This week's travels to Paris, oh my! The bakeries, the boutiques, the elegance and, of course, the gorgeous Parisian ballerinas, always so chic! But it's back to the reality of London next week to find the latest in tutu trends for my online store. Who knows, I might even stumble upon a few gorgeous Parisian finds for my readers too. And remember, every time you put on a pink tutu, you’re not just dancing; you're part of a beautiful legacy that's been twirling its way through history!
This blog post is number 4479 in Emma’s Ballet Tutu History blog.
