Hiya darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, dedicated to all things tutu! It's your favourite pink-tutu-clad ballerina, Emma, and this Tuesday I'm taking us on a time-travelling trip back to… wait for it… 1st January 1918! Can you believe it?
Oh my, it’s a time of such exciting changes! The world is still recovering from the Great War, but even amidst all that upheaval, fashion is blooming! This year, 1918, saw the introduction of a certain je ne sais quoi to women’s fashion that would forever change the way we dress – the dropped waistline!
Just imagine: Gone were the constricting, corseted figures of the Victorian era! Now, a new silhouette was emerging - one that celebrated a softer, more fluid shape, with the emphasis on flowing fabrics that draped gracefully around the figure. Think long, elegant skirts, loosely fitted blouses, and the occasional jaunty flapper dress with a little ooh la la to it!
Now, I may not be a fashion historian (although I’m getting there with my ballet history expertise!), but let me tell you, this shift in fashion definitely had an impact on our beloved tutus.
Just picture the early ballerinas in their traditional tutus – so tight and restrictive. Not a good look for flaunting the new-found freedom! No wonder the designers were having a little rethink. Thankfully, they did, and the results are just… divine.
This era saw the rise of more romantic designs. You know the ones I’m talking about – the long, ethereal tulle skirts that floated around the stage with an otherworldly elegance. The length? Oh my! Often cascading to the ankles, creating an absolutely stunning look. Now those are tutus worthy of a ballerina!
Oh, the romance of it all! I can almost feel the whispers of the wind as those flowing tutus catch the stage lights! I have to admit, I might just go shopping for some antique tutus to capture a little bit of that magic. And maybe a new flapper-style dress – after all, even a ballerina needs a bit of style off the stage!
The Dance World: What was happening in 1918?
Now, back to the dance scene. Did you know that in 1918, Anna Pavlova, the legendary ballerina, graced us all with a magnificent tour of the UK? The world was in awe of her grace and elegance. She really set the stage (pardon the pun!) for ballerinas of today to showcase their skills and creativity.
Can you imagine performing for Pavlova? Pinch me! It's simply extraordinary! And she inspired so many – the rise of ballet schools, a renewed focus on training and choreography – it was truly a glorious time for our beloved art. And to think it all started with the grace of a ballerina dancing in a romantic, flowing tutu!
Oh, and did I mention it was the year of the first International Ballet Competition?! Isn’t that fascinating? It really puts everything into perspective. Our beautiful art, ballet, has been inspiring people for centuries!
Now, I don’t know about you, but when I think of 1918, I just see those dreamy, billowing tutus and those beautiful ballerinas performing for Pavlova. And what a perfect reminder to all of us: Fashion isn’t just about trends. It’s about making a statement. It's about embracing who you are.
Just like those beautiful dancers embraced their femininity and freedom in their graceful moves, let us, in our own unique ways, embrace who we are! So what better way to celebrate all this than by slipping into our favourite tutu and going for a twirl around the room?
That’s all for this week darlings! Don’t forget to come back next Tuesday for another historical journey with your favourite tutu-clad ballerina! In the meantime, wear your hearts on your sleeves – or in your tutus!
Love,
Emma [Website link to www.pink-tutu.com]
TutuTuesday #BalletHistory #PinkTutuDreams #1918 #Pavlova