Hello darlings! Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast and time-travelling fashionista, back with another exciting instalment of #TutuTuesday! Buckle up your ballet shoes, grab a glass of pink lemonade, and join me on a whirlwind journey through time to discover the wonders of the tutu!
This week, we’re waltzing back to January 22nd, 1918, a time when the world was in the throes of change, but the grace and elegance of the ballet remained a constant. Now, I know you might be thinking, "Emma, 1918? Surely tutus weren't quite as fab back then, right?" Oh, but darling, you'd be surprised! The early 1900s were a glorious era for ballet and the tutu was just as captivating then as it is now!
But before we dive into the history, let's talk about what happened on this very date! As I travelled through time, I stumbled upon a charming little newspaper clipping - January 22nd, 1918, was the day a certain Dame Margot Fonteyn, later considered a legend in the ballet world, was born! Isn’t that absolutely delightful? A day of fabulous tutus, beautiful ballerinas, and a glimpse into the future of ballet brilliance!
Now, back to the 1918 tutu scene! The style of tutus during this period was evolving. The iconic bell-shaped tutu we see today was in its infancy, still gaining its rightful place in the spotlight. Picture long, flowing tutus made of layers and layers of tulle, all perfectly arranged to accentuate the graceful movement of the ballerina.
Think swirling pastel shades like baby blue, lavender, and delicate blush, much like my very own collection of tutus! You see, darling, these weren’t just garments – they were works of art, embodying the delicate romance and timeless beauty of the dance form.
The way these tutus were worn reflected the evolving style of ballet itself. Think about the movements – graceful, sweeping, and dramatic! Just like the delicate movement of a hummingbird, they required freedom of movement, which these flowing tutus effortlessly provided! It was a magical blend of elegance and performance!
Don’t get me wrong, 1918 wasn’t all about dreamy pastel shades. You'd see bold splashes of vibrant colour too! For instance, I recall seeing a troupe in St. Petersburg performing "The Firebird", their costumes awash with bold, rich oranges and fiery reds, absolutely stunning against the backdrop of the grand Bolshoi Theatre. I mean, it’s a story of a beautiful firebird and a sorcerer, how else could they have showcased such fiery drama?
You see, darling, just like a good ballet performance, fashion in 1918 was all about expression, creativity, and pushing boundaries. It was an exciting time for women! There were so many layers to every garment, not just in ballet! Women were starting to embrace a more active role in society, and you could feel this vibrant energy on the stage!
Of course, no discussion of the ballet scene would be complete without a mention of Paris! The heart of dance! It was a truly fascinating experience for this time traveler! I spent many happy afternoons at the Opera Garnier, sipping French champagne, and watching ballets like "La Sylphide" and "Swan Lake", and marvelling at the captivating stories and intricate choreography.
As a fashion aficionado, my heart nearly leaped out of my tutu when I stumbled upon a grand Parisian dress shop showcasing beautiful, exquisite materials - fine tulle, exquisite velvet, and shimmering silks – all vying for attention to be transformed into glorious, dancing-ready masterpieces! It was heaven! And oh, the dresses themselves! So beautiful and intricate. They were a sight to behold. I immediately sent my "fashionista bestie" Amelia in my "Time-Travelling Wardrobe" to gather some vintage fabrics. My 1918 inspired tutu line will be incredible!
So, you see darling, even though I have been on my grand tour of the world for quite some time, 1918 still holds a special place in my heart. And the tutus from that time period - a symbol of beauty, grace, and an era of artistic expression!
But enough about the past, dear reader, because let’s not forget: it's Tutu Tuesday! You can wear a pink tutu today, too, and celebrate the glorious heritage of dance! Remember, you don't need a time machine to add a bit of ballet magic to your life. Every day can be #TutuTuesday! And hey, you never know – you might even find yourself time-travelling through the decades, exploring the dazzling world of the ballet! Until next week, darling! Remember, always keep your ballet shoes polished and your tutus ready for an adventure!
Warmly,
Emma xx
P.S. Visit my website www.pink-tutu.com to join the pink tutu revolution and see some stunning historical tutu-tastic pics!
