Hello darlings! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu enthusiast, bringing you another dose of ballet history from the depths of my time-traveling tutu-case. This week, we're waltzing back to 1918, a year of change, a year of war, and surprisingly enough, a year of continued evolution for the glorious tutu!
As you all know, here at Pink-Tutu.com, we're devoted to the delicate dance of fashion history, particularly when it involves a twirl-worthy tutu. This week, my trusty time machine deposited me right in the heart of the Grand Opera House in Paris. I can almost hear the echoes of the bustling crowds, the orchestra tuning their instruments, and the frisson of excitement in the air before the curtain goes up.
Now, let's talk tutus. The year is 1918, and the world is experiencing the Great War. Naturally, the grand theatres are still ablaze with lights, the costumes are still spectacular, but there is a shift, a change in the air, and it affects the tutu too!
Firstly, fabrics. The war had a significant impact on textile production. The grand, billowing skirts that defined earlier tutus were no longer practical. There was a real shortage of silk, and women were expected to make do. Designers, ever creative, began using lighter fabrics, like gauze, chiffon, and tulle, all in soft, muted colours. Think whisper-soft pinks and creams, reminiscent of a spring bloom against the dark, turbulent skies. It was the epitome of grace in a world on the edge of its axis.
The second significant change? Shorter lengths! While the iconic 'romantic' tutu of the late 19th century reached floor-length, those beautiful billowing skirts became somewhat impractical during wartime. They could easily become a tripping hazard on the stage, a nightmare for a ballerina's choreography. So, what to do? We start seeing tutus ending just above the ankle, creating a streamlined, yet still enchanting, look. Just picture a ballerina performing with elegant steps, barely brushing the stage, their graceful movements accentuating the delicate, soft fabric – oh, it was magical!
You see, 1918 wasn't just a time of conflict and upheaval. It was also a period of reinvention. Designers embraced a new practicality and elegance, focusing on functionality and form, making these new, shorter tutus light, airy, and incredibly graceful, which perfectly echoed the sentiment of the time. A bit like my beautiful Derbyshire lavender fields at the edge of a storm, you know?
But let's talk a little more about where I landed - Paris! It was absolutely captivating. Imagine being surrounded by exquisite couture houses, swirling in gowns of emerald velvet and feathers, and the intoxicating scents of exotic perfumes. And I, of course, in my bubblegum-pink tutu, was a real spectacle!
But this Parisian adventure wasn't just about couture and tutus. This day in history also happens to coincide with a particularly interesting event: the première of Sergei Prokofiev's Chout. It's a quirky, Russian ballet about a nobleman, an "Idiot," and an intriguing love triangle that involves mistaken identities and a whole lot of musical drama. Imagine, all happening amidst these beautifully pared-back tutus! Now that's a spectacle!
As a side note, don't forget my dearest, 1918 marked the introduction of a dance studio I dearly love - the Cecchetti School in London. This school, named after the famed Italian dancer, Enrico Cecchetti, dedicated its focus to nurturing a classical, refined style of dance. A whirlwind of technique, artistry, and beauty – all wrapped up in elegant movements and that magical ballet magic!
You can imagine how I got lost in all that glamour! From visiting the Ballet Russe (whose headquarters were actually right across the road from my darling opera house) to attending an intimate, exclusive showing of George Balanchine's revolutionary choreography at Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, my day was one grand, elegant dance!
However, my little travel through time isn't complete without a touch of local fashion. Imagine, dear readers, walking along the Rue de la Paix and seeing those stunning dresses, their soft fabrics draped with beautiful beaded embroidery and stylish collars! And speaking of fashion, don't forget those exquisite Parisian hats! Hats adorned with feathers, flowers, ribbons, and a whole galaxy of chic details - just like a blooming flower garden, each one unique and beautiful.
You see, dear reader, the evolution of the tutu is far from a simple dance of lengths and fabrics. It's about reflecting the mood of the time. This era saw designers responding to change with adaptability and innovation, transforming a ballet classic into something both exquisite and grounded in the spirit of the times.
Of course, no Parisian journey would be complete without a little shopping! I can't leave without buying a pair of Lalique jewellery, their beautiful designs are like tiny, delicate masterpieces. Each piece a perfect reflection of their elegance. A piece for a special occasion? An adornment for an extravagant party? Or, for an evening stroll through the moonlit streets of Paris? My little collection was already overflowing.
As always, I wish you all happy tutus, my darling readers! And don't forget, a little dance always brightens up a Tuesday, don't you think? Until next week, let your own fashion journeys be full of joy, sparkle, and lots of pink, of course!
Love, Emma
P.S. Don't forget to share your favourite tutu moments with me on www.pink-tutu.com!
