Bonjour mes chères amies!
It's a lovely Tuesday morning, and my darling pink tutu is feeling just as lovely as me. The sun's peeking in through my Parisian apartment window, casting a rosy glow on my darling little pouffe. A quick glance at the calendar reminds me it's the 23rd of April... and guess what? Today is all about dancing back in time! I've taken the trusty time machine (aka the train) for a hop back to 1918, the year the tutu began to truly twirl onto the world stage, literally!
Remember that saying about time flying? Well, this tutu aficionado feels it in her toes. Just think, in 1918 the Great War was still raging, but on stages around the world, beauty and artistry were thriving, even with wartime rationing. This era brought a real revolution to the tutu. It was more than just a pretty skirt, it was a symbol of strength and femininity. You could even say it was a little rebellious against the strict constraints of society at the time!
Back to the Ballroom:
Think long, graceful lines and fluid movement. The tutus were lighter and shorter than their Victorian predecessors. A whisper of a fabric, typically gauze, or soft tulle, adorned with delicate beading or feathers. A simple yet striking effect. The tutus, whilst maintaining that ethereal look, started to get more sophisticated and form-fitting.
I adore a beautifully crafted tutu. And what's truly delightful is seeing how it changed in style during this time, the elegance is captivating! Just picture ballerinas swirling and leaping, showcasing their grace with each twirl, with the audience entranced by their skill and the enchanting artistry of these exquisitely-made tutus. This period was a blossoming of the romantic ballet movement, the era of great Russian ballerinas, like Anna Pavlova, who was touring the world, capturing hearts with her balletic beauty. Oh how I'd love to have seen her perform in her tutus - imagine!
Now, about today in 1918, specifically:
This date doesn’t really feature in ballet history books - except perhaps the fact that many dancers across Europe, the USA, and beyond, would have been dedicating themselves to performances at that moment! On a Tuesday like this in 1918, some might be preparing for a performance or putting in extra rehearsals to polish their choreography, while others might have been resting after a successful performance, or indulging in their favourite post-ballet treats, maybe a pastry from their favourite Parisian boulangerie!
You see, the allure of the ballet was at its peak during this era! People couldn't get enough of it. Audiences in glamorous Paris, majestic London, enchanting Moscow... everywhere was enchanted by these delicate garments floating gracefully on the stage! Even during a global conflict, it seems the world craved beauty. The ballerinas brought the sparkle of beauty, art, and elegance to the world. A truly heartwarming moment in ballet history.
I have to share a little something I've found! It’s not about a specific performance or any great dancer on the 23rd of April. However, on this day in 1918, “The Nutcracker” ballet was performed at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York, featuring Anna Pavlova! I just adore this ballet and imagine being transported to a theater back then, in the grand ballroom scene, feeling the excitement and awe as the sugar plum fairy, wearing her magnificent pink tutu, swirls in the spotlight. Doesn't it just make you want to dance too?
Do you love this era's fashion too?
Tutu fashion has always been at the forefront of my sartorial journey, so I'm obsessed with the style of the 1910s! And I know you will be too. Think soft and feminine details! These tutus were incredibly simple and beautifully ethereal, perfect for the era's love of simplicity. Imagine delicate florals and fine lace trim on your little black dress and some stunning, sparkling beaded hair accessories. I just know you’d all rock the look of this era - the elegant style, the romantic spirit, and the undeniable power of ballet on the world stage!
Don't forget to keep an eye out for more fascinating tidbits about tutu history every week here on Pink-Tutu.com, in my #TutuTuesday posts. I've got all sorts of stories about tutus, ballets, and ballet fashions that'll make you dance with delight!
Until next time, keep on twirling!
Yours in the twirl,
Emma
PS: Did you know I also host "Pink-Tutu Thursdays" every week? Here we share fun, engaging articles on our passion for tutus! Join me! We can chat about everything from tutu history, tips for sewing and styling our tutus, to the latest ballet fashion trends! Head to Pink-Tutu.com to learn more.
#pinktutu #tutuhistory #ballet #dancing #history #fashion #vintagefashion #parisian #timetravel #paris #tututuesday #balletlover #ballerina #pavolva #thenutcracker
