Hello my lovely tutu-loving friends! Welcome back to another exciting edition of my Ballet Tutu History blog! I'm Emma, your trusty pink-tutu-wearing time traveller, and today we're heading back to 1st October, 1918, just over a hundred years ago.
Ooh, darling, just thinking about that date sends a shiver of excitement through me! The air would be buzzing with anticipation, a mixture of wartime anxiety and hope. And wouldnāt it be lovely to pop into a charming Parisian tea room, all pastel pink and shimmering crystal? But more importantly, let's talk about what's going on in the world of tutus!
A Ballet-Filled October
It's no coincidence I'm back in time on the 1st of October - it was a glorious month for ballet! It marked the beginning of the Fall season for the famous Paris OpĆ©ra Ballet. It would be a treat to sneak in to the theatre and watch Sergei Diaghilevās Ballets Russes with Anna Pavlova and Vaslav Nijinsky as the star dancers. I would be absolutely mesmerized by their grace and beauty, and their revolutionary movements! And the costumes! Just divine - all those billowing silks and intricate patterns.
I simply canāt resist sharing this wonderful fact. Did you know that the iconic tutu that we see today evolved from the crinolines and bustles that were so fashionable in the 1800s? These intricate and sometimes enormous constructions were essentially made for big, beautiful, and fluffy dance skirts, and were slowly whittled down to create the tutus we all love today! Isn't it amazing how fashion and dance evolve together, just like that? It truly makes history come alive!
Dancing With History
Of course, ballet was a little different back then. A lot more formal! Iām imagining I would see a dance that is based heavily on stories about classical mythology - and with grand sweeping gestures.
But despite all the lovely drama, the ballet world was on the cusp of change. By 1918, the focus was shifting toward shorter and more movement-focused ballet skirts ā foreshadowing the ātutu revolutionā that would unfold in the coming decades. And even as the world was grappling with war, there was this wonderful spirit of creativity and innovation in ballet, ready to change the dance world forever. Isn't that beautiful?
Finding Fashion Inspiration In 1918
If you could take me back in time with you, Iād want to spend all my days discovering what fashion was like back in those days. You can tell from the sketches I find, that dance fashion definitely influences day-wear fashions in a big way. That would be a sight I'd love to see with my own eyes!
From the dramatic silhouettes of women's gowns to the delicate patterns on their blouses, the ballet's influence on fashion was clear, which is what gives me so much joy when Iām travelling through time, seeing this amazing connection. Oh! I simply MUST visit a Parisian fashion house and try on all those gorgeous dresses!
And, let's not forget about the importance of trains for all these fashionable folks! With train journeys being such an integral part of travel, those charming "First Class compartments" would be a sight to behold, and you know I just have to pop into the dining car for a bit of afternoon tea. I always make sure to take the opportunity to chat with the ladies on my journey ā such wonderful stories and fascinating insights on life at the time!
A Touch of Pink Inspiration for You
Alright my darlings! So what's your favorite era for ballet tutus? Are you, like me, mesmerized by the romanticism of the Victorian Era? Or maybe you're drawn to the revolutionary energy of the 1900s? Whatever it may be, keep spreading your tutu love and share your own #TutuTuesday stories with the world. Remember, a touch of pink is always a great way to express yourself and bring a little magic to the day!
Thatās all from me, but remember, you can find me at www.pink-tutu.com where I post all the latest and greatest tutu happenings from all over time, because even in the 2020s, we can still be inspired by history!
Until next time my darlings!
Much love and twirls, Emma ā¤ļøš
