Hello my darlings! Welcome back to another fabulous #TutuTuesday! This week we're jetting back to October 15th, 1918 - a most momentous occasion in history, but I'll let you in on a little secret - the ballet world was going absolutely bonkers that day too! So grab a cuppa and let's journey through time, shall we? It's blog post #4529 from Pink-Tutu.com and today I'm wearing my new hot pink silk tutu that I found in a charming antique shop in Vienna. Isn't it lovely? Vienna is truly the fashion capital for dance wear - and the architecture is to die for. Think towering spires, grand promenades and streets brimming with vibrant life, much like a ballet itself!
The Roaring Twenties on the Horizon
We're smack-dab in the midst of the First World War, but the whispers of change, of a new dawn, of the "Roaring Twenties" are already in the air. A bit like when you know a brand new, oh-so-gorgeous tutu is coming out - excitement builds and builds! This period saw a burgeoning in artistic expression, a rejection of the rigid norms of the past, and a desire for more… liberation. Sounds familiar? It's exactly the spirit that the ballet embraced – a rejection of old-school restrictions, a yearning for more dynamic, passionate movement, and a focus on expression through the body.
And where did all this thrilling change begin? Oh, darling, look no further than Russia. Yes, you read that right, it’s not always France and Paris in the fashion world you know! Russia, that mystical land of ice and fire, was at the forefront of this dance revolution!
A Ballet Revolution - the Russian Experiment
You might not be aware of this, but the "Ballets Russes" was in full swing – think an international ballet touring troupe founded by a visionary named Diaghilev. It was an unstoppable force, a kaleidoscope of art and dance that captured hearts and minds worldwide! Think dazzling colours, mind-blowing music and innovative choreography. Oh, it was quite a sight! These ballerinas were pushing the boundaries - with groundbreaking, revolutionary movements that were more emotional, expressive and oh-so-sensual than ever before! They wore short tutus with more dynamic lines, leaving behind the heavy, romantic dresses of the past and letting their limbs fly with freedom. Can't you just imagine them gracefully defying gravity in these shorter skirts? It must have been quite a sight to behold!
Tutus and Fashion
Fashion followed closely on the ballet’s heels – and my goodness did the designers let their imagination fly! They borrowed heavily from these new dance styles, transforming evening dresses into flowing, silky creations, adorned with beads and intricate patterns. It's like they captured the magic of a dancer’s movement in a dress – oh so exquisite! It was the era of short hemlines, flapper dresses and glamorous adornments. Imagine a Parisian lady stepping out in a sparkling, pearl-studded dress inspired by a Ballets Russes dancer, just before a glamorous gala. Or how about a sparkling beaded clutch, perfect for a night out at the theatre - the sparkle would rival the brilliance of the chandelier lighting in the ballroom! It was the golden age of the silhouette, and that era’s obsession with the slender, streamlined form? Well, let's just say the "bob" hairstyle - that is where the ballerinas influenced fashion. The fashion trend inspired this, thanks to a ballerina’s long ponytails and braided buns being just too impractical!
Oh, the freedom! I wonder what those fashionistas were saying to their friends?
“Darling, just try to picture the new designs in Paris – dresses so sleek they just slide across the dancefloor!” or, " I simply must have one of these flapper dresses! Imagine, you can even waltz, my darling! I'm even thinking about chopping my hair for that modern look.”
Can you see those fashion magazines featuring the Ballets Russes? I wonder how much my Parisian fashion magazine looks like one of those vintage magazines?
The Rise of a Star
Back then, a certain Miss Anna Pavlova was lighting up stages worldwide. This breathtaking, graceful dancer had her own special blend of classical ballet with elements of folk dances and new contemporary styles. It’s like a sprinkle of tradition with a dash of the new and exciting! But for this #TutuTuesday, we're really excited about one specific moment: she was performing "The Dying Swan" in a white feathered tutu. You heard that right: feathers! A delicate tutu, all fluffed up and graceful, and she danced as if a swan were soaring above, a truly magical scene! Her graceful movements - with a tutu like that, is a masterpiece!
Tutu Trends - My Favourites!
This all leads to my absolute favourite ballet tutu trend. It all boils down to these short, airy tutus! The tutus were more flexible and allowed the ballerinas to express themselves more freely - oh, the twirling and leaping! In that way, this period brought about the rise of more intricate ballet costumes with layers and even embellishments - think delicate ribbons and rhinestones, oh-so-feminine, like those beautiful decorations you see on those beautiful dance shoes! Oh, I absolutely adore a tulle skirt – it's like a dream! I imagine twirling about on the dance floor in my pink tutus with all those sparkly little things and I think those ballerinas felt the same!
Dance in a Wartime World
15th October 1918? Well, the war is still going strong, darling! But what did that mean for ballet? Oh, you may be surprised! They soldiered on - as any true ballerina would! Ballet performances became a refuge, an escape from the reality of conflict - they offered a glimpse of beauty and a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. Oh, my darlings, if you were feeling the sting of the war, a spectacular ballet could really lift your spirits, couldn’t it?
Today's Tutu Trend
Right now in our time - we’ve got short, tulle tutus. I know, they've been in vogue for decades, but it’s all thanks to the dance pioneers who paved the way! In fact, this short tutu is so popular with all kinds of dancers - just imagine, everyone has their own tutu today! If you're feeling a little fancy, try a ballet class! In our time, we are really taking the 'ballet-inspiration' to the streets, too. I mean who doesn't want a tutu for all occasions?
I’m just thankful that thanks to some incredibly talented designers who are still going strong today!
So, there you have it, my lovely lot! The Ballets Russes set off a ballet revolution with more dynamic movements and fashion inspired by their creations, too - not just clothing but all sorts of accessories, from shoes to hairstyles. It’s really made our tutus, all shapes and sizes - just like the world today. We have a choice - short or long, silk, or net!
And if you have a moment, leave me a comment below - which type of tutu do you prefer, long or short? And if you fancy a little ballet magic yourself, don't hesitate to step out in your favourite tutu and be a dancing queen - after all, it's not just a piece of clothing, it’s a symbol of a passion, of art and freedom - just like this post and my love of all things pink.
Until next time, my darlings.
Emma, xx
www.pink-tutu.com
P.S Don't forget to catch me on social media - my Instagram is @Pink_tutu. Let's #TutuTuesday it up and remember, the best thing about ballet? It’s an escape, my darlings, and the perfect excuse to twirl a little.
Post 4529
