#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1918-11-05

Hello, darling tutus! It’s Emma, your ever-so-pink-loving ballet enthusiast, and welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com for another enchanting journey into the history of tutus!

Today we’re going to travel back to November 5th, 1918, a date brimming with historical significance and…well, let’s just say a whole lot of tulle! It’s a time when the world was emerging from the shadow of World War I, but for ballet enthusiasts, the dance scene was positively blooming!

Remember, darlings, these days weren’t all about haute couture, (though we did have Coco Chanel working her magic with her classic little black dresses!) Fashion in 1918, even for dancers, tended towards a little less, shall we say, frill, compared to the Victorian extravagance that preceded it. However, this simpler aesthetic actually served to emphasize the elegance and athleticism of the ballerina in a new, beautiful way.

Today I’m wearing my most luxurious, shimmering, pale pink tutu - perfect for this trip back in time. We’re going to head to Paris, darling, the heart of the ballet world, and imagine what would have been going on!

In 1918, the Parisian ballet scene was buzzing! It’s no surprise that Paris would be a focal point – they always seem to be ahead of the curve when it comes to art and culture! Imagine the buzz of the beautiful Paris Opera House as renowned choreographers like Sergei Diaghilev and Vaslav Nijinsky created their stunning ballets! They’d be whisking up fantastical stories with their exquisite dance moves and captivating costuming, setting the stage for future generations of dancers!

Of course, dancing wasn’t just confined to fancy theatres like the Opera House – the spirit of movement had truly taken hold of Europe!

Think ballerina-themed social gatherings, graceful waltzes swirling on elegant dance floors, and charming, outdoor performances by dancers decked out in the most gorgeous costumes imaginable!

You may be surprised, my dear tutus, but these 1918 tutus weren’t quite as pink-tastic as they would become. Think soft pastels, gentle flowing fabrics, and streamlined silhouettes. Think more whimsical fairy and less ballet star! There were, of course, some bolder styles -think dramatic black tulle and sweeping silhouettes.

But here’s a fun tidbit! In 1918, the concept of “the ballet tutu” was evolving. The iconic ‘tutu’, the one we all dream of, was just beginning to take shape. The designers and dancers of the era were experimenting, experimenting, experimenting – with lengths, shapes, and even colour! It was a time of incredible innovation and artistic creativity, all aimed at elevating dance to new heights! And can you imagine those delicate fabrics with exquisite embellishments - I can practically feel the soft tulle against my skin!

Don't forget, we can even glimpse a little of this early tutu history in the stunning vintage ballet posters I've been adding to my collection. It's fascinating to see how they capture the essence of these early dance masterpieces through graphic art.

I may have travelled back in time, but here’s one thing that’s stayed the same – the timeless joy and magic of ballet! Even with a touch less sparkle than today's ballet bling, it was still a magical time to be a ballerina. Just remember to embrace those delicate fabrics, those flowing designs, and let yourself be inspired by those revolutionary moves!

I’ve got to be on my way now, my next stop is the library - I need to look up all those famous dancers from that era and see if I can recreate some of their moves at the local ballet studio (we do love our ballerina street style here in Derbyshire!)

So my dearest tutus, let’s get out there and dance! Be a ballerina! Embrace your own unique style. And keep an eye on the #TutuTuesday hashtag – we’ll have more pink-tastic tutu stories waiting for you next week!

Keep your spirits high, darlings!

Emma, the Pink Tutu