Hello, my lovely Tutu Tribe! It’s your favourite pink-loving ballerina, Emma, back again with another trip through time, this time landing us smack-dab in the middle of November 1918. Oh, what a time to be alive! (And alive we most certainly are, even if we’re technically travelling in a time machine fuelled by my love for tutus!)
The air is crisp and the streets are bustling with excitement, but not because of the war's end… (although, don’t get me wrong, the war is a massive, global topic of conversation, believe me). No, today is about something else: the excitement, the beauty, the joy of the ballet!
I just landed at the grand Paris Opera House, and I’ve got to tell you, there is an absolute fever for ballet happening here in 1918! It seems everyone is getting swept up in the whirlwind of elegance, and the world of the theatre is absolutely abuzz.
(whispers conspiratorially) I must confess, my dear readers, that a few swoons over my newest pink silk tutu that has travelled with me from 2023 caused quite a stir! I mean, imagine a vision in pink flitting about, the Parisian streets alight with the echoes of "C’est magnifique!" as I made my grand entrance into the heart of this dazzling city. Oh, it’s certainly true, that the joy of tutus transcends time!
But enough about my sartorial exploits. Let's talk about 1918 and the history of the tutu we love so dearly! It's so important to learn where we come from, even in the whimsical world of the tutu.
A Tutu’s Transformation
I was surprised, as I think many of you will be, that 1918 is still quite early in the game when it comes to the full-length tutu. You know, the one that is longer than our knees and really embraces that fairytale ballerina feel! While the early 1900s saw the rise of the romantic tutu - the classic shorter skirt we know and adore - the full length wasn't quite here yet. We’re only about a decade away, and that just makes me even more excited about how our beloved ballet attire has transformed over the years!
In 1918, there were, of course, those who embraced the Romantic Tutu era in the 19th century and considered it a peak in the tutu evolution. You can still see that style in full glory here. They’ve embraced the simple charm of the single layer of fabric that gently floats about a ballerina as she dances. In Paris, they are very passionate about those classic dances!
But a new style, one closer to what we now consider the modern tutu, is beginning to rise to popularity, too. I caught glimpses of layered skirts in different colours in some performances this morning - a very subtle departure from the classic one-layer Romanticism style. This foreshadows the era of dramatic, cascading tiers we’ll come to know so well!
You know me, my lovelies! As I dance between times, I simply can't wait to explore what the future holds for the tutu!
A Theatrical Whirlwind
Speaking of excitement, on this date in 1918, we find ourselves in the thick of theatrical performances at the Opera! It was the day the great and talented Sergei Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes, graced the stage with Le Sacre du Printemps by Igor Stravinsky.
This performance caused quite a stir with its striking movements and its music which is incredibly innovative for its time! It really captured the imagination of the public, causing some uproar with its modernity. But I see it for the true gem it is - a testament to the bravery of embracing the new and breaking free of conventions, even in the art of ballet!
You can imagine the thrill, the electricity in the air as I joined the bustling crowds and rushed into the theater.
Parisian Fashion Inspiration
Even as the tutu began to evolve in the ballet world, a strong focus remained on that quintessential Parisian style. I must admit, this time travel isn’t all tutus and history for me, it’s also a treasure hunt of beautiful, vintage clothing! You have to understand - my dear tutu fans, my love of fashion, fashion of all eras, but especially that of the early 20th century, rivals my passion for all things pink!
One could even say, in some ways, they go hand in hand - just like a pink tutu and a fashionable 1918 Parisian lady, I might say!
The Paris I found myself in 1918 was brimming with new ideas and daring outfits - an ode to the Parisian elegance we’ve always come to adore. From flapper dresses that hinted at a rebellious yet undeniably chic elegance, to beautifully tailored coats that offered sophistication and practicality, to the simple but refined style of the average woman. Even now in 2023, the style is timeless! I’m tempted to add to my vintage wardrobe every time I’m here!
Just last night, I dined on an exquisite meal of delicious foie gras in one of Paris’s many renowned restaurants. All around me, the crowd dressed in fashionable garb, and I was charmed by the long dresses in elegant fabrics with details that screamed the luxurious and luxurious. I could tell I’d need to return to explore their shops, their tailors and millinery boutiques!
But here in Paris, we just can't ignore that the true heart of fashion is often found in the simplest things - a graceful silhouette, a delicate embroidery, the soft drape of fabric that dances around the body. A delicate hand-painted, silky shawl can say more about Parisian style than a loud outfit, and what else could a ballet-loving, pink tutu wearing lady want but some truly luxurious items, hand-picked with love, from across the decades?
Tutu Trends and Beyond
Remember my dears, that when it comes to the tutu, 1918 marked a period of exciting change. It was an age of rebellion against old styles, pushing the boundaries and opening the doors to creativity that would lead us right into the grand tutu styles we know and adore today! It's inspiring, isn't it, to see how every decade, each century, brings its own flair to our beloved dancewear!
And you know what? The story of the tutu isn't complete yet, my darlings. As much as I adore looking back and learning about our history, the real magic is in how our story continues to evolve. And this is just one of the exciting threads in our timeline that helps us appreciate where we come from and inspires our steps for tomorrow.
Until next Tuesday, my beautiful Tutu Tribe, go out there and let your inner ballerina shine!
Yours always,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
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