Hello, darlings! Emma here, your resident tutu-loving time traveller, bringing you another dose of #TutuTuesday history. This week, we're taking a whirl back to the 1918s, right at the precipice of the fabulous roaring twenties. Fancy a peek behind the velvet curtain into the world of dance back then? Buckle up, because this trip is a right old hoot!
A Dance in Time: Stepping Back to 1918
You know I love to flit through the annals of time, and today's destination? The bustling, hopeful world of December 10th, 1918, in dear old London town. We're hot off the heels of the Great War, but there's a new spirit of optimism in the air. Everyone's ready for some revelry, and guess who’s leading the charge? Why, the fabulous ladies of the dance world, of course!
You see, ladies and gents, by 1918, dance had become truly en vogue. The art of ballet was sweeping the world, a magnificent spectacle of grace and artistry. Just like our current adoration of the ballet, folks were captivated by the elegant movements and ethereal beauty. Picture Parisian salons bustling with the latest dance crazes, ladies twirling in their flapper dresses, and gents in their tuxedos, the very picture of elegance.
Tutues - From The Stage To The Streets
Now, you know me, darlings, I’m always a little preoccupied with tutus. And trust me, tutus were everywhere in 1918, even off the stage! Sure, we're still years away from the explosion of vibrant colour we'll see in the 1930s and 40s, but those ballet ballerinas were wearing those whimsical tutus in shades of white, pink and pastel blue that would make a fashionista's heart sing. And while not every young lady could claim a tutu, the influence of the stage was undeniable. The loose, free-flowing skirts of the day were a nod to those twirling, light as air ballet dancers.
1918: A Date for the History Books
Speaking of those momentous dates in history, this very day, December 10th, 1918, the UK, France, and Germany all signed the armistice that officially ended the Great War. Think about it! War was over, the world was waking up to new possibilities and dance was becoming the anthem of joy. This was a time of rebuilding, a time of new beginnings, and the beauty and grace of the ballet helped people heal and celebrate life. Talk about a great time to be alive!
A Peek at the Performers of 1918
Speaking of dance, 1918 was brimming with theatrical delights. I would have absolutely adored going to see the beautiful Anna Pavlova grace the stage, a ballerina so renowned for her captivating performances and sheer artistry. Oh, how I would love to see her perform live!
There's a magical story about her, you see, where the Tsarina of Russia herself (can you even imagine?!) invited Anna to perform at a gala. Can you believe that kind of star power? The world was simply enthralled by the dance at that time. Imagine those spectacular gowns, the opulent setting, the beautiful dancers... it makes a little ballerina like myself just weep with joy!
More Than Just a Tutu - Shopping & Fashion
But my love of dance doesn't just stop at the stage! As you know, darlings, a proper ballerina needs a wardrobe that matches their flair! And while the world was on its toes (literally!), fashion was moving, too! Those roaring twenties, oh they were a sartorial symphony. Can you imagine walking down Bond Street, feeling the thrill of all the new trends, the beautiful fabrics, and the delightful details? It’s no wonder women were flaunting their individual style, just like we are today. I think fashion and dance are intertwined in a wonderful, intricate ballet of beauty, wouldn’t you agree?
Train Travel – My Favourite Way To See The World
As always, darling, there's no better way to see the world than by train, a veritable time capsule for your fashion inspiration. It was on the train I happened upon this very fascinating period, sitting opposite a most lovely lady dressed in an adorable vintage gown (I simply couldn't help myself and asked to try it on, and let's just say we both agreed the style would fit perfectly for our #TutuTuesday time travel!).
My adventures always start and end on those iron rails. And it’s the journeys on those railways, darlings, that fill my diary and spark my stories, allowing me to share these fascinating bits of dance history with you.
Wearing Pink To Every Time Travel Adventure
Oh, and did I mention I'm sporting my absolutely favourite shade of pink, darlings? You simply can't travel back in time without a splash of colour, can you? And trust me, the ladies in 1918 were ahead of the game. Think bold colours, geometric shapes, a definite break from the Victorian norms, and we’re ready for anything!
I just know 1918 is filled with inspiration and sartorial secrets just waiting to be unveiled. And that, my darling friends, is why my love affair with ballet tutus just won’t end, why the joy of time travel fills my heart, and why I'm eager to discover even more vintage style secrets and share them with you each #TutuTuesday.
Now go forth, dear ones! Put on your most magnificent, pink-hued creation, whether it’s a full-on tutu or a dash of pink on your handbag. Embrace the joy of fashion, revel in the magic of ballet, and don't forget to share your stylish journeys with the hashtag #PinkTutu!
Yours always,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
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(Remember to tag me @PinkTutu on social media, too!)
I hope you enjoy this blog post. Please feel free to let me know your thoughts. Let's all celebrate ballet, tutus, history, and fabulousness.
