Hello darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where pink tutus are always in fashion and the only thing we're pirouetting around are the latest ballet trends! This week, my time machine whisked me away to December 17th, 1918!
Can you believe it? We're talking just after the Great War - a time of tremendous upheaval and change, not to mention incredible style! While the rest of the world was breathing a collective sigh of relief, we were in the throes of a balletic renaissance, and guess what? It was ALL ABOUT THE TUTU!
Paris: The Heart of the Tutu World
Imagine being transported to Paris in the early 20th century. The scent of fresh croissants mingled with the glamour of couture fashion houses. Picture Coco Chanel revolutionizing women's fashion with her sleek, practical designs, and alongside this burst of new modernity, the ballet world was booming!
The Paris Opéra Ballet was still the most revered institution in the world. Ballet, which had been slightly overshadowed by the more popular vaudeville, was having a comeback. It was this decade where Sergei Diaghilev and his Ballets Russes swept through the city like a storm. Diaghilev's company, filled with incredibly talented dancers and featuring innovative Russian and European artistic genius, brought to the stage spectacular costumes that blew audiences away! Think flowing fabrics, striking colours and those iconic, billowing tutus!
Tutu Style for the Masses
I have to say, these weren't the tutus we know and love today, dear readers! 1918 saw the tutu "romantique" which was all about flowing lines and layered tulle (the "tulle romantique" you see on dancers today!) It was all softness and femininity, which makes me think perhaps we should reintroduce the style - maybe in the most delicious shade of pink, of course!
Don't get me wrong, these tutus still were dazzling, but think elegance rather than fluffy (although, I do have a fondness for fluff, you know that!) They weren't meant for elaborate jumps or technical feats – the emphasis was on the dancer's graceful movements and delicate lines.
The "tutu romantique" also brought with it some new fashion trends - the "short skirts" with tulle-trimmed hems and satin bows, all very exciting for the fashionable folk!
A Date with Ballet
December 17th, 1918. A Tuesday, just like our #TutuTuesday blog, eh? Well, in the heart of the ballet world, this wasn't just any ordinary Tuesday!
This date marks the beginning of a weeklong ballet season featuring Anna Pavlova's famous company, a name that still echoes through ballet history like a soft, pink-hued whispering!
Pavlova was, and remains, an icon. The ballerina and her company travelled the world, performing to captivated audiences, her graceful and breathtaking movement captivating millions, including yours truly. Imagine me sitting amongst those thrilled crowds, mesmerized by her elegant jumps and beautiful pointe work in her delicate tutus, my pink-tutu dreams stirred even further!
Celebrating 1918 in Style
So, this Tuesday, dear readers, we'll celebrate 1918's enchanting style! Whether it’s a tulle romantique inspiration, a whimsical ribbon bow, or even a simple pink scarf tied around your neck, I invite you to try embodying the timeless elegance of the era. Let's embrace the joy of dance and the power of tutus - even without stepping on stage!
And what is this Tuesday all about, apart from embracing our tutu dreams?
Well, apart from the usual excitement of the Ballet world (a constant thrill, trust me!) we can all indulge in some delicious, decadent afternoon tea in a pink-themed setting - just imagine a pink teacup, matching pink cake, a pink scone, and you dressed in pink, of course - heaven! Let's toast to this fabulous period with a delightful pink-tinted moment!
But until then, my lovelies, keep twirling, keep dreaming, and remember - a pink tutu is always the perfect accessory, for any era. Happy #TutuTuesday!
Yours in Pink and Tulle,
Emma
(This post is not a factual historical account and should be taken as a creative interpretation through the voice of a fictional character)
