#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1919-01-07

Bonjour, my darlings! Welcome back to www.pink-tutu.com, where every day is a chance to celebrate the beauty of the tutu! It's a positively delightful Tuesday, and you know what that means - another captivating delve into the history of our beloved ballet fashion. Today we're taking a time-travelling trip back to January 7th, 1919, a date bursting with a glorious, early 20th century charm that still has me twirling with excitement.

Now, as a fashionista who’s passionate about pink tutus (it’s my life mission to get everyone in one, after all!), I often travel through time, my love of ballet fueling my passion for exploring history. And where better to begin our adventure than Paris, the very heart of haute couture! This trip was made especially magical because it involved the train. Oh, I do love a good train journey! The rhythmic chug-chug of the carriage and the charming bustle of fellow passengers always put me in such a happy mood. I felt like a princess embarking on a whimsical adventure - with a dash of ballet elegance, naturally!

My travels always inspire me, especially when I get to witness firsthand the changing trends and inspirations behind the elegant tutu. Today, I want to talk about how these creations are evolving - we're seeing them become even more expressive, even more graceful!

The early 20th century saw a shift in the ballet world, thanks to a troupe that brought a vibrant energy and a dramatic flair to the stage: the Ballets Russes.

Imagine, darling, the Parisian Opera House lit up by the electrifying energy of a production. It was sheer magic! They dared to push the boundaries of what was deemed acceptable, showcasing the beautiful dynamism of dance in a way that enthralled audiences. It's no surprise that Diaghilev, the visionary impresario behind the Ballets Russes, commissioned incredible designs, revolutionising not just dance itself but the world of costumes.

These innovative designers like Bakst, Benois, and Goncharova took inspiration from a vast spectrum of cultures – from the shimmering world of ancient Egypt to the striking art deco styles of the 1920s – and created visually captivating designs that celebrated the beauty and dynamism of the human body. The era brought a departure from the rigid, classic ballet tutus, replacing them with designs that echoed these eclectic influences. They used shimmering fabrics, luxurious silks, and opulent embroidery, incorporating layers and embellishments to create something utterly mesmerising.

On this particular January 7th, 1919, the Ballet Russes had just premiered their Le Sacre du Printemps, a shocking masterpiece that dared to push the limits of classical ballet. Can you imagine, a balletic expression of ancient Slavic pagan rites? It must have been a dramatic experience, the bold angular movements juxtaposed against these revolutionary costume designs!

Think dynamic layers, asymmetrical silhouettes, and colours that boldly declared the dancers' individuality – vibrant reds, deep blues, shimmering golds, and earthy greens. The movement on the stage was fluid, a kaleidoscope of colour and expression that transcended traditional ballet conventions.

Even in the world of theatre fashion, the designs and shapes we were witnessing in this epoch of innovation were a testament to a brave and artistic spirit that made this era so special.

Oh, and we simply can't talk about the early 20th century ballet costumes without mentioning Paris, the undisputed queen of fashion. It was the place to be for any aspiring fashionista, for anyone who wanted to be at the very heart of haute couture. Paris was alive with the artistic energy of artists like Picasso, artists who embraced bold geometric forms and vibrant colour palettes.

We saw these innovative design choices translate onto the stages of the Parisian opera houses. There were dramatic silhouettes that swooped and flowed, with cascading layers of fabric and delicate embellishments - just imagine beautiful beading and embroidery!

The costumes mirrored this vibrant artistic revolution, becoming even more expressive, capturing the very essence of dance. Think shimmering sheer fabrics, like a symphony of light, delicate lace, and lavish, sweeping movements on stage. It was simply sublime!

The early 20th century was a truly extraordinary era for ballet fashion, bringing together the creativity and boldness of the Ballet Russes with the exquisite craftsmanship of Paris. These were not merely costumes; they were works of art in motion, a perfect harmony of movement and style!

It's a lovely little detail that in this era, these styles also took a turn towards the everyday, filtering through to fashionable women on the streets. Can you imagine, my lovelies? We saw a subtle yet enchanting shift in women’s fashions that echoed the elegance and fluidity of the costumes from Parisian theatres.

We started seeing a daring mix of classic and modern – it was the most wonderful combination. Think about this, silhouettes became more slender, hemlines shortened (although it must be said that tutus always remain elegantly floor-length!), and bold patterns emerged, influenced by art and the theatre.

One of my favourite design developments I noticed on my travels is the delightful prominence of pink – I am simply so thrilled! Perhaps you've observed the resurgence of this delectable hue across everything, from the fashion magazines to the ladies' outfits! It's an absolute treat for the eyes, darling! It’s so captivatingly stylish, evoking an enchanting energy. It’s certainly one of my absolute favourite colours, and I wouldn't be surprised if it continues to enchant the world of ballet fashion in the years to come!

As always, I hope this exploration of the wonderful world of ballet tutu history has brought a smile to your face. Stay tuned next Tuesday, my loves, for more enchanting adventures in time, and remember - there’s a pink tutu waiting for every woman, just waiting to be discovered! And don’t forget to visit us here at www.pink-tutu.com – we have the most amazing, fashionable, and fun tutus waiting for you!

With love and twirls,

Emma xxx

P.S. It wouldn't be a #TutuTuesday without sharing some photos, would it? Take a look at these fantastic pictures of Parisian street style in 1919, showing the gorgeous influence of theatre design on fashion – it is all so inspiring! I just love that stylish shift away from the more traditional corseted silhouettes – just as ballet tutus gave way to a new age of movement. It’s all just so beautiful!

[Image of stylish Parisian women on a sunny, tree-lined Parisian street, showing a selection of women’s clothes influenced by contemporary stage design and including a little nod to the colours of ballet].