Hello my darling dears! It's Emma here, your trusty pink tutu-clad time traveller, back with another peek into the captivating history of the ballet tutu! I've just popped out of my time machine (the lovely little Victorian carriage that's always up for an adventure, by the way!) and landed smack-dab in the middle of 1919. Honestly, the fashion here is divine!
And guess what? On January 21st, 1919, a rather spectacular thing happened. It wasn't just the gorgeous weather (crisp, sunny and perfect for a stroll in a pink tutu, let me tell you) but a rather important performance at the legendary Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. We're talking about none other than Anna Pavlova, a ballerina with a stage presence as ethereal as a moonbeam and movements that are quite simply divine!
Now, you might be thinking, "Emma, we know Pavlova, the lady with the most magnificent Swan Lake and her exquisite Dying Swan." You are absolutely right! But I must say, this date marks a rather interesting milestone: it’s the day Anna Pavlova made history. This day, darling readers, marks her first performance with her own company – The Pavlova Company.
This is big, dears! Think about it. A ballerina so loved and so celebrated, she can make her own dance company, travel the world with it, and enthrall audiences with her beautiful movements and storytelling on stage. And you know what makes it even better? I got to see her perform! Right there in that magical Théâtre du Châtelet! It was absolutely phenomenal. Honestly, I wish I could show you. I’ve never seen dancing so pure and beautiful, my darlings!
But, enough about the enchanting Anna Pavlova (for now, at least). Today, I’m all about those gorgeous tutus! So let’s dive in to the ballet tutu history from the year 1919.
1919: A Turning Point in Ballet Tutu Fashion
This year marks a change in the dance world, my dears, and the tutu itself is changing with it!
Think back to the early days – the 19th century when romantic ballerinas were draped in billowing tutus and light as air gaze skirts. It was all about ethereal beauty, dreamy romanticism, and a kind of fragile fragility. But darling, 1919 is about movement!
Ballet is becoming increasingly dynamic and exciting – more powerful, more grounded, and let’s face it, a bit more, erm, daring. Gone is the soft romanticism of Giselle. Now, it’s time for the energy and movement of Scheherazade by the incomparable Michel Fokine! And how could such dramatic moves be possible in the voluminous tutus of the previous era? It just wouldn’t do, dear friends.
What are these dramatic ballerinas dancing in? Let’s have a look. The change in the look of the ballet tutu is just as striking as the shift in style. We’re seeing a whole lot less fabric! This time around, tutus are getting a modern makeover.
Think sleek lines, short tutus that expose those graceful, lovely legs (the longer line is still favoured by Pavlova but you know I’ve always said a touch of skin never hurts!). The cut is now more tailored, like a glamorous sheath of fabric. There are more layering tricks with chiffon and silk netting for a beautiful shimmer and drape. There are daring combinations of fabrics and shapes as these amazing new ballerinas dare to experiment! The tutus in 1919 are a perfect example of a changing style in fashion, reflecting the evolving world. It's less about fluffy skirts and more about precision, control, and expressing the athleticism of these beautiful ballerinas.
I can practically hear you saying, "But Emma, we all love a touch of pink, wouldn't a pink tutu totally complete this picture?!" Oh, you are SO right, dears! If only they'd known what they were missing! Just think of that elegant line of silk netting, swishing across the stage – but in pink? Honestly, it would have been a breathtakingly divine combination of graceful form and colour! Sighs dreamily.
Oh, but wait! I’m already imagining the tutus for the ballerinas who will inspire the world of ballet in the future – all those iconic looks – from Swan Lake to The Nutcracker, Coppelia, Sleeping Beauty and even Giselle and the more daring choreography from the modern ballerinas. Imagine these tutus, in shades of pink. It's a magical thought isn't it?
A Timeless Tale of Style and Grace
1919 is a year that holds a treasure trove of fantastic tutus, but also a crucial moment for how tutus have evolved over the decades. The change is gradual, and just like the amazing fashion houses I see as I travel, sometimes slow and gentle, sometimes like a whirlwind! This isn’t the end of our Tutu Tuesday adventures, dear friends, it’s just the beginning!
I’m so excited to see what future #TutuTuesday posts hold – and what trends will appear as we dance through history! Remember, it’s not just about tutus – it’s about appreciating the beautiful and powerful language of movement. It’s about embracing the artistry and artistry of those wonderful, creative individuals, those fabulous women who push the boundaries and leave audiences breathless. And who knows, maybe with a little inspiration and a dash of pink, we might even see the return of the longer pink tutu for Giselle in a truly captivating, beautiful way. But I’m getting ahead of myself, my darlings.
But before I jet off in my lovely time machine to find my next TutuTuesday inspiration (I’ve got a little side trip planned to Vienna – just to admire a few wonderful garments – don't tell my accountant! He hates these excursions!), remember: there’s always something beautiful and wonderful waiting to be discovered in the world of ballet – and a touch of pink never goes amiss!
Keep twirling, darling dears, and let your own love for the magical world of ballet shine through! And, who knows, maybe you'll even consider a pink tutu! 😉
See you all next week, for another #TutuTuesday,
Yours always, in a sea of pink tutus,
Emma x
