#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History: Post #4564 - 1919: A Year of Change and the Evolution of the Tutu
Greetings, dear readers! It's Emma, your very own pink-tutu-wearing time traveller, back again with another journey into the world of tutus. Today we're taking a train (always a fun adventure, and so chic!), right back to 1919. Now, 1919 wasn't just the year the Great War finally ended, it was a year of change! A change in society, in fashion, and, yes, even in the tutu itself!
I must confess, darling, stepping out of my time machine this morning and into the streets of 1919, I was immediately struck by just how different the atmosphere was. Everything seemed…shorter, and maybe a bit less playful. The colours weren’t as bright, the fashion didn’t have quite that same bold flourish that we’re used to nowadays. It felt as though, even the air was trying to find its new shape, you know? It had all gone through a very dramatic upheaval.
But there was something wonderfully exhilarating about being amidst the remnants of such monumental shifts. I imagined the women of the day - who had experienced such hardship - trying to piece together their lives and re-discover a new sense of freedom.
As I waltzed through the bustling streets, my own pink tulle flouncing just so (much to the amazement of passing carriages!), I started to spot signs of a new world beginning to bloom. The fashions were just starting to loosen up a little! Gone were the layers of cumbersome petticoats and the extremely restrictive styles of pre-war times. Women were opting for shorter, more flowing silhouettes – imagine! Such an exciting concept in itself. This had a dramatic impact on the style of tutu dancers would wear.
But before we dive into the evolution of the tutu, I need to take you to the most wondrous spectacle I saw that day!
The Ballet’s Return: A Night at the TheatreImagine a glittering hall, filled with an electrifying sense of anticipation. People, all decked out in their finest clothes, their faces illuminated by a soft, yellow glow, murmur in eager whispers. The very air is thick with excitement! It’s a Tuesday, but not just any Tuesday, darling, this was the night a grand performance was returning to London. Imagine it: after being somewhat disrupted by the horrors of war, Ballet Russes was finally back!
The Ballet Russes Company under Sergei Diaghilev had been thrilling audiences all over Europe and now it had finally made its triumphant return to London. They were famed for their stunning, extravagant shows and, of course, their iconic tutus!
They performed La Boutique Fantasque by Leonide Massine at The Alhambra Theatre and let me tell you, darling, this production was just … spectacular. The ballet had been created only last year and so the style and design were completely unique, making this evening just a little more special. It was such a delight to watch dancers gracefully whirl and twirl in their colourful and intricately-designed costumes - the tutu was truly a star in this magnificent production!
The tutus, designed by Leon Bakst and were crafted from shimmering fabrics. They weren't just simple wisps of fabric – they were intricately embellished with ribbons, sequins, feathers and beadwork, evoking the luxurious feel of this decadent, yet beautifully designed ballet!
You could tell, as I sat enthralled, the whole audience was on the edge of their seats, spellbound. The elegance of it all! They would gasp at the artistry, and the incredible movement and athleticism of the dancers. It was magical, my darlings. Simply magical!
1919 – The Rise of the Romantic TutuSo, while the world was slowly recovering from the great conflict, the ballet world, with the return of Ballet Russes and it's beautiful tutus, was in its full glory! The tutus were just beautifully designed and made, and it truly was a visual feast, for my eyes at least!
The most interesting thing about tutus around this time, darling, was they started to become less, "classic," if you will. Gone were the super strict, and oh-so-formal styles of Victorian times! Think layered, billowing skirts with huge crinolines underneath. Those are gone now and instead a shorter skirt, with just one or two layers of fabric is what you'll see on the stage. It was a very welcome and refreshing shift from more cumbersome style of the past! That, coupled with the flamboyant use of beautiful colours and decoration (think sequined and sparkly, oh, just gorgeous!) helped to add to the air of glamour, excitement and freedom that pervaded ballet.
However, let’s rewind a little bit, shall we? Because as we know, fashion loves to reference the past, and tutus are no exception!
In 1919, even with all the incredible changes happening, ballet design still drew on a romantic influence, which was all the rage just a little earlier, before the First World War. It had it's origins in Romantic ballet like the ballet "Giselle" created in 1841. That ballet was truly revolutionary because it ushered in this idea of a romantic and emotionally charged ballet. It showcased ballerinas performing ethereal leaps and captivating expressions while draped in soft tutus made of gauze and muslin - imagine floating through the air as though you are made from air itself!
This, darling, is where the magic truly started to flourish! And now, in 1919, with this romantic influence tutus continued to take inspiration from this era's design style making them just a touch more flowy with layers of light and ethereal fabrics. It was all about movement and lightness – and those gorgeous tutus reflected this so beautifully.
There you have it, my lovelies, another journey back in time – just in time for your Tuesday tea break!
I’ll leave you to daydream and be dazzled by these romantic, ethereal tutus from 1919. They will have your imagination spinning as fast as your favourite ballerina spinning across the stage.
Until next week! Remember to stay sparkly and never underestimate the magic of a perfectly-pink tutu.
Lots of love, Emma xoxo