Hello my darling tutu-lovers! Emma here, back with another edition of your weekly dose of tutu history! It’s #TutuTuesday and I’m absolutely bubbling with excitement because today we’re whisking you back to 1919.
Now, picture it: The air is buzzing with post-war excitement. Women are shedding their long, cumbersome skirts, embracing freedom, and discovering the magic of the short skirt! A glorious era, I say, with dresses practically daring to skim the knees. 💃
It’s no surprise then that ballet is on the rise! This new, daring short-skirt trend mirrors the way dancers were beginning to move with an unprecedented sense of fluidity and lightness, discarding the heavy, restrictive garments of the past.
I, of course, was right there in the thick of it, my pink tutu swirling in delight at every performance! Oh, I’ve got some fabulous memories from those Parisian salons. You simply have to wear your best, most flamboyant attire to a ballet back then! Think dazzling feather boas, stunning tiaras, and fabulous gowns shimmering with beading and sparkle.
And on this particular day, the 8th of July, 1919, oh darling, something utterly magical happened! Sergei Diaghilev - the most innovative and inspiring man of the time, you know – he debuted the incredible “The Sleeping Beauty" at the Royal Opera House in London!
Now, everyone knows about the elegance and grandeur of Tchaikovsky's music for the ballet - you just have to get swept away by the beautiful waltz melodies, so graceful and flowing like a ballerina's movement! It's simply magical. And to witness it at the Royal Opera House in 1919? Simply divine! The decor is dazzling - with plush velvet seating, breathtaking chandeliers and even a hint of gilded detailing on the stage. Elegance personified!
Of course, I had to see this premiere for myself. And what a treat! Anna Pavlova – oh, the epitome of ballerina grace, just glorious in her elegant leaps and enchanting arabesques - took the lead role, and I’m telling you, she brought tears to my eyes with her poignant portrayal of the sleeping princess. Simply exquisite!
Just imagine, darling, watching Anna Pavlova glide across that stage with the exquisite grace and power of a real life fairy, while beautiful music fills your ears, vibrant costuming sparkles before your eyes, and the atmosphere is simply electrifying… sigh… you really haven't lived until you've seen real magic unfold like that on stage!
Now, about these tutus… I’ve got a delightful tidbit for you! In 1919, tutus were more than just beautiful and graceful… they were groundbreaking! You see, designers were moving away from the bulky, stiff styles of the past. Instead, they were embracing lightweight fabrics, and daring to showcase the beauty of the female form, much like how women embraced fashion at the time! It was all about expressing freedom, femininity, and effortless beauty. And just as the short skirt was taking the world by storm, so were our lovely tutus! They had to be shorter, more fluid, and most definitely pink! 😉
You see, it's like the ballet and the fashion world are completely intertwined! It's not just about looking good, it’s about feeling good, empowering yourself through beautiful dance, and expressing your unique personality!
You can definitely see this passion for dancing and graceful movement reflected in the everyday clothes women were wearing! I saw some of the most fantastic outfits with skirts that practically danced as the women moved about! I'm sure it was incredibly liberating and oh, so fashionable! It was all about feeling strong and beautiful, ready to take on the world. That's exactly how ballet makes me feel - free, confident, and ready to show off my own version of magic.
It's just brilliant, really. You know, ballet really was at the forefront of fashionable movement. The way those beautiful ballerinas moved, they were creating trends with their every pirouette! The fluidity of their skirts and the way they danced all seemed to reflect the new energy that was in the air back in 1919.
After this spectacular event, I just had to find a souvenir to mark the occasion. And you'll never guess what! I found a wonderful antique shop, stuffed with beautiful things and delightful old trinkets. And, wouldn't you know it, there nestled among the porcelain dolls and dusty vintage books was the most beautiful pink tutu, adorned with intricate lace and a touch of rhinestones, just waiting for me!
I snagged that beauty for a steal, you bet! It's my favourite piece and now you can even see it displayed in my very own "Pink Tutu" boutique, right here in my Derbyshire home. But now, I think it's time for me to go get some of those lovely pink macarons at the Parisian boulangerie near the opera house! They really are the best!
Speaking of, wouldn't you like to join me? Why don't you come on a little adventure with me? You never know where a tutu will take you! Until next time, my darlings, remember to stay curious and always have a pink tutu on hand, ready to capture any delightful adventures that may come your way.
Lots of love and happy twirls!
Emma 💖
P.S. Don't forget to share your thoughts! I love hearing from you! Leave your comments below.
P.P.S. You can follow my ballet and fashion journey on www.pink-tutu.com ! I post new blog entries every Tuesday, so keep your eyes peeled for exciting #TutuTuesday content! This was post #4567. See you soon, darlings! 💖
(Emma is travelling back in time again next Tuesday! But before she goes, don’t forget to share this article on your socials and join the #TutuTuesday movement! I’d love to see your pink tutu looks - share them with me using the #pinktutu hashtag.)
