Hello, my lovelies! It's Emma here, back again from my time travelling adventures to bring you another delicious slice of #TutuTuesday!
Oh my, can you believe we've already reached August? The days are getting shorter, the air is turning crisper, and the autumn leaves are beginning to shimmer like jewels scattered on the ground. I am absolutely in love with this time of year! It's the perfect time to snuggle up in a warm jumper, grab a steaming cuppa, and lose yourself in a good book - or, better yet, lose yourself in the wonderful world of ballet!
Speaking of which, my darling dears, prepare yourselves for a journey back to a truly magnificent era! Today, we're diving headfirst into the world of ballet in 1919, a time when tutus were making their grand entrance into a brand new decade!
The Twenties - An Era of Fashion Forward Flapper Fun!
Oh, the roaring twenties! It was a period of unprecedented change and dynamism, reflected not only in society and culture but also in the world of fashion. Gone were the corseted silhouettes and rigid structures of the past. Women were embracing new forms of freedom, expressing themselves through looser, flowing silhouettes that emphasised movement and fluidity.
And, of course, let's not forget the iconic flapper dress! Short, sassy, and with a penchant for fringe, these daring dresses embodied the spirit of the era, marking a radical shift from the traditional long gowns.
And, wouldn't you know it, darling? Ballet, that most beautiful and expressive art form, was reflecting these changes right along!
Tutu Transformations!
Back in the 19th century, the classic romantic tutu, with its full, tiered layers and a dramatic bouffant, was the reigning queen of ballet. It was like a graceful, swirling cloud, floating around the stage in a glorious blur of movement.
But, with the dawning of the 20s, the tutu started undergoing some serious transformations! We saw the arrival of the tutu a la Francaise, a streamlined and modern adaptation of the traditional tutu. This new style featured a more slender shape, fewer tiers, and often incorporated the famous "French waist", cinched in tight with ribbons or elastic to create an even more alluring and dramatic silhouette.
The tutu a la Francaise became the epitome of chic, reflecting the era's move towards streamlined and minimalist design. This revolutionary style championed the beauty of line and fluidity, allowing dancers to move with more freedom and grace. Imagine a shimmering fabric ribbon, winding its way around a graceful dancer's body!
Let's Go to the Ballet!
Last week, I had the most fabulous time travelling to Paris! The city was alive with the spirit of the Twenties! Imagine a cityscape buzzing with art deco architecture, dapper gentlemen in stylish suits, and fashionable ladies decked out in cloche hats and glittering flapper dresses.
I simply couldn't resist a trip to the Palais Garnier Opera House. This magnificent edifice was a feast for the eyes! And let me tell you, darling, a visit to a ballet performance back then was the ultimate social event. Think elaborate costumes, elaborate sets, and elaborate gowns! The most stylish members of Parisian society were there, their eyes shimmering with excitement as the dancers moved across the stage!
That night, I saw a production of Giselle, which featured a spectacular use of the tutu a la Francaise. The graceful ballerinas floated around the stage, each pirouette and arabesque an exquisite testament to the art of dance! The romantic story and the heart-stopping beauty of the ballet left me utterly mesmerized, and it’s a memory that will always hold a special place in my heart!
Pink Tutus & Time Travel
And speaking of my heart, it's absolutely bursting with love for all things tutu! My favourite color is pink, you know, and that soft, romantic shade is perfect for creating the most stunning tutus! It's like a gentle cloud of colour, floating on a stage or twirling on a street!
As for my time travelling, well, it's not always easy being a time travelling tutu enthusiast. But it's worth it for the chance to see the evolution of the tutu and share those stories with you! I fund my adventures through my passion for ballet - performing in shows in different time periods is actually a really good source of income. I love travelling by train - I just sit back, admire the changing landscape, and let my imagination run wild.
Stay Tuned!
Well, my darlings, that's all for today! Thank you for joining me on this journey back in time. Next week, we'll be journeying even further back in history, delving into the tutus of the late 19th century. You don't want to miss that!
In the meantime, don't forget to wear your pink tutus, darling! It's a fashion statement for all time!
See you next week for another #TutuTuesday!
Lots of Love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
