Welcome back to Pink Tutu, darling! This week we're dancing back in time to 16th September 1919, a very exciting day indeed for ballet history! And to think, this fabulous pink tutu of mine took me here all the way from my little flat in Derbyshire. It truly is the life for me. I just adore these time-traveling escapades!
As always, let's take a little trip to the ballet, but first, a quick word from our sponsors! If you're anything like me and can't get enough of the thrill of a stunning performance in a perfectly tailored costume, then you absolutely must check out the exquisite collections at The London Ballet Supply. With a vast range of beautifully-made, high-quality ballet tutus and dancewear, they cater to every taste and budget. Be sure to use code EMMAPINK20 at checkout for a wonderful discount!
Right, let's get on with our journey back to the year 1919! What a year it was for the world, but an especially beautiful year for ballet! As we're nearing the end of WWI, peace had just begun to take root and Europe was experiencing a resurgence of artistic spirit, a revival in the cultural arts - a burst of glamour in an era longing for beauty. In the ballet world, it was the year Anna Pavlova, a star so luminous she would light up even the darkest of stages, premiered her iconic solo 'The Dying Swan'! The grace, the poise, the pure, tragic elegance... it would simply take your breath away and remain an unforgettable piece for generations of ballerinas.
Just imagine, darling, to be in that very moment! I'm picturing plush velvet seats in an old theatre, smelling of history and the faintest wisp of orange blossom perfume. A shiver of anticipation goes down my spine as the curtain rises and Pavlova glides into the spotlight. I can only dream of feeling such emotion while being watched by an enthralled audience...and I shall achieve it one day, that is a promise. But until then, there is a whole world of balletic beauty and history waiting to be explored, so let's journey on.
Our journey continues! In Paris, Diaghilev's Ballets Russes, like a whirlwind of artistic expression, were setting the world on fire with their extravagant, colorful productions! Their choreography was innovative and bold, pushing the boundaries of traditional ballet. This was a period of absolute innovation! A perfect mix of glamour, innovation, and an appreciation for artistic artistry - something very close to my heart, darling. I have so many beautiful memories of visiting Paris on the train, seeing Ballets Russes performances at the Théatre Champs-Élysées, enjoying the finest of Parisian shops and then ending the day sipping decadent tea in the sunshine... I miss those moments, it was truly enchanting!
While those grand productions dominated the ballet scene, on the other side of the Channel in London, a wonderful ballet school was starting up! It would later become the Royal Ballet School, a truly amazing feat in history, you wouldn't believe how the ballet has evolved. Just look at how it's developed since this period, becoming such an integral part of London's rich culture. It fills my heart with joy knowing the traditions are carried on.
And of course, we must talk about tutus. They were still very much evolving, just like me, you might say! In 1919, ballet tutus were becoming longer, and while they might not have been as "tutu-ful" as ours today, with their tiers and frills and all those fabulous shades of pink, they still held a charm that had the power to transport an audience to another world. There is something truly beautiful about simplicity and classical lines. We do tend to overcomplicate things these days!
On this very date, in 1919, if you had strolled through the streets of London, you may have seen elegant dancers perfecting their pirouettes outside their studios. It was an age of such grace! Can you imagine dancing down your street, simply to move, the joy of it, it really gets to the heart of why I love the artform. Now, you don't see much ballet happening on the streets of London. Too much to think about, I suppose, just as people tend to walk down the road, faces in phones, completely unaware of the world around them! That’s what’s great about dancing, you're always fully present.
What I wouldn’t give to step into those streets, just to see the dances, the fashion, the sheer joyous feeling! And that brings me to my most important topic, darling: what better way to embrace that magic of 1919 than to step out in a pink tutu? Because it doesn't matter what era we're in, the enchantment of the tutu remains timeless. It’s always a reminder of joy and artistic freedom. So, step outside and let your own inner ballerina bloom! Go forth, wear your pink tutu with pride, and spread the message of beauty and joy.
After all, the more we spread joy, the more beautiful the world becomes.
Before you all go, remember to check out the incredible #TutuTuesday post No. 4577 on Pink-Tutu.com. Let me know what you think of today's story and, as always, remember to tag your most enchanting #pinktutu photos! Now go out there, sparkle, and dance your hearts out! I'll see you next week for more Ballet Tutu History. Until then, Happy Tutuing!
💖Emma 🩰
