Hello my darling darlings! It's Emma, your resident pink tutu-clad time traveler, back again for another fabulous #TutuTuesday. This week we're twirling our way back to 30th September, 1919, a time when the world was still reeling from the Great War but also looking forward to a brighter future, and the stage, well, it was simply bursting with colour and life!
Now, I don't know about you lovelies, but for me, nothing says "1919" like the stunning creations of the great fashion houses of the time! Think sleek silhouettes, elaborate embellishments, and – you guessed it! – fabulous tutus! The ladies back then were really putting on a show, showcasing bold colours like emerald green and scarlet red, while still embracing the graceful elegance of the era. Oh, to be able to hop into a time machine and browse those grand department stores!
But let's focus on the star of the show, the glorious tutu! Back in 1919, tutus were already a ballet staple, with the classic Romantic tutu being all the rage. We're talking long, billowing skirts made of tulle or silk, perfect for showing off those exquisite leg extensions and graceful leaps! The colours were oh so elegant – soft pinks and creamy whites with maybe a splash of gold or silver embroidery to add a touch of glitz and glamour.
Remember that time I travelled back to the 18th Century? It was all about those fluffy rococo gowns. Those bodices were incredible, and let’s be honest, with my tiny waist, I felt right at home! Oh, how I would love to be a lady back then, twirling in those beautiful, layered tulle creations, the layers whispering and swooshing with every pirouette.
Speaking of twirling, one of the most thrilling events happening on this very date in 1919 was the opening night of "Le Carnaval des Animaux," Camille Saint-Saëns' musical masterpiece! Can you imagine? I just have to get back to see it. Just picture it, my loves - the enchanting music filling the grand opera house, dancers gracefully twirling in their stunning tutus. Now, if only I could see this magnificent ballet in the dress I designed for the 19th Century. That emerald green, with a little touch of silver embroidery, oh it would be magnificent.
Now, here's a bit of trivia for you: in 1919, the first "Nutcracker" performance took place in the United States! Isn't that fabulous? It's just the kind of history-making event that makes me excited to travel through time and see these moments firsthand! Imagine being at the opening night, seeing those stunning costumes, the sugar plum fairies shimmering, the snow fairies flouncing. What a dream! I can just picture them in a whole range of pink tutus with the sweetest touches of snowflakes. Now that would be something to behold.
For you lovely readers who are just discovering the wonders of ballet history, here are a couple of facts about tutus from my extensive research through the ages.
Did you know the classic "Romantic" tutu came about thanks to Marie Taglioni, who, oh my, is one of my ultimate dance icons. In 1832, she stunned audiences in "La Sylphide" wearing a revolutionary shorter, layered tutu that made the dancer appear ethereal and weightless. The image of that light, ethereal look? My dear lovelies, that is what made the tutu famous! And let’s face it, a fluffy, cloud-like tutu can make any dancer feel like they are floating through the air!
Speaking of iconic ballerinas, think of the most breathtaking and elegant costumes we see in ballets like "Swan Lake" and "Giselle," which are a symphony of exquisite detail! And those beautiful, dramatic tutus in "The Sleeping Beauty" are so magical. Oh, my goodness! My heart beats a little faster just thinking about those performances and all those graceful ballerinas swirling in their spectacular outfits! The designers behind these amazing looks deserve a standing ovation, let’s be honest. Who better to appreciate a fine piece of couture?
Here in the 1919s, it was all about grace, movement, and those beautifully shaped silhouettes. While the tutu stayed relatively unchanged from those first romantic years, the rest of the dress transformed and took on some stunning new interpretations! That's why we see such a beautiful spectrum of design, with both the long billowing romantic tutu and its more dramatic shorter sisters (think: the classical "classical" or "platform" tutu). And as I mentioned earlier, there was this burst of incredible colours - jewel tones, rich golds, and elegant pinks!
You know, there's so much I could say about the sheer ingenuity of ballet fashion! I think I might just do a whole post about the rise of ballet dress over time!
But for today, I just wanted to highlight the exquisite detail, the passion, the skill of the women who make the magic of the stage. As always, my darlings, I'm off to enjoy a delightful show, soaking up the dazzling artistry of ballet. Perhaps I'll catch a performance of "Le Carnaval des Animaux" or even a good old-fashioned rendition of "Swan Lake."
I'd love to hear about your own favourite ballet memories in the comments, so leave me a message! What's your dream tutu? Is it a whimsical, multi-layered pink creation, or a graceful, classical piece in a sophisticated black? Do you think pink is the perfect shade for ballet, just as much as I do? Let's talk fashion!
Until next week, may all your tutus be perfectly pink and your lives filled with happy twirls!
Love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com