Hello my darlings! It's Emma here, back with another dose of tutu history for your Tuesday morning. Today, we're doing a little time-warp to December 30th, 1919, just as the Roaring Twenties are kicking off! Now, imagine this: the world's still buzzing about the end of the Great War, flappers are rocking their short bobs, and dancing is all the rage. Where else would a girl like me be but right here, in the heart of Paris, the city where elegance and fashion collide!
Today, I'm wearing the most exquisite pink tutu, one that would have even the most fashion-forward Parisian flapper swooning. Think soft silk tulle, layers upon layers, finished with a sparkling diamanté embellishment at the waist – sheer perfection!
Speaking of Parisian flappers, did you know they were HUGE on the Charleston? This super energetic dance was the move for all the stylish women in the 1920s, and even the tutu got a little flapperfied, with shorter, wider styles made popular by the American dancer, Ruth St. Denis who also invented a form of dance now called ‘Oriental dance’ and performed ‘Indian Dance.’ And wouldn't you know it? This year, 1919, marks her return to New York! You see, those fashion icons know where to find inspiration. Just like my fabulous pink tutu inspires me to bring a touch of magic and joy to my every step.
But don't let me forget about the ballet part of my Tuesday tutu tour!
Of course, the Parisian ballet was also making waves in 1919! We saw the incredible Diaghilev's Ballets Russes taking the world by storm. Can you believe they brought the exotic, beautiful, and fantastical world of ballet to the West?! Just like the flappers loved their new Charleston, this daring and expressive style of dance captured the hearts of theatre-goers everywhere. I bet I could find myself right in the middle of a performance if I knew where to look…perhaps later, when I'm finished with my shopping spree in the elegant department stores here in the City of Lights.
Remember those gorgeous French designers? They weren't just focused on frocks! These artistic souls also loved collaborating with ballet. You see, the early 1900s were a big deal for costume design – tutus were becoming more detailed and creative, just like the choreography itself! Now, while a classic pink tutu is always a good choice (because let's face it, it's a timeless classic!), designers started making tutus with stunning embroidery, intricate ribbons, and dazzling feathers to bring life to their creations. Imagine the impact they would have in a dark theatre!
To be honest, it's no wonder ballet costumes caught the eye of those fashionable flappers – their love for bright colors, extravagant decorations, and short, sassy styles was a perfect match for the new era of expressive dance! You see, tutu fashion evolved alongside society’s embrace of bold, fun fashion. Think bright fabrics, metallics, even tassels! (Those tassels look super fashionable on a tutu, wouldn’t you say?)
It’s all about embracing a bold attitude with our tutu. Just like these fashionable ladies embracing their Charleston! In a way, they are dancing to their own tune, breaking the traditional dance patterns and creating their own moves and expressing themselves. That, my friends, is the very soul of the tutu – the ability to embody freedom of expression, confidence, and the pure joy of movement!
But let's take a quick step back. In this era, ballet tutus are all about being light and airy to allow for graceful movements and magnificent leaps! We're talking layers upon layers of tulle to create that billowing, graceful look - the picture of ballet elegance. A beautiful ballerina soaring through the air! Imagine the delight the audiences feel as they watch the intricate, dazzling choreography of the time!
Oh, I’m in my happy place – a fashion and ballet bubble of the 1920s! Where everyone’s a little bit glamorous, everyone dances their heart out, and all the tutus are fluttering in shades of pink and white! Let's bring a bit of this joyous era into our everyday life by wearing a pink tutu, shall we? Let's wear pink! And make the world a bit brighter!
Before I jet off to a performance – perhaps to a Parisienne cabaret – I’ve got some extra time travelling I need to do – to my next shopping trip, of course. Let’s meet again next week. I have a feeling you’ll be seeing me strutting about in some more amazing vintage-inspired tutus then. Don't forget to join me next Tuesday for another delightful trip through time on the Pink Tutu Blog. Until then, wear a pink tutu – and live your life with confidence, elegance, and tutu joy!
