#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1920-01-06

Hello lovelies! It's Emma here, your resident tutu-obsessed time traveller, ready to whisk you away to the enchanting world of ballet history. Today, we're hopping on the train, a journey taking us back to 6 January 1920, right into the heart of the dazzling Belle Époque era.

Now, I have to tell you, stepping into this time is like waltzing onto the stage of a lavish opera. The energy is electric, the fashion is oh-so-refined, and the air hums with a joie de vivre that's truly infectious. As a fellow Derbyshire lass, you can bet I feel right at home! But what about tutus, you ask? Well, let me take you on a whirl through the elegant, feathered, and yes, slightly less pink-tinted world of ballet fashion from 1920.

Firstly, it’s worth remembering that the tutu as we know it, the multi-layered, romantic wisp of tulle, is still a bit of a newbie on the scene. Ballet in the 1920s was still transitioning from the grand, corseted elegance of the 19th century. Think layered silk and lace, often weighing down ballerinas like tiny little birds trying to take flight.

Thankfully, 1920 saw a bit of a rebellion in ballet fashion, with a shift towards lighter, more fluid fabrics. Gone were the restrictive layers of undergarments, replaced by delicate silk, chiffon, and the occasional bit of tulle – yes, tutus were starting to take their rightful place! It’s almost like they were catching up with the energy and innovation of the wider fashion scene, where skirts were getting shorter and silhouettes were getting sleeker.

And let's not forget about the style. Imagine your classic ballerina, but now sprinkle in some Art Deco glamour. Geometric lines are incorporated into costumes, with sharp angles and clean edges defining the silhouette. Think of a striking silver fabric with a bold black outline, a hint of metallic embellishment - all with an ethereal, otherworldly glow! This trend even manifested in the ballerina's hair - short bobs were popular, sometimes accented with dazzling tiaras or feathered combs.

Of course, some traditions endure, and the white tutus remained a classic for ballets like “Swan Lake.” Imagine a swan lake of 1920. Think flowing white silks instead of billowing tulle, perhaps a touch of pearl embellishment to echo the glistening water, and a touch of pastel blue around the edges.

We are right at the centre of a beautiful Parisian ballet boom. Imagine it - cobblestone streets lined with grand opera houses, a kaleidoscope of pastel dresses rustling in the air, a scent of exquisite perfume lingering in the cafes. Now imagine a stage lit by flickering candlelight, shimmering costumes under the watchful eyes of an adoring audience - pure magic!

Paris was the epicentre of the ballet world then. We’ve got renowned ballets like Diaghilev's Ballets Russes thriving. There are famous ballerinas like Anna Pavlova (such poise, such grace! Her performances had a unique lightness and lyrical quality) and Tamara Karsavina. Every performance would be a social event – the perfect place to be seen, to witness beauty, and to feel that indescribable thrill of the performance.

I wouldn’t trade being at a performance on this date for the world! To get there, you'd hop on a grand steam train, with plush velvet seats and elegant passengers sipping champagne. The anticipation of arriving in Paris, smelling the salty air, the energy pulsing around the theatre, it's just electric.

As a passionate dancer myself, imagine the pure excitement of watching such virtuosity! And the outfits - imagine the beautiful creations of fashion icons like Paul Poiret, with his iconic 'robe de style' gowns. They were dramatic, almost like flowing sculpture. But oh my, wouldn't they be glorious in shades of pink?!

On January 6th, 1920, many things were happening in the world: the American prohibition was going strong, Gandhi led the famous Salt March for Indian Independence. There were other fascinating cultural events, like a new play called ‘A Man From Tomorrow' opening on this date. Oh how I wish I could see this too! I can imagine a charming love story with clever dialogue and beautiful set designs, oh, the drama!

But for us, our world is one of swirling silks, and delicate tutus. The ballet world is abuzz with this new trend, towards light, elegant movements. The emphasis is moving away from technical perfection and towards emotional storytelling and artistry. A touch of poetry, if you will!

So, lovely ladies (and gentlemen, I hope you’re still with me! It’s not all pink frills around here!), as I hop back on the train and bid farewell to 1920, I'm leaving you with this challenge. Find yourself a piece of beautiful pink tulle. A ribbon, a scarf, even a lovely vintage tablecloth - a flash of pink can add a touch of sparkle and delight to any outfit! We might not be dancing with Pavlova herself, but we can add a little ballet magic to our everyday lives! Let’s show everyone that even a little bit of tutu can inspire elegance and a hint of joy!

That's all from your friendly neighborhood pink tutu enthusiast! Tune in next Tuesday for more fabulous #TutuTuesday adventures, as we travel through time together. Don't forget to head over to www.pink-tutu.com to share your pink tutu creations with us! Love always, Emma xoxo