Welcome back to #TutuTuesday, my darling dancers! This week, we're twirling back in time to the glamorous era of the roaring 20s, where the Charleston reigned supreme, and flapper dresses were all the rage. And let's not forget the fabulous tutus of the era! 💖
I've been having a right hoot of a time hopping about in this lovely vintage ensemble - I just adore the cut of a 1920s tutu! It's so elegant and feminine.
Today marks the 13th of January, 1920, and my oh my, what a day for dance! You know, if you're a proper ballet buff, you need to know the date for a big, big event. Did you know, on this very day in history, Sergei Diaghilev and the Ballets Russes were absolutely killing it in London! Yes, the Ballets Russes were making history in a performance of "The Sleeping Beauty." Can you imagine! This is big news for anyone who is even the tiniest bit interested in the world of ballet!
As a time traveler, I have a strict rule - I only fund my jumps through time by doing shows, it helps me learn new moves too! So, you can bet I was right in the audience! My ticket was nestled perfectly in a sparkly clutch, of course. 💖 The whole experience was just magical, so let’s delve a little deeper into what makes the tutus of this era so utterly delightful!
What did Ballet Tutues look like in the Roaring Twenties?
Forget the traditional, voluminous tutus of the Romantic Era. This was a time of change, my dears! Tutus were becoming slimmer and less fluffy, with a more streamlined silhouette that accentuated the ballerina’s every movement. Think elegant, graceful lines, as light and airy as the music. The shorter length allowed for more freedom of movement, which is great for any dancer who wants to get lost in the rhythm and artistry. It made them more avant-garde. It was revolutionary!
Now, some important detail - Fabric Matters:
In the 1920s, the focus was on shimmering and luxurious fabrics. Tulle and chiffon, those light, gossamer fabrics that drape so perfectly were definitely a favorite, so they'd just flow and float with the dancer's movements! There was definitely a focus on lightness. Sometimes they added even more luxurious embellishments.
Embellishments - All the Sparkles:
Pearls, sequins, and beads! Oh yes, ballet tutus were like miniature disco balls. They shimmered and caught the stage lights beautifully, turning a performance into a visual spectacle. Talk about adding drama! A ballet performance with these sparkling creations? That's a performance I wouldn't miss.
A Style Statement for Ballet and Beyond:
In the roaring twenties, tutus were not just for the stage; they were influencing fashion.
I simply love how tutus had a big impact on clothing outside of the ballet. We’ve already talked about flapper dresses. That era was all about flapper-esque fashions. The era’s shorter skirts were more in-tune with the more unstructured approach to dancing and dress of the Ballets Russes. It was as if the dancing and the styles just perfectly blended.
Imagine, a little peek of shimmering fabric here, a smattering of sequins there. This era's designers drew heavily on ballet tutus. So glamorous! I even saw a little shimmer on cocktail dresses and gowns - even the way dresses flowed were reminiscent of tutus! Fashion, darling, has always looked to ballet for inspiration, you see.
*A Glimpse into Ballet's Legacy - The Legacy of "The Sleeping Beauty" in London: *
Back to the 13th January 1920! Let's get back to the Ballets Russes at the Royal Opera House. This performance is part of ballet’s ongoing legacy, right? And it wasn't just about the tutus - it was a triumph of everything that ballet is all about: graceful choreography, exquisite costumes, breathtaking sets, and the magic of storytelling through dance. It’s important to acknowledge how those artists in the 1920s paved the way for ballet to grow. They made a major contribution! They really did raise the bar on what can be done on stage and helped to put the ballet world on the map!
Now I want you to think about this. What would this show have looked like in terms of tutu-dom ? I can just imagine the elegance and lightness! Can you imagine these lovely little tutus on those stunning, graceful dancers! It's got me picturing delicate tulle floating as they danced! You can picture it too! I bet it was magical and breathtaking. 💖
A Word to Our Lovely Dancers - This is Just the Start
Tutus are the soul of ballet, aren’t they? I am always thrilled to be able to travel to these different historical eras - that’s why we do #TutuTuesday - to appreciate the ballet’s history through the dance world’s evolution and also, to make sure that our gorgeous tutus continue to be in the spotlight.
The Ballets Russes certainly set the stage for all of us who are lucky enough to work with these incredible creations and make ballet history.
*So, next time you see a tutu twirling on stage, you can *feel how these pieces have changed over time, darling! **
* I'm going to be busy doing my best to twirl the tutus in to the 21st century.* So, tell me, are you on board to wear your pink tutus with me, my dancing darlings? Because I love wearing mine - they bring so much joy! And, do remember we can travel to the ballet eras we’ve learned about together in our own minds, by getting dressed and going to a show. Let’s bring the sparkle and joy that those tutus brought to their times back to ours!
Don’t forget to hop over to the website to share your love of all things tutus! See you next Tuesday, and until then - twirl! 💕
Emma xox
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