Greetings, my lovely Tutu Twirlers!
It's Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-clad time-traveler, bringing you another scintillating installment of my Ballet Tutu History! I'm bursting with excitement to share my latest escapades through the annals of dancewear.
This week, my trusty time-travel machine, affectionately nicknamed "The Pirouette," has deposited me right in the heart of Paris - the fashion capital of the world! Oh, how I adore Paris - the cobbled streets, the cafes buzzing with chatter, and of course, the captivating atmosphere of the theatre district. The aroma of freshly baked croissants mixed with the whisper of silk gowns and the echo of elegant waltzes is enough to send any tutu enthusiast into a state of utter bliss.
Speaking of which, I've been researching the glorious world of ballet tutus around this time period, and trust me, darling readers, things were quite different! Imagine a time before those beautiful, billowing tutus you see today. The ballerinas were restricted by rather severe and weighty garments - more like gowns than what we think of as a tutu!
Can you imagine trying to turn en pointe with layers of silk and crinoline? Not exactly a recipe for effortless pirouettes! These tutus were certainly elegant, no doubt, but rather impractical for the acrobatics and agility expected of dancers today.
I just had to experience this fashion myself. Imagine my delight at stepping into the opulent shop of a renowned corsetiere. Rows upon rows of fine fabrics shimmered, inviting me to explore the world of 1920s Parisian couture. I picked out a gorgeous shade of powder pink satin (it just screams 'Parisian ballet' to me!), and helped myself to yards and yards of lace to embellish a custom tutu, my design. This tutu had multiple layers, including an under layer of stiff material which was stiffly bunched up and pinned to form the classic cone shape of a "traditional" ballerina tutu. The second layer was this satin, and on the outer edge was lace that was intricately draped and hung with the finest ribbon. My corset also was from this shop, all of corsetry in that era, I hear was all quite beautiful - this is a truly amazing design! It is so fitted, it made me feel truly confident and truly helped with that classic shape I had longed for. The time spent making this beautiful creation and my new favourite pink tutu felt like an adventure of its own, and oh, darling readers, I must tell you it looks magnificent.
It truly takes some time, dedication, creativity and a love of all things beautiful to create something exquisite and a dream come true like my new Tutu!
To my utter delight, today marks January 20th 1920. What a treat, darling readers, as it's also the birthday of one of ballet's greatest legends: Sergei Diaghilev!
Ah, Diaghilev - the flamboyant Russian impresario who shook the world of ballet with his bold artistic vision. He was known for his revolutionary work with the Ballets Russes, a troupe of dancers that became synonymous with innovation and beauty.
They brought a storm of artistic expression to the stage, introducing innovative choreography, lavish costumes, and captivating music. They pushed the boundaries of ballet and redefined what was possible in this graceful art form. Diaghilev was the brains behind collaborations between groundbreaking dancers, choreographers and artists including Vaslav Nijinsky, Michel Fokine, Igor Stravinsky, Leon Bakst and Pablo Picasso. Diaghilev made ballet so much more than an elegant performance and was also able to present this incredible art form to people of all classes! The Ballets Russes was, as they called it - a company that presented Russian ballet and musical works to Europe, it is so iconic and incredible that we still think of this era of dance with the words, The Ballets Russes!
While this week, it would seem, Paris is all the rage, with the Ballets Russes in residence at the Opera Garnier, this was, I’m certain, a busy time with ballet taking a firm position in society’s view as an elegant art. In Britain, The Royal Ballet School is being established in London! And guess what, dear readers? It’s located in what would soon be my hometown, Derbyshire, England! The company was born with a firm focus on creating a professional career for the best in dancers, and oh my! If only this lovely institution was around while I was a wee child learning my ABCs and being captivated by the wonder of ballet. It really has captured the attention of Britain, it’s truly quite amazing!
Oh, my Tutu Twirlers, the 1920s are just bursting with so many reasons to rejoice and to celebrate. Don't be shy, let's twirl into this wonderful decade together!
Keep those pink tutus at the ready - we'll be making history, one twirl at a time!
Until next Tuesday, my darlings!
P.S. Don't forget to visit our shop at www.pink-tutu.com for all your pink tutu needs, whether it's for ballet class, a trip to the theatre, or simply to add a splash of color to your day! You won't be disappointed, I promise.
Remember: The magic of the tutu is within everyone! #TutuTuesday #BalletTutuHistory #PinkTutu #FashionHistory
