Hello, lovelies! It's Emma, your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, back with another #TutuTuesday! Today's date is 17th February 1920, and let me tell you, darling, this era was absolutely fizzing with exciting changes for ballet! Buckle up, because we're taking a whirlwind tour back to the Roaring Twenties to discover how the beloved ballet tutu was taking shape.
This is blog post #4599, for those of you counting, and as always, you can find my posts on www.pink-tutu.com every Tuesday. Now, grab your fanciest teacup and a slice of Victoria sponge - we're off!
It might be hard to imagine, but before the 1920s, ballet tutus were all about bigness, darling. Think huge, billowing* skirts, layers and layers of tulle, so much material you could practically get lost in it! But just as the roaring twenties brought flapper dresses, bobbed hairstyles and a spirit of freedom and self-expression, so too did it revolutionize ballet costumes, leading to a new era of slender, flowing tutus.
I just adore how fashion is always evolving, just like the graceful movement of a ballet dancer. And you know what, darlings? Even though my pink tutus wouldn't quite be in style for this time period, you just know I'd be using my fabulous time-travel abilities to pick up a sparkly flapper dress and bring it back to the 21st century.
I could picture myself dancing the Charleston on a London stage with this elegant, simple dress... sigh. Let's hop back to our time travel!
As we flit through time to the early 1920s, it's crucial to mention the great Sergei Diaghilev. He was the artistic genius behind the Ballets Russes, a troupe that literally exploded onto the scene and swept Europe off its feet. Think avant-garde choreography, mind-blowing sets and costumes... this is where modern ballet was truly born.
But back to our tutus! The Ballets Russes revolutionized not just the aesthetic of ballet but the look of its costumes, which became leaner and more streamlined. No more grand and excessive, think slinky, chic, designed for fluid movement. And you know, that's exactly the type of tutu that speaks to me, darlings!
On this very day, the 17th of February 1920, there was an extraordinary premiere in Paris - Diaghilev's "Le Sacre du Printemps", a ballet so wild, so dramatic and shocking, it caused a riot. The music is absolutely electrifying and the costumes were incredibly daring! Imagine dancers wearing short, skirt-like tutus, inspired by Russian folklore and designed by the legendary artist Nicholas Roerich. I just adore his creative genius!
This new design sparked a whole new aesthetic: bare legs, short tutus, and an emphasis on athleticism; just what the modern woman was looking for in the era of freedom. Imagine the daring energy of Sergei Lifar taking the stage! The Ballets Russes were changing everything... and we're just at the start of a thrilling journey, don't you think?
While we're talking tutus, it's essential to take a moment for Madame Karsavina; an incredible ballerina, absolutely dazzling, and Diaghilev's muse! Imagine the grace she brought to her movements, the dazzling light of her personality!
Imagine dancing in the grand opera houses of Europe in the roaring twenties, watching her perform in a sleek, simple tutu, just as the Parisian audience had witnessed on that 17th of February 1920. Imagine her movements, the music of the era, the sheer, electrifying thrill of it all... Just imagine, darling!
The 1920s truly set the stage for modern ballet, with the rise of powerful ballerinas, revolutionary choreographers and a complete rethink of the way costumes, especially our beloved tutus, were designed! Just think how the design has progressed over time!
Well, I do hope you've enjoyed this glimpse into #TutuTuesday history as we explored the 1920s! It's amazing how the trends from that era still resonate in fashion and art today. Let me know what you've learned today in the comments, darling! And don't forget to check back for next week's #TutuTuesday post. I'm going to spend this week finding the perfect pink tutu to bring back from this era to complete my outfit!
I've already spotted an exquisite shop near Covent Garden selling vintage accessories, silk stockings and headbands, the absolute must-have's for any Roaring Twenties flapper! Oh, I adore these amazing shops... so full of character, don't you think, darlings?
Now, darling, let's get ready for our next time travel escapade. My carriage awaits, and I've got my eye on the next stop already… just wait until you see what's in store for next week's #TutuTuesday !
*Do let me know in the comments which era of ballet tutus you're fond of the most - it's such a fun topic! Don't forget to follow my blog, www.pink-tutu.com and my Instagram! *
And remember, my dearest reader, the world would be a more wonderful place if we all wore pink tutus! Have a wonderful day, darling!
