24th February 1920
Oh my darling tutu-loving readers, happy Tuesday! Welcome back to my weekly ballet history journey through the wonderland of the tutu! This week, we're pirouetting back to 1920. Picture this, my dears: London is bustling, the Jazz Age is swinging into full gear, and everyoneâs wearing the most fabulous, flapper-inspired fashions! Imagine silk dresses, feathered boas, and hats adorned with flowers, and a smattering of flapper fringes. What an absolute delight!
My, how time does fly!
I was on a vintage shopping trip at the Portobello Road Market last week and stumbled upon a beautiful, beaded flapper dress that I simply had to snatch up! Canât wait to wear it to my next ballet class!
But letâs return to our history journey, shall we? This week we'll delve into the world of the ballet tutu around 1920 and explore the fashion and dance trends of this captivating era.
As you all know, I love my tutus. My closet is overflowing with a spectrum of pink, from the palest blush to the most vibrant fuchsia. However, the history of tutus, darling, is as complex and beautiful as a grand pas de deux! We're about to discover that tutus have seen a variety of shapes and styles throughout their history. Just like the fashionable ladies of today, those ballerinas back in 1920 were always changing their look.
So, let's twirl back the clock, shall we?
In 1920, the ballet tutu was in a state of beautiful transition. You might not recognise the designs at first glance as a âtutuâ as we think of them now. Gone were the layers of stiff tulle, gone were the dramatic tiers that dominated earlier styles, and in their place emerged a shorter, slimmer tutu that flowed around the legs like a cloud. Think, my loves, a breezy, floating movement that mirrored the spirit of the flapper dresses and the freedom the women were enjoying at the time.
Letâs consider some of the iconic ballet dancers who made their debut in the roaring twenties. Take, for instance, the elegant, absolutely stunning Tamara Karsavina. This talented woman danced alongside Vaslav Nijinsky in the world premiere of Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring." (Now THATâs a memory to be savored, my dears!) You canât go wrong with that performance.
I often feel like I'm traveling back in time when I watch ballerinas performing at the Royal Opera House.
To really immerse yourself in this fascinating period, youâve got to check out Anna Pavlova. This dancer, my dear, brought a new style of movement to the stage, a flowing, ethereal style that was all the rage during this era. In her elegant tutus, she captivated audiences everywhere, dancing in an airy and weightless manner that took her style of dance to a new level.
And, dear friends, don't think the designs for male dancers were being left behind! These fabulous performers had their share of transformation in the realm of tights and tutus too. The famous Mikhail Fokine, the choreographer of those dramatic âRite of Springâ dances, was making a real name for himself by this time. The tights and leg warmers he designed are now considered iconic! In the 20s, his tutus, as they developed, focused on the use of lighter fabrics like silk and fine nets, allowing for increased freedom of movement on the stage, truly bringing a unique dimension to the men's dancing and costumes in general.
The 1920s really revolutionised ballet tutus. Think light and airy instead of the heavier stiff, tiered tutus of old! And if you look at todayâs tutus, you'll see traces of these styles. That transition, from the fuller tutus to the shorter, more flowy designs, marks a major transformation in ballet costume history, as revolutionary, perhaps, as the modern bob and the shorter hemlines! We have so much to thank the era for.
Right now, I'm looking forward to this eveningâs visit to The Royal Opera House for a performance of "Giselle." I've got a special pink sequined bag I just bought today to wear to the performance, the one with the diamantĂ© handle that matches my shoes! Itâs perfect for holding my ticket and maybe, just maybe, a chocolate and some peppermint tea! It is, of course, a must for all theatre performances! My love for the theatre has definitely surpassed my love for pink, but not much. I must admit.
While my friends have moved to the city and travel to performances in cars and buses, I take the train to and from London to go to these shows. Yes, it can be very time-consuming but it gives me ample opportunity to plan out my shopping trips, check up on the latest fashion trends, and dream about tutus of all shapes, sizes, colours, and styles! I often find myself sketching new ideas in my notebook. This might just be my best inspiration for the new designs in my Etsy shop!
And, if you canât make it to a ballet performance or even to the theatre, remember that these productions often get screened live! What a fabulously elegant option for a night in! I always get dressed up for a special performance, it just makes the evening more fun and engaging. And, of course, my trusty little notebook is always at hand in case any new ideas come my way!
As always, my loves, donât be afraid to embrace the magical power of the tutu! Wear them every day, embrace their femininity, and dance to your own rhythm. The world, my darling readers, is a stage, and you are its leading star. So, strut, spin and twirl your way to an exciting week, filled with all that life has to offer, especially dancing!
Remember to follow me on Instagram @EmmaPinkTutu for updates and donât forget to comment and share your tutu memories. The pink tutu is here to stay, and I'm so glad you are all part of this fun adventure! Until next Tuesday, take care of your beautiful selves, and as always, dance your socks off!
Happy tutuing!
Love, Emma đ
