Welcome, fellow tutu lovers! It’s your girl Emma here, ready to take you on a delightful trip down memory lane with today’s #TutuTuesday, blog post number 4602! Today, we're taking a little spin back in time to 9th March, 1920, a date that's as exciting for me as a new pair of sparkly ballet shoes. We’re heading to Paris, the very heart of dance and fashion – and trust me, tutus were taking centre stage.
I feel a tingle of excitement every time I travel through time. There's something magical about stepping onto a station platform and finding yourself a hundred years in the past. This week, I packed my cutest pink suitcase with enough tutus to keep me and my followers covered in Parisian flair. Just imagine! All those exquisite fabrics, the bustling streets lined with couture houses, the delicious smell of croissants... my stomach is rumbling just thinking about it.
Now, 1920 - that’s the heart of the roaring twenties, where jazz music pulsed through the night and the flapper dresses were dancing the Charleston! But while those fashion trends were exciting, tutus were a sight to behold in their own right.
You see, in 1920, ballet was taking a huge leap forward, especially in Paris. Ballet was reaching new heights, and the tutus were absolutely sensational! Think shorter skirts, shimmering fabrics, and just a touch of revolutionary styling - like a dancer wearing trousers beneath their tulle skirt! It was a beautiful marriage of classic and contemporary.
Imagine my delight at visiting the Palais Garnier in 1920. I practically flew into the beautiful theatre and into the history books to catch the famous Ballets Russes perform “La Boutique Fantastique”, a ballet so delightful that even today, it’s a firm favourite. And wouldn’t you know it? Their costumes were pure tutu heaven!
"La Boutique Fantastique," or "The Fantastic Shop" as it’s also known, was about dolls coming to life in a toy shop. And if you’ve ever wanted to feel like a dancing doll, then this was the ballet for you! The female dancers swirled on the stage in airy, dreamy, ethereal tulle costumes with vibrant colors, just like a child’s dream come true! It was tutu perfection.
What made this ballet special was how it introduced a little bit of humour. It wasn't just graceful movements; it was ballet with a playful heart! Seeing this show was the absolute highlight of my trip back to 1920 - and I already know that this tutu-tastic experience will leave me feeling inspired for weeks.
Now, a little bit about the dancewear itself. In 1920, tutus were becoming more individual, with new ideas and shapes constantly emerging. This era embraced both the delicate, airy style and a bit of daring, playful experimentation with structure. It’s like stepping into a tutu playground, with so many fun things to try. Imagine “La Boutique Fantastique" on the stage, with the dolls waltzing about in gorgeous, dreamy costumes, like shimmering puffs of candyfloss. Pure tutu bliss!
Think of it - every little detail mattered! Even the shoes themselves - tiny slippers delicately pointing, ready to create those exquisite movements. This era was all about showcasing a dancer’s body in its most elegant form, while making each movement a little bit magical. It's like you're watching dancers paint beautiful stories on the air with their every step.
Of course, I had to add to my pink tutu collection while I was in Paris! It’s hard not to be tempted with all those fabulous fabrics and intricate details, the delicate layers, and the beautiful hand-stitched decorations. Each tutu was an invitation to an enchanted world - it felt like I could wear a different story every single day!
But you know what? You don't have to time-travel to feel this tutu magic. There’s magic to be found everywhere! You can step into the beautiful world of tutus simply by slipping one on. The flow, the swish, the sparkle… It really does feel like you can fly. So go ahead and twirl! And don't forget - always keep your head held high, your spine straight, and your smile brighter than any spotlight.
And who knows, you might just inspire a new generation of tutu-lovers.
Now, let’s talk about what ELSE was happening on 9th March, 1920 . That year, America and Britain were fighting over oil, while England itself had another heat wave, the newspapers all talked about the hot temperatures! This tells me it was a summer in London. Now if you're in London, my dear, then don’t forget the theatre! While ballet was big in Paris, in London the famous Palladium theatre was showing its new stage show! So it was time for a train ride, I took my tutu loving self down to London!
While I love tutus, they’re not the only thing in my life. Every year I like to watch one classic ballet, and in London you're guaranteed an amazing selection of theatre, including the Royal Opera House where you can see all the amazing ballerinas in all the fabulous costumes - you may be forgiven for wondering, like me, if their wardrobes were made with magic.
Now for a little bit of news, folks! For you tutu-loving fashionistas, we’re moving to New York in a few weeks! There’s going to be some exciting things to report on…I know there's a big fashion show coming up. I just know the designers are going to be showcasing the most exciting designs you’ve ever seen - the kind of tutus you’d see only in your dreams! And trust me, with all this gorgeousness surrounding me, you won't want to miss this!
Until then, keep your twirls elegant, your hearts filled with joy, and your love of all things tutu strong! Don't forget to keep sending me photos and sharing your own #TutuTuesday stories. And don't be shy - tag me on Instagram, @pinktutu_emma!
Love and light, Emma
