Hello fellow tutu lovers! Emma here, your trusty pink tutu-clad time traveller, back with another delve into the glorious history of our beloved tutu!
This week, weāre taking a magical train ride back to March 16th, 1920. Can you imagine? A time of flapper dresses, jazz music, and, yes, ballet! But before we dive into the world of dance, let me tell you about my latest adventureā¦
Parisian Chic and Pink Tutus!
Last week, I waltzed my way to Paris for a divine performance at the Palais Garnier. Oh, the grandeur of the Opera House! It was pure enchantment. I couldn't resist indulging in a little bit of Parisian shopping afterwards, of course, and let me tell you, my pink tutu collection is blossoming beautifully.
Now, let's rewind the clock! 1920 ā a time when the world was recovering from the Great War and finding its new rhythm. But even in times of uncertainty, there was always beauty and grace to be found on the stage.
The Art Deco Era: A Time of Innovation and Elegance
1920 was nestled within the Art Deco era, a period celebrated for its geometric shapes, bold lines, and, you guessed it, its dazzling beauty! The influences of this movement can be seen in the costumes of the time, including ballet. Imagine sleek, stylish tutus with sharp, defined lines, a perfect blend of glamour and structure. And speaking of structure, remember those boned corsets we see in period films? Youād find those in the 1920s too, ensuring the dancersā bodies had the perfect, sculpted shape!
Sergei Diaghilev's Ballets Russes: Revolutionising the World of Ballet
And no discussion about ballet in 1920 is complete without mentioning the groundbreaking Ballets Russes, founded by Sergei Diaghilev. This influential company, bursting with innovative ideas and vibrant colours, brought a revolution to ballet.
Think flamboyant costumes, bold choreography, and, importantly for us, those iconic tutus! They pushed the boundaries, daring to create styles that were a far cry from the classic romantic ballet look.
The āTutu-mentaryā for 1920!
Longer and Full: In the 1920s, the ballet tutu had a longer length, often reaching the calf or even lower. Gone were the airy, wispy designs of previous years, instead opting for fuller, more dramatic skirts.
Materials of Luxury: Gone are the days of simple, natural cotton fabrics. The tutus of this era used rich fabrics like satin, velvet, and lace, showcasing luxurious textures that highlighted the elegance of the dancers.
Art Deco Flair: In keeping with the eraās geometric motifs, the tutus would often feature sleek, stylized embellishments. Think sequins, fringe, beads, and geometric embroidery! I can just imagine myself swirling around in a vibrant tutu, a sparkling cascade of art deco dreams.
Dance Onward, Tutu Lovers!
So, there you have it, another trip through time with the pink tutu brigade! The 1920s may have been a time of change, but one thing remained constant: The mesmerizing magic of ballet and the enduring power of a beautiful, captivating tutu.
Iāll be back next week with more #TutuTuesday tales. Until then, keep twirling and donāt be afraid to embrace the power of a pink tutu ā itās time to revolutionize the world, one tutu at a time!
Yours in tulle, Emma
