Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, and today, as it's Tuesday, we're waltzing back in time for our weekly #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History dive! Today's date is April 6th, 1920, and oh my, the world of fashion is a-buzz with a glorious flurry of changes! I'm currently in the vibrant heart of London, England, where the air is thick with the scent of freedom and the pulse of the city beats a jazzy rhythm, just like my heart when I spot a stunning new creation on the shop window!
As ever, our exploration begins with the magical world of ballet, the foundation of all the flouncy fabulousness we associate with tutus! Today in 1920, the Diaghilev Ballet is performing "Le Sacre du Printemps" by Stravinsky, oh the thrill of it! Such wild and captivating music, it makes me want to spin and pirouette until I reach dizzying heights! This performance is absolutely electrifying, leaving the audience in a frenzy of appreciation for the sheer innovative choreography and bold artistic expression. And, oh the costumes, my dears, they're absolutely revolutionary, pushing the boundaries of tradition and embracing a new sense of modernity.
But you know, my fashion heart is never truly at rest when I'm near these glorious shops. It's the era of the Flapper - bold, independent, and absolutely daring in their fashion choices! The fashion magazines are filled with the most adorable sketches of dropped waistlines, loose-fitting dresses with fringe and beading galore, and hats perched jauntily upon stylishly bobbed hair. Oh, the colours! They're just delightful - rich ruby reds, emerald greens, and even, just imagine this, a touch of pink! I'm simply itching to create my own flapper ensemble - a loose-fitting silk dress with layers of fringe and beads, and a little touch of pink for that signature Emma touch! But I can't forget the ballet, now can I? Those delicate dance steps, the sheer grace and athleticism... it's truly inspiring!
Speaking of grace and athleticism, did you know that this was the very year the first truly "modern" ballet tutu made its debut? Gone are the heavy, cumbersome tulle creations of the past, replaced by a much lighter, streamlined version made with sheer silk gauze! It was the perfect dance companion for the Flapper-inspired short, sleek styles of the ballet dancers. And can we talk about colour? The designers were finally experimenting with shades of pink, lavender, and even sapphire blue. This bold expression of individuality really reflects the rebellious, energetic spirit of the time. Isn't it just wonderful to see such creativity flourishing!
While I love indulging in fashion fantasies, nothing beats seeing the live ballet on stage! I simply adore travelling by train. You know, it's a whole different world when you're looking out at the changing scenery from a train window. Each carriage is like a tiny world unto itself - it's a whole new kind of performance in its own way, right? And, it allows me to be creative with my wardrobe! A fluffy pink tulle tutu looks absolutely exquisite when it's swirling around in a carriage lit by the setting sun. I might be travelling from a show in Derbyshire to a ballet school in London, but even when I'm just crossing a river by train, I like to make it an event! It's like stepping into another world where everyone, everywhere can wear their very own version of the perfect tutu - whether it's for ballet class, or just because it makes them feel a little more joyful!
Of course, the best part about time travelling, other than the stunning clothes and captivating dances, is sharing all of it with you, my lovelies! What are your thoughts on the Flapper era? What's your favourite kind of tutu? And are you as excited as I am to see what the future holds for ballet and fashion? I know I'm always dreaming up new outfits, crafting a #TutuTuesday post every single week to keep my imagination – and hopefully yours, too – as lively as the 1920s.
Keep dancing, darlings! And until next time, remember to wear your tutu with a joyful heart!
