Hello darlings! It’s your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back for another #TutuTuesday, and today, we're diving into the archives, way back to the 20th of April, 1920! Can you imagine? The roaring twenties! Flapper dresses, Charleston music, and – yes, you guessed it – the evolution of the ballet tutu!
Now, you know I love my tutus, but even I have to admit, they weren’t always as dazzling as they are today. 1920 was a time of change in the ballet world, a transition from the full-length, Romantic era tutus to something shorter, lighter, and far more... danceable, if you will.
The iconic "bell-shaped" tutus we adore today? Still a few years away! Imagine all that gorgeous fabric flowing around, and yet the dancers needed to be able to move, right?
Picture this: Parisian theatres filled with the buzz of anticipation. A grand lady in her shimmering evening gown rustles past, her pearls glittering, whilst a gentleman in a perfectly tailored suit takes his seat with a newspaper clutched in hand. As the lights dim and the music swells, the dancers emerge, resplendent in their streamlined tutus, the revolutionary "shortened" style which allowed for freer movement.
Now, don't get me wrong, they weren't completely short yet, but think of them like a modern-day knee-length tutu with layers of soft tulle. These new tutus weren't about just looking pretty, they were a symbol of the artistic awakening in dance. And wouldn't you know it? They caught on like wildfire!
So, how did I find myself here in this fascinating time warp? Well, my latest ballet performance - oh, a glorious rendition of Swan Lake! I twirled with such grace, I could hear gasps in the audience - * had earned me enough to whisk me back to another captivating era. This time, it's 1920s London, where the first whisperings of this new style of tutu were swirling around the ballet scene. And trust me, the shops are a complete *dream! So many dazzling fabrics and feathers, I simply can't resist.
Did I mention I got to watch an incredible performance at the Covent Garden theatre last night? Swoon! You simply have to experience the grandeur of a traditional ballet performance - even if you're just visiting from the future like me.
Today, we're soaking up all that 1920s charm. We'll be popping into Liberty's, of course, to admire the sumptuous silk fabrics and delightful art deco designs. It's the perfect place to gather inspiration for a gorgeous new pink tutu design. Maybe something with a hint of metallic thread for a little Parisian flair? I'll be sharing the sketches with you all on my next post.
In the meantime, darling readers, do tell me! What would you be wearing if you travelled to the 1920s? Would you opt for a flapper dress and a bob? Or perhaps a touch of whimsy in the form of a feather boa and a touch of pink (of course!)?
Stay fabulous, and I'll be back next Tuesday for another #TutuTuesday adventure!
XOXO,
Emma
PS: For those of you who are looking for the perfect pink tutu, I'm offering a special discount on all my pink-tutu-clad garments this week, just in time for Spring! Use the code "1920Pink" at checkout on www.pink-tutu.com and let's bring a touch of 1920s Parisian flair to your wardrobe!
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PPS: Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @EmmaPinkTutu! You can see my 1920s inspired outfits and, of course, plenty of twirling action!
