Welcome back to my Ballet Tutu History blog, dear readers! It's #TutuTuesday again, and today we're going on a bit of a time-travel adventure to the glorious era of the 1920s. It's post number 4612 and I'm your tour guide, your pink tutu-wearing fashionista extraordinaire, Emma, and I'm so excited to share my love of all things tutu with you.
Hold onto your tiaras, my darlings! This is a journey back to a time when the Roaring Twenties were in full swing and fashion was truly embracing its wild side. Just imagine it - flapper dresses, daring short bobs, and those fabulously sparkly Art Deco designs.
But wait, what about tutus?
Well, it's all a bit tricky back then! Tutus, my lovely lot, as we know and love them today, were actually in their very early days back in the 1920s. Remember, the Romantic era was still relatively new and we weren't quite dancing our way to the explosion of colour and volume that would come to characterise the tutu as we know it today.
Now, let's turn the clock back to 18th May, 1920, the specific date of our #TutuTuesday escapade today. What happened on this very day? Well, my lovelies, I'm so glad you asked. We're in London, heart of the theatrical world, and our grand old dame, the Royal Opera House, was hosting the delightful Giselle.
You can imagine my absolute glee! Although, back in 1920, Giselle's costumes were a world away from the delicate pink, puff-ball splendour we've come to associate with ballerinas today. The tutus weren't really tutus as we know them! It was the very beginning of the evolution - simple, flowing skirts in white, quite possibly with a hint of pink thrown in. Fancy!
Think of the fashion inspiration, dear readers! Such beautiful, fluid silhouettes - the essence of elegant movement captured in a soft, graceful form. It's no wonder we're all so obsessed with this little dance staple today.
You know what my lovely fashion friends? This is the kind of time travel adventure that leaves you yearning for more. Fancy a time machine ride with me? I wouldn't mind grabbing some tea with a flapper-era darling, wouldn't you? But fear not, we'll keep the time travel tales coming right here, with a whole lotta pink and all the tutus, my loves, we can handle.
Keep the pink tutu dreams alive, darling friends, and **until next week, #TutuTuesday is signing off!
A Peek Behind the Scenes of Ballet Tutu HistorySo, while we're dreaming of the 1920s, let's indulge our curiosity with a quick peek at what actually influenced ballet fashion back then:
1. The Romantic Era (early 19th Century) and Ballet's Shift
This period saw a pivotal shift in ballet costume. Gone were the heavy, corseted garments of the past, and in their place came a newfound emphasis on flow, lightness and femininity. This is where the roots of the tutu really started to take hold! Who doesn't love a good, whimsical, flowy skirt, right?
*2. "La Sylphide" *
Let's be real for a moment, darling readers! The legendary ballet La Sylphide truly revolutionised what we thought we knew about ballerina attire! It showcased the very first glimpse of a tutu, albeit in a somewhat less 'puffball' style than the ones we adore today. The tutu as a symbol of lightness, airiness, and the magical qualities of a ballet's story was born!
3. From White to Colour
The early days of the tutu were mostly in white, symbolising purity and innocence. But, like the rest of fashion history, the move to colour was inevitable! In the late 19th Century, tutus were introduced to more colour and intricate detailing.
4. The Age of Tutus
We've come to associate tutus with all the beauty, grace and dramaticism of classical ballet, but did you know that it took until the 1940s and 1950s to really nail that quintessential look? Yes, that's when those extravagant, voluminous tutus, the iconic 'ballarina' look, really became established! I tell you, it was an absolute fashion triumph!
*So, where did I go next in my time machine for ballet adventures? Let me know if you have any requests. You can check my tutu travels here at www.pink-tutu.com, or let me know what era or period of ballet you are dying to know more about and I will get on the case. *
*Time for more #TutuTuesday fun! *
## Shopping for Inspiration: 1920s Glam
Speaking of time travel fashion inspiration, who doesn't love a bit of 1920s shopping? Let's dive into that vintage glamour.
Flapper Dresses: Oh darling, these are simply irresistible! Look for shimmering fabrics like silk, chiffon, or sequins. The lower hemline for flapper dresses is somewhere between your knees and mid-thigh. We want to emulate the flapper vibe of loose, carefree glamour - the quintessential 1920s style, yes darling! You don't have to actually own a flapper dress to get this look, imagine a classic ballerina dress in pink, imagine your pink tutu skirt with a 1920's cropped cardigan or shirt, let your creativity run wild.
Art Deco Jewelry: We are absolutely drowning in sparkle here! I'm thinking vintage brooches, pearl necklaces, or statement earrings. It's about reflecting those geometric designs with a little extra bling - after all, more is always better. For a modern interpretation of 1920s jewelry try a stunning art deco head band to your pink tutu with a statement belt. Oh the drama!
The Headbands - The ultimate accessories to embrace this playful era! It’s not enough to just rock those dazzling jewels - add a dash of elegance and panache with a stylish headband. You can even try a headband and a vintage scarf. There are no rules in the tutu-verse my lovely readers!
Make-Up: *My little darlings, don't you dare neglect this essential detail! * Think intense crimson lipstick, soft eye shadow, mascara to enhance those gorgeous peepers, and a touch of rouge to make your cheeks rosy - the perfect way to echo those elegant and bold fashion sensibilities of the era. You want to channel Greta Garbo, not Mary Pickford!
What to do this weekend, you ask? Grab those fabulous vintage treasures - they are out there waiting for you and enjoy that glam flapper vibe!
## Tutu Tips:
I adore tutus in all their shades of pink! They are always my favorite, they give you that 'ballerina in the clouds' feeling. They look amazing at ballet performances, street performances, theatre productions. Why not even rock a pink tutu at a picnic! ** Just make sure it is nice and full so you can twirl with confidence and be a little extra, yes, that's my little mantra, darling!
*I know you are probably dying to get your tutu fix, aren't you? I recommend searching vintage shops or online retailers like Etsy. You can always make one. I can't think of a better way to express your inner ballet darling. *
Have fun shopping, experimenting and remember, always wear it with your most radiant smile and a little sprinkle of pixie dust.
* Until next week, darling readers! Remember, you're beautiful! I'm so glad you joined me for this trip! #TutuTuesday always finds a way! *
