#TutuTuesday #BalletTutuHistory #PinkTutu #4614
Greetings, darlings! It's your favourite pink-loving ballerina, Emma, and welcome back to Pink Tutu! Today, we're taking a little trip through time, hopping aboard the vintage steam train, and travelling all the way back to 1st June 1920.
This week, I’m celebrating 100 years of dazzling dance! A whole century ago, the world of ballet was brimming with exciting new styles and, of course, absolutely breathtaking tutus! This era, just before the roaring twenties, saw a shift away from the stiff, voluminous tutus of the 19th century. Think more romantic and feminine, my dears, less "hooped skirt", and more "flowing elegance".
Just imagine! Ladies were swooning over the intricate embroidery, the delicate tulle, and the colours that just shimmered under the stage lights. And you know how much I love a bit of shimmer!
Now, let’s delve into some of the hottest trends back then:
The ‘Romantic’ Look: This was a new wave in ballet that emphasised flowing movements and lyrical grace. And wouldn’t you know it, this was a perfect time for the development of a whole new breed of tutus! Gone were the voluminous and restrictive garments. Imagine a cloud of ethereal tulle, skimming the floor as the dancer pirouettes. Imagine the sheer beauty of movement!
Experimentation with Fabric: While tutus continued to be made from silk and tulle, designers experimented with different weights and weaves, which helped to create lighter, more graceful garments. The fabric wasn't just for show; it enabled the dancers to perform more intricate moves and express their art with greater freedom.
Emphasis on Line and Movement: Gone was the heavy embroidery of earlier years, replaced by subtle details like delicate stitching and the graceful flow of the skirt. You’d never see the dancers weighed down by massive, heavy fabric in 1920, it was all about letting the dancer take center stage! And believe me, with the incredible ballet performances of this era, they were certainly worthy of that spotlight!
The "Ballet Russes" Influence: Let's not forget the impact of the legendary "Ballet Russes"! This troupe, known for its revolutionary approach to dance, toured all over the world and introduced new fashion trends.
Oh, what a time to be a dancer, and an even better time to be a lover of dance! And don’t forget, darling, while you can't be a ballerina, you can channel your inner dance queen with a stunning, pink, tutued look! Imagine how glamorous you'd look strutting around in your tutu – an instant ice princess, even in June!
Now, let's delve into a little peek at some of the other highlights of June 1st, 1920:
The first transatlantic flight was completed by an American aircraft! How extraordinary! Just imagine taking a trip to the states, you could practically smell the delicious pastries from your carriage!
The Women’s Suffrage Act in the United Kingdom became law. It was an exciting day for women’s rights across the nation! And it reminds us how much progress has been made for women in society since then.
And of course, with all this wonderful movement and history taking place, it wouldn't be complete without a fabulous fashion fix!
1920 saw a move towards shorter hemlines and slimmer silhouettes for ladies' clothing. We are talking about The Flapper and the dawn of a more modern approach to women's style.
Dresses became more comfortable and functional, as opposed to the heavy and constricting garments of the past.
Bold, bright colours, just like the vibrant shades of my favourite tutus!, were becoming incredibly popular. It was all about bringing joy and elegance to women's clothing.
Embellishments were big and bright, and all the rage! Pearls, sequins and feather boas were the absolute essentials for any self-respecting fashionable lady in 1920! Can you imagine? Just the sheer joy of accessorizing in those glorious times!
And, don't forget!
- The timeless style of ballet dancing has not just captured hearts through its beauty, but it has also influenced fashion over the years. It’s easy to see how the classic, elegant, flowing, lines of a ballerina tutu inspire designers to this very day! And for the dancers amongst us, a pink tutu remains a timeless and glamorous staple. It’s an item of clothing that will never go out of style!
So there you have it, darling, my lovelies, your weekly dose of Ballet Tutu History. It’s so fascinating how times have changed! From the Victorian age and those magnificent bouffant skirts, to the sleek, flowing elegance of the 1920s. And let me tell you, we’ve seen even more change and innovation in tutus since then! I'll continue sharing more fascinating discoveries about our cherished dance wear throughout the years.
Don’t forget, ladies, always keep your head high, stay graceful, and let your pink tutu sparkle, wherever you go.
Love,
Emma
#PinkTutuForever
Don’t forget to check back next Tuesday for another installment of your weekly dose of Ballet Tutu History!
PS: How lovely is it that ballet performances have supported me on all my journeys back in time? Now if only the train fare wasn't so expensive, but don't you worry, ladies, I'll find a way!
*PPS: The next show is *Giselle on Friday at the Royal Opera House, if you want a truly elegant spectacle of dancing, then this is not to be missed! **
Keep an eye on Pink Tutu – I’ll be sure to post an update from the performance on my social media pages!
