Hello my lovely tutu-loving darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad blogger Emma, back again with another instalment of our delightful journey through Ballet Tutu History.
This week, my dear readers, we're stepping back in time to the shimmering era of the Roaring Twenties! Can you imagine - flapper dresses, jazz music, and a world buzzing with change and excitement? This is the era that gave us the bob haircut, the Charleston, and – drumroll - a brand new kind of ballet! Prepare yourselves for a dance down memory lane, complete with sequins and swishing skirts...
But first, a quick hello from Derbyshire, England where I'm enjoying a spot of tea and cake before hopping on the next train for a dance performance. I find the railways absolutely charming, you know. So civilised. It makes travelling in style such a delight! This week's show is at the Covent Garden Opera House. I simply must visit this iconic building and see what marvels are happening on their stage. I'm especially hoping to see the fabulous Diaghilev and his Ballets Russes in action. They say his dancers are revolutionary and his shows are simply breathtaking!
So, what's making this date so special? Well, on 6th July 1920, *the very first performance of "Le Sacre du Printemps" took place - an astounding and shockingly modern ballet by Igor Stravinsky!* Imagine the commotion in the theatre - audiences were bewildered and critics were stunned! This piece wasn't just dancing; it was a wild, powerful expression of primitive energy and rhythm! Some people were outraged by the bold costumes, but others, like myself, were captivated! It truly was a watershed moment for the ballet world.
Speaking of costumes, can we talk about the tutus? 1920s tutus were all about simplicity, fluidity and exposing the legs! Imagine a soft, flowing skirt, barely brushing the knee, allowing the dancers to leap and twirl with effortless grace. These tutus were crafted from fine silk and chiffon, draped with shimmering sequins and dazzling beads - truly capturing the elegance and daring of the era.
You see, the tutu is more than just a garment. It's a symbol of freedom, expression and artistry. It allows ballerinas to fly across the stage with elegance and grace, conveying stories and emotions without speaking a word. A tutu can express so much, from the joyous flutter of a bird in flight to the dramatic anguish of a tragic heroine.
Think of it like this: a tutu can be as delicate and romantic as a whispered love poem or as powerful and captivating as a symphony in motion. They are true pieces of art. So, you see my dear friends, every #TutuTuesday is a chance to celebrate the beauty, creativity and evolution of ballet tutus and how they have changed throughout time.
But now, let's travel a little further back in time…
Prior to the 1920s, tutus were long and flowing, often sweeping the stage floor! This look remained very popular for many years, but we started seeing a change around the late 19th century. I imagine the choreographers wanting more movement, more fluidity - they wanted their dancers to soar across the stage, to have that free, uninhibited energy, that pure ballet bliss!
And this brings us to the early 20th century, when ballet embraced this new spirit of modernity, giving rise to shorter and lighter tutus that made movements even bolder and more daring. Think ballerinas twirling and pirouette with breathtaking speed and elegance! What a magnificent spectacle! Imagine the magic of seeing those graceful silhouettes against the stage lights. Such a thrill!
You might be thinking: "Emma, why are tutus so important? Why spend a whole blog dedicated to them?"
Well, imagine the stage without them. It's just unthinkable! Tutus add so much visual spectacle, femininity and drama, don't you agree?
Let's talk a little about the tutus we can see at ballet today. From the classic Romantic tutu, that resembles a beautiful floral blossom, to the more modern and minimalistic styles, tutus are an exciting blend of tradition and innovation. They come in all shades, colours, fabrics, and styles. I absolutely love to spot the latest trends. There are even tutus adorned with sparkling sequins and jewels - pure magical theatre magic!
My friends, this blog post has been a joyful trip through time. Do remember Tutu Tuesday every Tuesday, as I delve deeper into the history of tutus and their glorious evolution through time. And of course, don't forget to join me as I chase the latest dance trends around the globe, with my suitcase packed with sparkly pink tutus.
Now, excuse me my dears, but I have a train to catch!
With love and twirls,
Emma x
P.S. Do visit our fabulous new shop - Pink Tutu Boutique at www.pink-tutu.com, for all your tutus and dancing needs! You can find an incredible collection of tutus in pink and all the colours of the rainbow - perfectly designed for a little twirl or a fabulous ballet performance. I've even included some super stylish tutus in trendy prints and fabrics for all your ballet street style outings!
We have something for everyone, young and old, whether you’re just starting your dance journey or a seasoned ballet lover like myself! So, grab your pink tutu and let's dance the day away!
