Hello darlings! It's Emma here, back for another trip down #TutuTuesday memory lane, and this week we're jetting off to a fabulous time - 1920! Now, I know what you're thinking - tutus weren't really "a thing" then, were they? Well, you'd be partly right, my dears, but that doesn't mean the fashion scene wasn't filled with glorious frills and flounces that had a distinctly "tutu-esque" feel!
Hold onto your hats, lovelies, because we're heading straight for the Parisian stage where, at this very moment, history is being written with each graceful pirouette. The 1920s are just kicking off, and this era of dazzling decadence, full of flapper girls and art deco dreams, has truly set the scene for what will become a golden age for ballet!
Oh, how I wish I could be there in that intoxicating atmosphere - the anticipation, the energy, the thrill of watching such talented artists taking to the stage in the Palais Garnier, its grandeur shimmering with crystal chandeliers and golden embellishments.
Now, imagine my excitement when I discovered that on this very date, August 10th, 1920, the famed Russian dancer, Vaslav Nijinsky, premiered a groundbreaking ballet, "Le Sacre du Printemps" (The Rite of Spring), with Diaghilev's Ballets Russes! Talk about an exciting piece of history!
"Le Sacre" was, dare I say, quite controversial, darling. The music, by Igor Stravinsky, was so revolutionary, so raw and full of barbaric energy, that it caused a bit of an uproar! But imagine, lovelies, the impact this groundbreaking work would have on the future of ballet - think bold choreography, more expressive and dramatic movement, a shift in the whole artistic paradigm! The audience went wild - shocked, mesmerized, the sheer daring of the choreography and the music left them speechless. It was a bold and provocative new world, and, to this day, the piece continues to shock and excite audiences with its captivating raw energy.
Though this particular piece didn't exactly feature the classic tutus we know and love today, it did mark a period of enormous change in the way dance was presented. Think sharp, bold silhouettes, revealing costumes, and an emphasis on primal movement ā all paving the way for future dance innovators to experiment with form and style.
Just the thought of being able to flit about the dance floors and theatre lobbies of the day, swirling amongst those elegant, bejewelled women, each sporting their flapper dresses and bobbed hairstyles, and the gentlemen in their perfectly-tailored suits - oh, it's a true ballet-lover's dream come true!
Of course, you know, darlings, I love my modern tutus, their airy flounces and their sweet femininity. I adore the bright, shimmering colours, the graceful way they flow with every move, the delightful way they transform my steps into a kind of magic.
However, let's not forget that the origins of tutus are deeply entwined with the early history of ballet itself. Theyāre like a testament to the beautiful evolution of dance and design - each ruffle and tulle a gentle reminder of the grace and strength of ballerinas throughout the ages.
You know, just the other day, I had the pleasure of visiting the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, their Costume and Textiles department a treasure trove of exquisite gowns, outfits, and of course, tutus! And the ones I saw from this era ā the 1920s ā were breathtaking, my lovelies, even though not quite the full, voluminous styles of the later centuries!
Oh, donāt get me wrong, I am completely devoted to the puffy tutus, the full-bodied frills, the dreamy layers of tulle ā they're all so perfectly, utterly beautiful! But seeing these early examples in their more minimalist, refined shapes, gave me a true sense of appreciation for the roots of tutu design, how it reflects changing artistic styles, and the evolution of what makes a tutu iconic!
And speaking of tutus, I was recently inspired by a charming little boutique tucked away in a quiet corner of Derbyshire. They were displaying the most beautiful selection of hand-stitched tulle ribbons - just the most enchanting shades of lavender and pale lilac. You know I couldnāt resist, my lovelies - I purchased a spool of each, already plotting ways to create my very own ā1920s-inspired tutuā for a forthcoming ballet soirĆ©e I have planned. (And trust me, darling, Iāll be sure to snap a picture for our Instagram account!).
Now, to wrap up our little trip to the past, darling, I think we can all agree that while tutus might not have taken the world by storm just yet, the spirit of those enchanting ruffles and frills was alive and well on August 10th, 1920, thanks to the brilliance of "Le Sacre du Printemps.ā It's a reminder that innovation and daring are essential for the continued growth of art, be it ballet or fashion. It also reinforces the truth that every stage, every style, has its unique magic!
I hope you've enjoyed our trip down #TutuTuesday memory lane. Donāt forget to check out our next post, where weāll be exploring even more fabulous tutu moments in time! And of course, let's continue our conversation - share your own thoughts about the early history of tutus and, why not, let me know your favorite tutu era.
Now, off I trot, darlings! I've a date with the ballet this afternoon and I am in desperate need of some retail therapy. A little āshopping spreeā is always a perfect way to end my #TutuTuesday, and this week I am so excited to add a few āvintage inspiredā accessories to my wardrobe, in those glorious shades of lilac and lavender.
I hope you will join me in spreading the joy of tutus and their fabulous history. After all, as the famous saying goes: āThe more tutus, the merrier!ā
And in the spirit of a lovely day, my darlings, never forgetā¦ Life is just too short to be without a pink tutu!
With a fluttery pirouette,
Emma xx
P.S. If you havenāt seen it already, you absolutely must catch the film version of āLe Sacre du Printemps" - a captivating dance masterpiece. You'll thank me later, darling!
