Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, darlings! This is Emma, your resident pink-tutu-wearing, ballet-obsessed time traveller, bringing you another installment of my #TutuTuesday: Ballet Tutu History series. Today's post, number 4627 (can you believe it?!), whisks us back to the glorious 31st August, 1920 - a date steeped in ballet history, and brimming with sartorial delights. Buckle up, buttercup, because we're heading for Paris!
Now, I know what you're thinking: Paris, 1920? Doesn't that conjure up images of flapper dresses and bobbed hair, rather than billowing tutus? Well, you're not entirely wrong, my dears. But let's not forget, this was the era when ballet was finding its feet (or should I say, pointe shoes?) on the international stage.
This was a time of change. The world was grappling with the aftermath of the Great War, and artists, dancers, and designers were searching for new ways to express themselves. Ballet, always a powerful medium for artistic exploration, became a platform for innovation. The costumes, naturally, reflected these shifts.
You see, while the tutu as we know it today – that glorious symbol of elegance and movement - was still in its infancy, there were signs of change on the horizon. Imagine a dancer, a vision in swirling silk, taking flight across the stage, adorned in something more than just a humble skirt. This was a world where creativity reigned, where designers like Coco Chanel were beginning to introduce the concept of practicality and comfort into fashion. This notion of a "comfortable" ballet outfit was a game-changer!
Our destination, Paris, was a beacon of this artistic resurgence, attracting ballet enthusiasts from all over the globe. And speaking of Paris, how exciting! On this particular 31st August, 1920, a rather unique event was taking place – the unveiling of the very first Diaghilev Ballets Russes "production," La Boutique Fantasque, was taking place at the Opéra Garnier. Can you believe it?! Talk about history in the making! This show was a theatrical masterpiece, featuring a score by Ottorino Respighi that's still so incredibly beautiful today, and it just screamed "opulence" and "splendour"! The costumes, created by the incredible Léon Bakst (the genius behind some of the most spectacular ballet designs ever conceived), were exquisite, a visual feast of bright colours, intricate detail and dazzling embroidery.
This production, my lovelies, was a complete departure from the traditional ballets of the past, incorporating elements of "puppetry," "fashion" and "theatrical spectacle." A true fusion of art forms that sent ripples of excitement through the ballet world. Imagine those fabulous tutus twirling and swirling to the sounds of that beautiful, majestic music - what a treat!
But for me, as a passionate devotee of all things tutu, the most exciting aspect of the 1920s was the growing focus on the costume itself. Designs became bolder, more adventurous, with an emphasis on both practicality and dramatic impact. The idea of a tutu was no longer confined to the classic romantic era style; it was evolving. And who knew, this change could become a steppingstone for the glamorous, versatile tutus we adore today!
What is more, there was a change in the dance technique, and in turn the costumes followed. Gone were the heavy, restricting layers of fabric - these early "20th-century tutus," let's call them, were all about showcasing the strength and elegance of the dancer's body in an unfettered way.
And how did I find myself here in this wonderful ballet-filled, exciting and vibrant past? My darling, as you know, I have a special connection with the magical world of the "time portal" – which is how I've managed to hop through the centuries, my little pink tutu a beacon of timeless elegance wherever I go. It was while travelling through history for another Ballet Tutu History blog, I ended up taking part in a ballet show in Victorian London, (more about this incredible journey later, darling) where I met a delightful gentleman (of course, completely captivated by my charming, little pink tutu!) and he told me how I might be able to time travel – I had a bit of an inkling about it already, but it really solidified my plan – and well, the rest is history! My ballet earnings are put aside for my travels, a fabulous new tutu every few months and just the most delectable sweet treats (and a cuppa) I can find while I'm on my escapades.
So, darling, what a wonderfully colourful world this was in 1920 – a true golden age of change and innovation, where art, fashion, and ballet became entwined. As I journey back to the present, I’m brimming with excitement – ready to get my ballet shoes on, step onto the dance floor, and celebrate these trailblazing moments in ballet history, with every graceful twirl.
Don't forget to pop over to my little website, www.pink-tutu.com (it’s brand new!) where you can browse my vintage collections of ballerina fashion, catch up on previous blog posts, and, of course, join me on future journeys through time. Until next time, darlings, stay beautiful!
P.S. Don't forget to leave me a comment, tell me what you’ve loved about today's post, and maybe share your favourite tutu-related moments with me too!
XOXO, Emma
#TutuTuesday #BalletHistory #FashionHistory #TimeTravel #PinkTutu #Ballerina #Paris #DiaghilevBalletsRusses
