#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1920-09-21

Bonjour, darling dancers! It's your favourite tutu-loving time traveller, Emma, back again for another exciting edition of #TutuTuesday! Today, we're taking a delightful trip back in time to 21st September 1920, to explore the fascinating evolution of the tutu right in the heart of Paris, the City of Lights and the beating heart of ballet!

Imagine this: you're strolling down the elegant boulevards of Paris, and suddenly, your eye catches a flash of shimmering tulle. It's a dancer, practicing outside a grand theatre, wearing a beautiful, billowing "Romantic" tutu.

Oh, how I wish I could have seen that with my own eyes! But even without seeing it myself, I can imagine how magical it must have looked.

You see, this period – the roaring twenties! - saw the height of the "Romantic" era of ballet. And the tutu, my darling, was undergoing a transformation!

The Romantic tutu was longer than its predecessors, reaching the knees and flowing like a dream. This movement, born in the 1830s, placed emphasis on delicate, flowing movement and empowered the ballerina to become a fairy, a sprite, or even a sorceress on stage! It was truly the beginning of tutus as we know them, each graceful swirl and elegant lift a captivating story unfolding on the stage.

And now, darling readers, get ready for a thrilling adventure! Today's Tutu Tuesday takes a deep dive into what was happening in the world of ballet and tutus on this very day in 1920. Buckle up, because this is going to be an exciting trip back in time!

Now, in the glamorous world of ballet back in 1920, Paris was the place to be! Imagine the glittering, chandelier-lit theatres, the hushed anticipation before the curtain rises, and the gasps of wonder as the first ballerina twirls onto the stage, a cloud of tulle swirling around her.

Today, I'm imagining myself being in the Opéra Garnier, a stunning opera house and ballet theatre which is absolutely steeped in ballet history, a landmark for tutus. It opened in 1875, just a few decades earlier, and quickly became the most prestigious place for dancers to grace the stage! The beautiful ornate designs, intricate chandeliers, and stunning painted ceilings, what a feast for the eyes.

On the 21st of September 1920, the Opera was filled with excitement, with a performance of the enchanting "Giselle" in its classic form, choreographed by the famous Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot. Just picture those ballerinas in their long, graceful romantic tutus. And you know what? In this time, tutus weren’t just for dancers. It was fashionable to wear variations on the tutu off-stage, too! Imagine ladies wearing long, frilly skirts inspired by those magnificent Romantic tutus. So glamorous!

Now, this is where my personal excitement bubbles over. My love for tutus extends beyond their beauty! It's the story they tell, the history they hold, the power they bring. This year in Paris I was thrilled to be on the first train to visit the Opera, as the train and travel has been something I've loved doing since a child. That train, a real steamer train like they used back in 1920! The journey brought me to Paris and the world of tutus from the start, and I even managed to see some ballerinas practicing. A real pinch me moment! I've been sketching all the lovely ladies with their graceful styles of dresses. It feels like I have stepped into a history book! I am already planning my next trip for more ballet. And who knows what exciting Parisian shops hold secrets in their dusty corners, waiting to be discovered? Maybe a beautiful, vintage tutu hidden under layers of dust and time!

You know, the beauty of tutus doesn’t just stay confined to the stage. These frothy masterpieces can make their way to my closet, too! Oh, I love to imagine those romantic tutu-wearing women in 1920, but a dash of vintage, Parisian style with a nod to that lovely '20s fashion is very much in my wardrobe today. From those iconic "flapper dresses" - a little bit looser, with a shorter hem, maybe some beads, but just as playful! Imagine wearing these in my beautiful Derbyshire village, but, if you close your eyes, it's like walking down the Champs-Élysées with a hint of 1920! And, you can absolutely make this a reality! I have some really great vintage pieces in my collection, perfect for adding a touch of glamour to everyday looks. I know, a true ballet fan, never forgets about the details. You'll find a nod to vintage styles and even the odd romantic tutu inspired outfit in my everyday look! It's amazing how styles evolve and come back again. I believe in a good mix of old and new!

And now, ladies and gentlemen, we’re back in the present, where tutus continue to enchant! And what colour brings me more joy? Pink of course! I just adore seeing ballet shows, or taking my dance classes. And what could be more stunning than a ballet show? Seeing a tutu dance around the stage, it's magic! For me, ballet isn’t just a dance, it’s a beautiful expression, the embodiment of pure grace and elegance.

My dream? To bring the magic of ballet tutus to every dancer and fashionista out there! What would a world look like if we all wore a pink tutu? Maybe not literally (although how magical would that be!), but at least we could embody the spirit of confidence, expression, and grace.

Now, I've been practicing on my way to my train trip back to Derbyshire today, my beautiful pink tutu fluttering around me as I think of this blog, this trip, and how magical tutus are, on stage and off! It is truly a testament to the lasting power of style. I do believe a pink tutu can bring so much joy and grace into your day, what’s your colour?

I'll be back next Tuesday for another exhilarating #TutuTuesday adventure! Till then, keep swirling, dancing, and spreading your passion for all things ballet!

Bisous,

Emma, www.pink-tutu.com

*P.S. Have you got your pink tutu ready? I'd love to see your outfit choices! Snap a picture and share it with #PinkTutuWednesday and we can all celebrate together. This journey is all about connecting, learning, and being bold, so let’s do this together! *