#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1920-09-28

Hello darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina, and welcome to another exciting edition of #TutuTuesday! This week we're swirling back to September 28th, 1920. Buckle up, because this week, my darling dears, we're diving into the world of the tutu in the early roaring twenties. Now, the tutus of this period, they were something quite different than what we're used to today. Think less fluffy clouds and more… dare I say it… streamlined elegance? Yes, darlings, tutus back then were about movement, structure and a sleek, almost sporty aesthetic!

But first, some hot gossip on my recent time travels, because oh my goodness! Have I got stories to tell. Last week I landed in London for a lovely little dance party with the one and only Fred Astaire - what a dapper gent, but oh, he could MOVE! Now, I don't usually bring a tutu to these kinds of events, but honestly, there were enough sequins flying around that mine barely registered. We're talking true Parisian fashion inspiration here. Anyway, enough about me! Back to the tutus.

So, picture it: Paris, 1920. Fashion was undergoing a transformation. The bustle and extravagance of the Victorian era were gone, replaced by a desire for clean lines, flowing fabrics, and above all, freedom of movement. Ballet, my dear friends, was reflecting this trend.

Gone were the cumbersome layers of tulle and satin, and in their place were lighter, more athletic tutus. They clung to the body like a second skin, allowing dancers like Anna Pavlova (whose famous Swan Lake you all adore) to effortlessly execute those gorgeous, flowing movements. We’re talking the birth of the 'classical tutu', darlings! Think knee-length, light as a feather and perfectly shaped to make your pirouettes just gleam under the stage lights. They were made from layers of gauzy material - a symphony of fabric in white, pink or pale blue. Honestly, they're truly delightful, even to our modern eyes.

One of the biggest stars of this time, my favourite, Vaslav Nijinsky, often broke the rules and wore shorter, more informal styles – and just imagine the scandal! Imagine dancing with your legs bare! Now, my love for all things pink will always be there, but I must admit, the simplicity and elegance of these early 20th-century tutus truly capture the spirit of the times. It was a revolutionary era for dance and fashion, a perfect balance of the timeless and the progressive, with an undeniable air of rebellious freedom.

A Tutu in Every Home (and by Home, I Mean Every Ballet Company!)

While ballet in general was seeing some revolutionary developments, our precious tutus were still mainly confined to the stage. However, that was slowly starting to change.

Fashion started to adopt elements of the ballerina's elegance. And the key thing here is elegance. It was no longer about ostentation. There was this elegant, refined, almost streamlined way of moving. It's a lesson we should all remember even today.

What's On This Tutu Tuesday!

Oh, it's all very exciting here in London. A new ballet adaptation of The Scarlet Pimpernel opens tonight, and if I'm lucky, maybe a visit to one of the Parisian ateliers - can you imagine? Perhaps, some inspiration for my own wardrobe! Speaking of which, have you seen those gorgeous pale pink satin ballerina shoes? They'd be perfect for a waltz through Hyde Park on a sunny day, wouldn't they? Oh my dear, my fingers are practically twitching with excitement. I better stop before I forget to pack!

So, that's it for #TutuTuesday, dears! Until next week, may your days be filled with twirls and sunshine.

Don't forget, every day is an opportunity to express yourself. And yes, of course, wear pink! I mean, why not?!

Until next Tuesday!

Love,

Emma xoxo

P.S. If you've been loving my little ballet history adventures, do drop a comment below, my lovely followers. I just adore reading them and catching up with you all!

And don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com for more fun tutu tidbits, amazing vintage dance photos and my very own travelogue, as I skip about through history and the ballet world!

Remember, tutus are for everyone, just like fashion! We're all dancing on our own stage, ready to make our dreams come true. Let's bring the world more pink!