Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, my darlings! Today is #TutuTuesday, and guess what? We’re going on another time-traveling adventure! This week, I'm taking you back to the roaring 1920s, the era of flapper dresses, jazz, and, of course, the evolution of ballet itself!
You may have heard whispers of the ballet world undergoing a shift in this decade. It’s true! This era was a whirlwind of change for dancers and audiences alike, and you can bet your bobby pins it all started with the costumes, specifically the glorious, ever-evolving tutus! ✨
For our journey through time today, I've put on my most fabulous pink tulle confection (it's a real showstopper, my lovelies, trust me!), packed my lucky penny charm, and booked a ticket on the most luxurious train, first class, of course, because a girl's gotta travel in style! 😉
1920 - A New Dance Dawns:
We arrive in Paris, the heartbeat of the world's artistic scene in the 1920s! Think chic cafes, groundbreaking fashion, and oh, so much excitement swirling around every corner. We’re here to witness a captivating new chapter in ballet: the dawn of neoclassicism!
Neoclassicism was all about fresh energy, innovative choreography, and a stripped-back look for dancers. Gone were the over-the-top romantic tutus of the past, and in their place emerged a new silhouette - a shorter, more streamlined tutu that gave dancers the freedom to move like the wind!
Remember the traditional layered tutu with its mountains of tulle? This new style had a shorter, wispy skirt, with just a hint of the traditional layered look, allowing dancers to show off their incredible lines and agility. The shift in the tutu shape mirrored a new way of thinking in the ballet world, a bolder, more expressive movement with a focus on powerful, athletic dancing.
I must say, even as I twirl through time in my fluffy pink tutu, it's thrilling to see these changes. They mirror the revolutionary fashion changes happening in the wider world. After all, the 1920s was the decade of shorter hemlines and liberated lifestyles for women. Ballet, being the graceful art form that it is, followed the rhythm of the times. 💃
What else was happening?
Speaking of 1920s fashion, this year saw the birth of the "little black dress" and the rise of flapper styles. Short, dropped-waist dresses became synonymous with the era, with the flapper dress even inspiring costumes in ballet productions! And while we're at it, the colour pink wasn't quite the sweet, romantic hue we adore today! Pink had a rather scandalous, daring air about it back then, representing freedom, excitement, and maybe just a dash of rebellion! Now, who could argue with that?
But hold on, darlings, the year is 1920, and you may be wondering why there isn't a special #TutuTuesday date from history to share?
Well, in 1920, there weren’t as many records specifically tied to tutus themselves, but the ballet world was bustling with innovations. So, today’s Tutu Tuesday blogpost is celebrating the beginning of this exciting era, with an emphasis on the powerful fashion shifts taking place! ✨
1920s Dance Delights:
In the years leading up to November 2nd, 1920, there were some fabulous ballet productions I can't help but share with you! Imagine seeing the following on a poster at the Theatre National de l’Opéra, Paris:
- "L’après-midi d’un faune," a whimsical and sensual ballet choreographed by Vaslav Nijinsky. A truly groundbreaking production, it revolutionized ballet’s approach to expressing sexuality and brought to life the sensuality of Debussy’s evocative score! Now that's a time travel trip I'd happily take!
- "Le Sacre du Printemps" by Igor Stravinsky. A revolutionary work of dance that pushed the boundaries of music, movement, and the art of choreography itself! I hear the score alone is a dramatic, primal experience, almost a wild dance of emotions! You can imagine the powerful movements these ballerinas had to perform - that must have been exciting!
It's almost time for me to hop back onto my train! The time is winding down, but you'll love this - today’s train is decked out in fabulous art deco detailing, just like the posters advertising ballet performances! My love for all things elegant and inspiring has definitely travelled across time!
I’m eager to share the exciting tutu adventures of the 1920s as we continue through this remarkable era.
So join me next week, darlings, for another wonderful trip down #TutuTuesday Lane!
And remember, as I've always said: “Every day is a ballet, and everyone can wear a pink tutu!" 💕
Until next time, twirl in style!
Emma 🩰
About Emma:
Emma is a ballet-obsessed Derbyshire lass who lives to travel the world, wearing the most fabulous pink tutus, of course. Her heart beats for ballet in all its forms, from graceful performances at the opera to energetic street dance routines! When she's not pirouetting around the globe, she's probably browsing vintage clothing shops, soaking up the history of tutus, or designing her own breathtaking creations. This Tutu Tuesday post is #4636!
www.pink-tutu.com
Find me on social media: @PinkTutuEmma (all platforms)
