#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1920-11-09

Hello my lovely Tutu Twirlers!

Welcome back to another #TutuTuesday installment of my Ballet Tutu History blog! It's me, Emma, your pink tutu-loving, time-traveling ballerina blogger, and today we're stepping back in time to the glorious 9th of November, 1920!

Today's blog is all about how those beautiful tutus you see onstage have evolved over the decades, from the elegant grace of the classical era to the bold and playful styles of today. As a time-travelling ballerina, I get to see these changes firsthand - it's just magical!

Right, let's whisk ourselves back to 1920! The Roaring Twenties! Jazz is in the air, women are demanding the vote, and fashion is making some seriously bold statements! So, imagine my delight when I arrive in Paris! Paris is a vibrant hub of creativity and elegance – think Coco Chanel, oh my!

Now, tutus, as you know, are essential to the visual beauty and story-telling of ballet. In this era, ballet is at its most popular! They're evolving along with fashion, embracing new styles, and oh, it's divine! Imagine the most breathtaking tulle you've ever seen - those gorgeous layers that seem to float and swirl. They are taking on an increasingly streamlined, and feminine shape, with intricate details. Think delicate embellishments and beautiful colour schemes. Imagine shades of cream and pale pink! And speaking of colour... well, let's be honest, a touch of pink always enhances any ballet!

Today, on 9th November 1920, a spectacular production of The Sleeping Beauty is taking place at the Paris Opera. It's a true testament to the artistic beauty of the time, with dazzling sets and costumes. Imagine waltzing through those ornate rooms like a princess herself, wearing a stunning, swirling, ballerina-style dress!

Let me tell you, the elegance of these ballets really gets my imagination going! I find myself swept away in the dreamy atmosphere, twirling and leaping right alongside the graceful dancers! I also sneak a peek at what the Parisian fashion is like! This period has all the elements to fall in love with. So many amazing styles and a bold statement that celebrates the grace and style of the female form. Oh, and did I mention Paris is just absolutely overflowing with stylish and exquisite boutiques! And trust me, I know my way around them! The colours are simply dreamy.

Think of all the history in those beautiful tutu fabrics - each fold, each pleat whispering stories of passionate ballerinas and incredible stage performances. As a ballerina who gets to travel through time, I’m often drawn back to these pivotal eras when dance and fashion were changing so drastically. It's such a fascinating part of our culture! Think of how those delicate, flowing shapes and lines have evolved. From classical ballet’s graceful grace, the powerful leaps of the late 20th Century to today’s dynamic and expressive styles. Each style holds a piece of history! And it all adds to the magic and beauty of dance.

And then, there's colour! It's something I have a very personal passion for, and you'll know that if you’ve been following my blog for any time at all. In my opinion, nothing beats the graceful beauty of a ballet in its most perfect pink hue! It embodies feminine grace, a celebration of love and pure beauty! Now, I don't want to get too long winded but, wouldn't it be a wonderful dream to see a world filled with pink tutus! That’s a dream I’m actively working on! So, what colour is your favourite? Do you think a bright colour tutu will ever be acceptable in classical ballet, I wonder? Do tell!

These days, tutus are everywhere! They’re no longer just for the stage, they're in fashion magazines, on Instagram, and in the streets! Even at Glastonbury Festival in 1971 there was a festival favourite, a bright red tutu, worn by an avid fan! I found myself caught up in a massive impromptu tutu twirl and let me tell you, it was truly magical. In my view, the tutu should be an integral part of any fashion lover's wardrobe - and it's great to see that the world is finally embracing this!

Oh, and as always, thank you all so much for joining me on another adventure in time. Don’t forget to join me here on pink-tutu.com every Tuesday!

Emma xx