Hey Tutu Lovers!
Emma here, your pink tutu-clad time traveler, ready to whisk you back to the glittering twenties for another trip down Ballet Tutu History Lane. I've just hopped off the Orient Express – fancy, eh? - and my, what a whirlwind it's been! Today's journey is taking us to the very heart of where the ballet scene is buzzing - Paris, of course!
It's December 21st, 1920, and Paris is buzzing. Think Parisian cafes, art nouveau designs, and those wonderful, elegant women in their flapper dresses - talk about fabulous fashion! Now, while I absolutely adore a good flapper frock, I'm here to tell you that in the world of ballet, the 1920s brought about a new era of style too.
Goodbye Long Tutus, Hello Short and Sweet!
Let's talk tutus. Those billowing, floor-length romantic tutus we've been seeing in the past - well, they were taking a little bow. 1920s dancers were breaking away from tradition, wanting to move more freely, and embrace a lighter, airier aesthetic. It was time for something fresh and new! The short, more modern, “tutu à la Française” was born - a tutu that skimmed the legs instead of hiding them under layers of silk. This was a huge turning point for dance!
Where Fashion Met Ballet
You can imagine, I was thrilled! This new short tutu wasn’t just a practical change, it became a beautiful design statement, taking its cues from the glamorous fashion scene of the twenties. Remember how Coco Chanel liberated women with the little black dress? The "tutu à la Française" was all about the same – shorter, sleeker, and all about showcasing a dancer's graceful movements. I'm telling you, it was a perfect marriage of style and function.
Ballet is a Star, Not Just in the Theatre
Even better, these stylish shorter tutus helped the ballet come alive outside the theatre! Ballet was no longer confined to a stuffy, formal setting. It started popping up everywhere, like a stylish whisper on the breeze.
Want proof? Imagine the ballet stars gracing Parisian cafes, adding a dash of artistic flair to fashion shows, or even showcasing their graceful steps in art exhibitions! It was the epitome of the time – combining elegance with artistic freedom, with those iconic flapper girls cheering them on.
A Peek Into the Parisian Stage
As I write this, the curtain has just fallen at the Palais Garnier Opera House, and I must say, what a show! It was Les Sylphides, the perfect embodiment of this newfound grace and fluidity. The ballet showcased beautiful tutus - sleek, short, and shimmering under the soft spotlight - and dancers gliding across the stage with such elegance it just about took my breath away!
Inspiration is Everywhere
Now, imagine me as I explore the bouquinistes lining the Seine, or stopping for tea in the Tuileries Gardens – my eyes are everywhere, searching for inspiration for my next tutu. Paris in the 1920s is a beautiful blur of artistry, creativity and, of course, that unmistakable Parisian chic.
Embrace the Spirit of the 1920s
My dearest tutu-loving friends, don’t forget to wear your tutus and step outside the box! Go for a twirl, dance your worries away, and let the spirit of the twenties – with its daring creativity and embrace of the unconventional – inspire you! And, just like me, don’t be afraid to express yourself through your own unique style – because, who needs to be confined to tradition when you can spin your own tale of grace and fabulousness!
Catch you all next Tuesday, darlings, for more #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History fun. Until then, go on, grab that pink tutu of yours and dance like no one’s watching! 💖🩰
Your pink tutu-loving blogger, Emma
P.S. Don’t forget to head over to www.pink-tutu.com and tell me about your favorite tutu memories! You know I just love a good chat about everything tutu! And keep an eye out for some of my new 1920s inspired tutu creations! They’re sure to make your toes tap!
