#TutuTuesday: Ballet Tutu History - January 25th, 1921
*Welcome back, my dearest tutu-loving lovelies, to my little corner of the internet, www.pink-tutu.com! *
This is #TutuTuesday, my weekly delve into the fascinating world of the ballet tutu. And as ever, I'm your resident tutu historian, Emma, broadcasting live (well, sort of live, you know how it is with time travel…) from my lovely pink-tutu clad form! This is post number 4648, so get ready for a journey into history - and remember to wear pink! 😉
Parisian Whirlwind:
Oh my dears, I simply had to journey to Paris for this week's #TutuTuesday. We are smack-bang in the heart of 1921, and let me tell you, the ballet world is bursting with life! Paris, darling, is the absolute hub of all things tutu.
The theatres are buzzing, the studios are abuzz with the soft "thump-thump" of dancing feet, and the Parisian women…oh, they're wearing the most divine dresses. Everything is so delightfully art deco - geometric patterns, bold colours, flowing fabrics, and just the tiniest hint of…you guessed it…the iconic tutu!
A Hint of the Future:
Now, you might be surprised to hear this, but 1921, darling, is not quite the full tutu extravaganza you might expect. While the "tutu" concept is well and truly alive and kicking, its evolution is still very much in motion.
Think of the classical Romantic ballet tutu with its abundance of frills and tiers. Well, that glorious, airy dream has been replaced, my lovelies, with something far more sleek, more fitted, and (dare I say it) perhaps just a tad…modern…? gasps dramatically
Let's Talk Fabrics!
We've bid adieu to the heavier silks of the Romantic Era and embraced new materials, darling. The tutu is now made from a magical blend of tulle, net, and silk, creating a beautiful symphony of texture and lightness. It’s truly quite captivating!
A Dash of History:
To give you some context, the tutu of 1921 takes inspiration from Diaghilev's famous Ballet Russes, and those beautiful ballerinas in their “exotic" costumes… oh, how I love to watch the way those fabulous girls move!
Today in Ballet History
Did you know that the famous Russian ballerina, Anna Pavlova, would have been dancing in London on this very day in 1921? I've always wanted to time-travel to see her perform! Now that would be a spectacular event!
Tutu Inspirations:
And speaking of inspiring women… I must show you a delightful find from this time: the 'Garçon' cut! This style, with its close-fitting bodice and flowing skirt, takes its inspiration from boys' clothing, but with the feminine flourish of that flowing tulle… perfect for adding a dash of playful whimsy. It makes the 1920s such a tantalizing period for fashion!
*What do I want to wear? *
Imagine, my darlings, a pink satin gown - a delicate sweetheart neckline accentuated with delicate silver beads. A graceful flowing skirt, just a hint of tulle peeking through... oh, I’d look like a fairytale princess in it! And of course, the star of the show... a pink tutu! 😉 You know what they say, my dears, a little pink is good. A lot of pink is even better. Pink is my absolute favourite colour... and tutus, well, tutus just make the world a better place.
Follow Me on this Dance Journey:
Don't forget to follow my #TutuTuesday posts! Join me on www.pink-tutu.com as we delve into the tutu's glorious history together. Remember to wear your tutu with pride, my lovely loves, because every day is a chance to celebrate the magic of this truly wonderful garment!
Stay fabulous!
Emma x