Welcome back, darling tutus! This is your weekly dose of history served up with a sprinkle of fairy dust and a generous helping of pink tulle - just the way you like it. It's your Tutu Tuesday gal here, Emma, broadcasting live (or should I say, time-travelling live) from a beautiful little café in the heart of Paris. Ah, the romance of it all! The scent of freshly baked croissants and the buzz of a lively crowd... how simply divine.
But enough about me (although, do let's take a moment to appreciate this delightful shade of pink my new tutu is... a blush-tinged bubblegum that whispers delicate floral whispers, if you will!). This Tuesday we are heading back in time, just as my fabulous little pink time-machine can do.
Remember! This is blog post #4662 in the ever-expanding world of pink-tutu.com, a glorious hub for all things ballet-inspired! Every week we’re dancing through time, unearthing the hidden stories of tutus - from the very first pirouette on stage to the most stunning creations in history!
Today’s journey is set in 1921, and let me tell you, it’s a fabulous year for tutus! The twenties were an era of glamour, and the stage was buzzing with a renewed energy! This era was known as the ‘golden age of ballet’ in France, particularly thanks to the work of Sergei Diaghilev and his Ballets Russes company. They really upped the ante on fashion in ballet - those vibrant costumes! - and inspired generations of ballet dancers! I mean, who can forget the scandalously short skirt and peek-a-boo leggings worn by Nijinsky! My, what an iconic style choice.
On May 3rd, 1921, in London, the Ballets Russes company graced the stage at Covent Garden! The dancers - ah, such beautiful and powerful dancers - captivated the crowd, and London audiences were absolutely swooning over their shimmering, vibrant, deliciously dramatic tutus. These designs, darling tutus, were simply the ultimate expression of a modern, almost revolutionary approach to ballet design, breaking with the conventions of traditional, rigid designs.
Can you imagine a London premiere? It's a scene straight out of a grand opera! Beautiful people with shimmering jewels and glamorous hats, and ladies swirling in floor-length satin gowns - ah! All eyes were on those tutus, darling, and their ethereal magic swept everyone away. Imagine all that pink glimmering and swaying in the spotlight… I can practically hear the applause from all those fabulous spectators! And who can forget about those gorgeous tutus! Oh, they were something to behold! Long, swirling lines of silk, meticulously embroidered, every stitch a tiny masterpiece of elegance! They captured the spirit of this wonderful era perfectly, brimming with a vibrant joy that resonated throughout the theatre.
Think of the glorious pastel colours – think of *light and breezy fabrics, the tutus that almost *flowed rather than stood rigid. The movement of the dancer was almost highlighted in whimsical grace. Can you imagine that?! The whole design philosophy had taken a complete change in a matter of years!
You could see all the influences from Diaghilev’s revolutionary work reflected in those dazzling costumes! Not only in the colours but also in the way they were constructed and what they were made of - it was the era of the ultra-modern. Imagine how thrilling it must have been to see a ballet performance at that time. A whole new vision of artistry, where dancers truly felt like artists and not just figures on a stage. Oh! What an incredible opportunity to travel back to a place where such creative power was in its infancy - and witness the beginnings of what has become our adored artform!
Back in the present (if we can even call that 'present' after just venturing into 1921), let me share a special little treat with all my cherished readers! Remember, I absolutely love shopping. It’s true! As an avid ballerina and fashion enthusiast, finding gorgeous tutus and other fashion treasures is my greatest joy! This week, my time travel shopping sprees have brought me back a pair of sparkling diamond earrings and an antique-looking hair comb - they’re absolutely exquisite! I plan on adding a pair of dainty pearls to compliment these beauties - do let me know what you think in the comments below! I also came across a lovely little boutique in Paris, full of lovely fabrics in exquisite shades of pink. Oh, my darlings, it was truly an Aladdin's cave of pastel wonders.
Remember to visit my blog next week on Tuesday at 10 a.m.! I can't wait to share more incredible stories with you all, dear tutus. And who knows - maybe I’ll bring back even more treasure from my next adventure!
Keep swirling in style, Emma
P.S. Don’t forget to let me know your favourite shade of pink for your tutu in the comments below!
P.P.S. What amazing fashion ideas would you wear in a time travelling ballet fashion show? I love to hear your lovely ideas!
