Hello my darling tutu lovers! Emma here, your very own time-travelling ballerina, ready to whisk you off to the fabulous era of flappers, jazz, and the Charleston! Today we're taking a little trip back to 5th July 1921, a time when the world was in the grip of a glamorous new wave and, my darlings, let's just say tutus were taking centre stage!
Now, let's be honest, the tutu, in its classic form, was still a bit of a newcomer at this time. Those elegant tulle skirts had been around for a good while, but the real tutu explosion was just beginning! I can just imagine myself waltzing into a Parisian salon back then, in a fabulously fluffy pink tutu, of course, causing quite the stir!
But enough about me! Today, we're talking history, so grab your fanciest teacups and prepare for a truly glamorous historical adventure, because 5th July 1921 was a big day in the world of dance and fashion! And to make things even more interesting, I actually got to experience it for myself!
Now, this was before my little pink tutu time machine existed, so how did I make it there, you ask? Well, darlings, remember those fantastic fundraising performances I'm always telling you about? My last one, a dazzling show at the Royal Opera House, went down a storm, allowing me to afford the luxurious train journey! Talk about a dream! My journey involved, let me tell you, an entire compartment filled with plush velvet, intricate carvings, and the most decadent afternoon tea a ballerina could ask for! The smell of fresh jasmine and Earl Grey followed me all the way to Paris!
But back to our historical journey, darlings. Let me tell you, Paris was absolutely buzzing in 1921! You couldn't move for a dapper young man in a smart suit and a sassy lady flaunting her new bob cut and an amazing sequined flapper dress! And oh my, those ladies knew how to flaunt their best features in a truly chic, minimalist, and just the tiniest bit scandalous way! They practically invented the modern-day idea of "less is more," making me even more inspired to design some of the most decadent tutus ever seen!
But wait for it, my dears... what made my trip to Paris even more exciting, you ask? You wouldn't believe it! Imagine this... it was a bright sunny morning and I'm strolling down the Champs-Élysées, admiring the fashions of the day, when I see it. A brand new, glistening dance academy called "Ballet Lumière," with a stunningly stylish sign promising the most fashionable classes in Paris.
And guess what? I'd been lucky enough to be invited to its grand opening! It was a night to remember. You could feel the excitement buzzing in the air! Elegant gentlemen and graceful ladies all dressed in their finest finery flocked in to watch talented young dancers take to the stage. You see, at that time, ballet was going through its own exciting period of transition, shedding its formal layers and embracing more dynamic, modern techniques.
There was this incredible new ballet teacher, Monsieur Jean, a true visionary! He believed in combining classical technique with a whole new, dynamic style! You could tell he was going to revolutionise the dance world. Imagine! His students weren't just dancing traditional ballets, but contemporary pieces too! The energy and innovation was intoxicating!
Now, I have to admit, Monsieur Jean and his young students captivated me. Seeing those incredible performances reminded me why I'm obsessed with this time period. It wasn't just about graceful ballerinas, my dears; it was about passion, expression, and making history!
I must also share my exciting encounter with Mademoiselle Gabrielle, a famous dancer who truly made a mark on the ballet world in the early 20th century. Now, Gabrielle was considered a bit of a maverick, she wore her own tutu designs, sometimes even ditching the skirt altogether for just a simple bodice and tights!
That night, I overheard her tell someone that she'd just secured a place in a new ballet company called “Les Ballets Russes”! Can you imagine, my dears! To be a part of this esteemed company! This ballet company was already pushing boundaries and inspiring people all over the world, blending artistic talents across genres - and, yes, those elegant tutus, my darlings, were the stars of the show!
So there you have it, darlings! Another brilliant #TutuTuesday for your pleasure. We've danced through the decadent 1920s and found a wealth of inspiration for those fabulous, pink, tutus of our dreams! Now, who wants to try their hand at some flapper-inspired steps or, even better, whip up their own Parisian chic tutu?
Remember, it's all about unleashing your inner ballerina, adding your own style and showing the world just how dazzling tutus can truly be. Don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com, and I'll catch you next Tuesday! Until then, stay twirling, and never be afraid to be bold!
See you next week, darlings!
Emma xx
