Hiya darlings! Emma here, back with another #TutuTuesday post! Grab your favourite cuppa, slip into something pink and fluffy, and get ready for a whirl through the glorious history of ballet!
As a passionate dancer and an even more passionate tutu enthusiast, I just love finding out how these iconic little skirts got to be so darn fabulous! This week we're stepping back in time to 23rd August 1921. Oh, the sheer magic that was happening in the world of ballet!
Before we start, let me just say - it was a blinder of a journey! The train carriage I hitched a ride on was packed with chic Parisian ladies, all with incredible hats and shoes that were just dying to be shown off. They talked about the latest fashions, whispered about the upcoming season, and yes, even gossiped about who wore the best pink! I snuck a peek at their magazines; the dresses were so much more simple back then, with little embroidery or detail. Now that's something to think about!
Anyway, we're here for tutus, so let's dive in! 1921 saw the dawn of some groundbreaking moments for the ballerina!
The first big one was the rise of the Russian Ballet, which had already taken Paris by storm a few years prior! This magical combination of elegant steps, innovative costumes and spectacular music was leaving audiences breathless! Their iconic short, flowing, tulle tutus, made a daring statement in a time when ballerinas wore more heavy, voluminous skirts. These feather-light, pastel-tinted creations with their wispy softness helped give the dancers a new level of freedom and allowed them to soar across the stage!
As an aside, did you know that Russian Ballet really pushed the boundaries of what we consider "proper" ballet today? This new-fangled, daring choreography challenged old-fashioned traditions! There were so many revolutionary figures like Diaghilev, Nijinsky, Pavlova, all pushing for innovation. And let's face it, these guys were all about the glitz and glam! Costume design was an integral part of their expression!
Another #TutuTuesday fact to get your head around - in 1921, the Paris Opera Ballet celebrated their two-hundredth anniversary! That's two centuries of beautiful ballet! Just imagine, two hundred years of enchanting movements, elegant costumes, and exquisite tutus gracing the stage. If that doesn't fill you with joy, nothing will!
Can you believe this period was when the legendary Vaslav Nijinsky, one of the greatest male dancers of all time, was doing some groundbreaking work with Diaghilev? There were all sorts of interesting costumes being created; think* feathered headpieces, embroidered velvet jackets, and lavish silks* alongside those enchanting, almost transparent, light, ethereal tutus. This man certainly knew how to make a statement on stage, and his costumes were no exception!
Remember though, we can’t forget our dearest Anna Pavlova, whose grace and skill had made her a global icon! The way she glided across the stage was like a dream. Elegance personified! And she too had some fantastically creative costumes and those gorgeous tutus! Who can forget the* *Dying Swan, where her stunning **white tutu, practically a feather on her form, helped her bring the story of heartbreak and beauty to life.
It’s truly astonishing to think about how this ballet revolution happened just a hundred years ago! The tutus from this period really set the standard for future generations. Who knows, maybe we’re living in the next ballet revolution, with so many new dance forms evolving. Perhaps ballet street is the next big thing!
But don't let those visions of the future overshadow today's amazing moment in history! Let's embrace the incredible artistry and passion for the ballet of 1921, and let's get back to why we're here - the glorious tutus.
This #TutuTuesday, as we twirl and twiddle, I encourage you to try something new and maybe, just maybe, you can inspire a revolution of your own! Go on, try it. Grab a piece of pink tulle, let your imagination run wild and make your own tutu masterpiece! Who knows what might inspire you! And most importantly, remember the power of tutus to bring people together.
That's all for this week's post, my lovely tutu lovers! Until next #TutuTuesday, keep on twirling!
Emma xxx
P.S. For this post, I went full princess! A sparkling pink tutu with a feather boa, some beautiful vintage pink ribbons and a dazzling silver tiara for extra measure! What else would one wear for such an historic occasion? I hope you all embrace the beauty and sparkle of this period as you move around in your favourite tutus, you know the drill…
P.P.S. Next week, we're exploring the rise of the ballerina's tutu and its evolving form in a fascinating history lesson. It's a true whirlwind of creativity and innovation, so don't miss it!
#TutuTuesday #ballet #history #fashion #dance #travel #Pinktutu #vintage #inspiration #TutuRevolution
