Hello my darling tutulettes! It's Emma here, back again with another fabulous dive into the enchanting history of our beloved ballet tutus! As always, I'm sporting my favourite pink tutu - because, let's face it, who doesn't love a bit of pink?
This week we're travelling back to the fabulous 1920s - a time of flappers, jazz, and the beginnings of what we now consider modern fashion. Oh my goodness, you wouldn't believe the headbands! But the tutu story, that's what I'm here to tell you about...
Now, picture this... November 15th, 1921. Imagine a world where cars are still quite a novelty, women are just getting the right to vote (go girls!) and our dear old London, still bustling, is just about getting over the effects of the war. Across the English Channel, a new French dancer is making her debut... a certain Mlle. Nadia Nijinska, later to become a world famous ballerina and choreographer.
Yes, darling, while my beloved pink tutu is still more likely to be worn at a ball than a stage, tutus were definitely around! And guess what? In 1921, it seems it wasn't just about the ballet...
Think elegant, loose skirts with the kind of frills that could make even a modern day designer blush - the kind that wouldn't just look great for ballet, they were all the rage in general fashion! Now I may be partial, but I can't help but feel that fashion has got its inspiration right here. It was the tutu, oh darling!
Let's go a little deeper into this fascinating era.
Think "classical" ballets like The Sleeping Beauty or Swan Lake - but done with more of an emphasis on character dances rather than full-blown Romantic era grand pas de deux.
Why do I say that? Because I just love researching, and you know what I found out?
These character dances were a way to really express the story with more details about the characters through dancing, you know? Imagine the freedom and expressive range for ballerinas, even in the restrictive but utterly delightful costumes of the time. And they still wore tutus!
As always, there was a bit of drama... You see, there was a sort of rivalry developing with these character dances. People would ooo and ahh about the technical aspects of the traditional, big ballerinas... but then they'd be amazed at the characters, stories, and feeling shown in the newer character dances. This made ballet so much more exciting. Think of it, my dearest tutulettes!
And the costumes for the character dances... oh my goodness, these were where designers could have real fun. Sometimes they were really elegant and very refined - almost princessy, really - just slightly hinting at a tutu! But, as you may have already guessed, I love tutus that really have personality... and what was more fun? Well, those tutus with real character were almost an actual stage costume! Isn't that fun? The tutu, even though hidden under multiple layers of frills or long skirts, it was still there! I like the idea that the tutu could inspire fashion that isn't necessarily for ballet. What do you think?
To bring my thoughts back to the big day - November 15th, 1921 - it's time for some serious shopping, dear reader! Even in London, there are shops dedicated to ballet - that is how much it mattered then, my dear! I went for a bit of a walk around and guess what - still no real pink tutus for everyday. But we're working on it! It wouldn't have been considered "the done thing" for a decent lady to go about with pink frills like I'm used to - unless she was performing, of course, but darling, those ballet shops were overflowing with everything a dancer would want - shoes, pointe shoes, leotards, tutus of every kind - oh and did I mention the most amazing costumes! I so wish you could see! They're made in rich, colourful satins and silks, with sequins galore and, of course, feathers. What I found in these shops would give a contemporary fashion designer a run for their money, especially those tutu-inspired clothes. Just gorgeous! That is why my mission continues to be every woman must have at least one pink tutu... if even just to dream.
But here's something really special... As a reward for my lovely trip down the historical rabbit hole - my dear friends took me to see a production of The Sleeping Beauty!
You wouldn't believe the tutus! (And there was a lot of pink... It really was divine - I will have a photo up soon... and it'll be pink, of course!) As we watched Aurora wake up from her magical sleep, surrounded by fairies with their wings and flowing dresses, all dancing with such joy and freedom... well, darling... it really does just make you want to jump onto the stage yourself and dance your heart out. I almost started to hum along... Luckily, I didn't get up on stage. There are only so many tutus allowed at one time!
As a treat for you - here's a little behind the scenes peek - imagine if you will, dancers stretching and practicing, preparing for their performance in their elegant but simple black tutus. What I wouldn't give to peek in the studio with these gorgeous ladies! They must have practiced until it was as familiar to them as breathing... And then... the magic happens when the costumes come on, the lighting takes them, and there they are - they're all so glamorous - you are left utterly charmed...
It’s not about being fancy and loud, it’s about the heart and the joy. I think that is why I love it so much, dear reader... and that is the power of the tutu! And guess what? The more you look around - from fancy theatre tutus, to beautiful but simple studio tutus - and all the fashions you see from then - those frilly dresses could have been tutus... just saying!
Until next week, tutulettes - keep your twirls beautiful and always wear a bit of pink... or better yet... a lot of pink!
Your friend in tutus,
Emma
Travel tip of the week!Take the train! There’s nothing more romantic and luxurious than travelling by train! And, always, wear pink... and your tutu, of course. Why wouldn't you?
Don’t forget to stop by www.pink-tutu.com for more! And be sure to check out the gallery for some inspiring pink tutu photographs and let me know your thoughts. Don’t forget to send your best pink tutu snaps too! You never know where the next pink tutu inspiration is hiding. And always remember - Pink is the best!
