#TutuTuesday: Ballet Tutu History - 1922.09.26
Post number 4735! Hello my darlings! Emma here, your favourite time-travelling ballerina blogger, from www.pink-tutu.com! Itās a glorious #TutuTuesday, so let's delve into the wondrous world of tutus and dance our way back to September 26th, 1922, shall we? š©°
Oh my, but I simply adore this era! Think elegant bobbed hair, sparkling flapper dresses, and oh those glorious dance floors. š¶ But before we twirl on into 1922, let's get comfy, darling, and settle into my pink armchair with a cuppa and a delicious piece of cake!
Let me start by saying a big āWelcome!ā to all the newcomers. Iām delighted to see so many new faces! We have a lovely, big community of tutu enthusiasts here at www.pink-tutu.com, so I'm excited for you to join us on this exciting journey through dance and fashion history!
A Twirl Back in Time
Let's picture the world of ballet in September of 1922. The stage was already alight with vibrant and exciting new styles! While tutus remained a vital element in ballet productions, a new silhouette was gaining ground - one that embodied the liberation and dynamism of the era.
Can you imagine a tutu as sleek and streamlined as a flapper dress? Yes, darling! Gone were the heavy, elaborate romantic tutus with layers of crinoline. It was the time for the new "tutu" dress - think a flowing, single layer of tulle that skimmed the dancerās legs and was sometimes finished with a lovely bit of embroidery! Imagine a sparkling silver or glittering gold fabric creating a shimmering aura as the dancer twirls! Simply magical, right? āØ
Think of the beautiful Russian ballerina, Anna Pavlova, and the graceful and revolutionary movement she brought to ballet with these new-age styles. She moved with such a free and flowing spirit - an image that still resonates within the heart of ballet to this day.
The Inspiration of Paris
I must confess, darling, there's something truly magical about hopping on the Orient Express, travelling through Europe to reach Paris, the fashion capital of the world! Every time I visit this stunning city, Iām swept away by the beauty, artistry, and vibrant energy surrounding the ballets of Paris! It's the very heart of ballet's creative world!
Imagine standing on the steps of the OpĆ©ra Garnier, or wandering the halls of the Palais Garnier - breathtaking architecture echoing with the sounds of exquisite music, with beautiful costumes glimmering under the chandeliers - absolutely magnificent! āØ
In 1922, Paris was embracing modernity! Even the traditional tutus were changing with the times, and they often boasted geometric designs, and intricate embellishments ā adding to the modern edge of this dance movement. I am sure you would find this kind of daring approach rather exciting, darling! š
September 26th, 1922 - A Magical Moment in Time
The 26th of September 1922 holds a very special place in dance history. We must travel over to Moscow and the Bolshoi Theatre. Yes, this magical building is where the Ballet āThe Firebirdā had its premier in 1910 - and imagine, it was revived this very date in 1922! Just picture that glorious theatre brimming with excitement, as the legendary Diaghilevās Ballets Russes took to the stage for the performance of their incredible masterpiece!
Can you imagine it, darling? - the stunning music, the fantastical costumes and set, and the ballerinas and danseur's beautiful moves, a kaleidoscope of vibrant colour - all taking your breath away!
The Firebird is simply spellbinding. This mythical bird, both powerful and captivating, tells the story of its role as the magical creature protecting the enchanted Prince Ivan. It's filled with emotion, a bit of mystery and captivating story that unfolds on the stage ā truly something truly magnificent.
And the ballet was given new life on this day! A celebration of this magnificent and beautiful work. Can you feel it, darlings? All this excitement - all this wonder in the air! The world of dance was truly captivating!
A World Full of Elegance
This era, darling, was the time of the "garconne," - this image of elegant, yet playful freedom! Ballet reflected this new mood with designs becoming less heavy and cumbersome, moving towards lightness and freedom!
In that same era, fashion designs featured dazzling beading and shimmering sequins. If you look at the costume design of the dancers in āThe Firebirdā - it simply radiates that fabulous glitz and glamour that captures the mood of the times. Oh, darling, you could just imagine dancing through life on that dance floor, your beautiful beaded dress shimmering under the elegant chandeliers and twirling your perfect tutu with confidence! What fun we could have, eh?
Bringing āTutu-Styleā Back
While tutus themselves have undergone incredible transformations through history, there is a timeless element to their design. This delicate, billowing fabric and form has the ability to enchant, to inspire, to captivate audiences!
And you know, darling, that's exactly what I'm trying to do right now with you, in this moment. I want you to dream, to explore your love of dance and of style - to discover the endless world of creativity and elegance that embracing your inner ballerina allows you to experience!
So put on your favorite pink tutu - even if itās only in your mind's eye! š©° and letās explore a little history - and create some new memories. Remember darling, we're not just a blog - we are a family here on www.pink-tutu.com! So please, share your own thoughts about this magical era and anything that inspires your love of dance.
The Importance of Pink
And of course, this journey couldn't be complete without reminding you - you simply must make pink your go-to shade of fashion, darling! Think how pretty pink tutus would be in that ballet setting! The bright shade makes such a gorgeous splash against the deep blues and browns of a historic theatre or dance studio, making the dancers and performers truly come to life, wouldn't you say?
There is something about pink, isn't there? Pink has always been such a playful, feminine, and exciting shade, but also so full of vibrant energy! When Iām wearing a pink tutu I feel alive - confident and empowered to dance and share the wonder of this lovely colour with you, dear! š
You are welcome to be part of the fun, darling! Why not join me next Tuesday, when we shall be travelling through time once again for more #TutuTuesday! In the meantime, take a peek through our archive for more of ballet's history - I've got so many more delightful memories to share!
*Until then, happy dancing, darling! š *
P.S. I just knew this would happen. My time travel machine seems to have glitched. I am currently stranded somewhere on a ship in the Caribbean. Luckily, the Captain invited me to join him for a spot of waltz! How exciting! I must try and fix my machineā¦ but darling, for now, letās dance the night away!