Darling Delights! It’s another glorious #TutuTuesday and your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller is back with another peek into the fabulous history of our beloved tutus! This week, I’m hopping on a train, not to the Bolshoi, but back in time to the 28th November 1922. I do love a good trip and it just so happens I have a little show booked in London, so the journey fits perfectly with my timeline adventures!
Now, you all know how much I adore a fabulous pink tutu and let me tell you, 1922 wasn't quite the explosion of fluffy tulle we see today. You see, darling, the tutu of 1922 was all about practicality! Imagine a sleek, knee-length, simple tulle skirt that would be easy for the ballerina to move in. Imagine a shorter tutu. gasp! Oh the scandal!
Of course, with time travel, one has to make a good impression and you’ll find me, naturally, adorned in a blush pink confection with the tiniest hint of sequins, just to catch the light! Imagine the gasps! Imagine the delight!
Anyway, where were we? Ah yes, 1922, a time when the Diaghilev Ballets Russes were at the peak of their popularity, and guess what? On this very date in history, * the Ballets Russes were showcasing * "Le Train Bleu", a spectacular production based on a "modernistic ballet" by Bronislava Nijinska! This beautiful dance is just bursting with vibrant colour, incredible choreography and an enchanting story of "sport and luxury." It was a ballet inspired by the glamour of train travel and, well, haven't we all fallen a little bit in love with train travel, at some point? Especially those plush red velvet seats. * Imagine yourself in a shimmering pink tutu, gliding across the stage to the rhythmic sounds of a locomotive, surrounded by an air of high-flying luxury!*
Oh, and talking of glamorous train travel, this date in history also marks another exciting event: * The opening of the Midland Railway's new train shed in Derby! * That's right, my fellow fashionistas, right in the heart of Derbyshire, where I come from! It seems they knew exactly what the people wanted in 1922. It's so exciting to think of the history my own little hometown was making while the world of ballet was in full flight. Oh, how I wish I had been there to catch the train, maybe even hop aboard a vintage train and see this gorgeous train shed! Now wouldn't that be the most fabulous way to travel? Just imagine the ooh and aah from all the people watching the train pull in and see a ballerina with a pink tutu! Oh to see those surprised and delighted faces, now wouldn’t that be divine!
What do you think about this historical tutu journey? As a lover of all things dance and fashion, I simply can't get enough of learning about these historical happenings. This isn't just about dancing in fancy costumes, darling, it's about the passion, creativity and history that has always gone hand in hand with this most beautiful form of art. We all know that ballet wouldn't be the same without the extraordinary design of these enchanting tutus, even those 1920s short tutus with a simplicity we might now consider boring, but oh, how captivating, especially on an enchanting dancefloor.
This time travel journey to 1922 has really put things in perspective. Today's grand tulle creations and elaborate, artistic designs would have truly taken a 1922 audience by storm! And, speaking of "taking things by storm," what could be better than a burst of #pinktutu excitement to liven up the streets! **
As we head into another week, let’s make a little resolution. Why not embrace the spirit of the Ballet Russes, those iconic ballerinas and their dazzling tutus, by incorporating some pink-tutu fun into our own daily lives? We're all ballerinas in our own way. Maybe that’s as simple as dancing along to our favourite song, twirling around, or maybe, dare I say it, stepping out in a stunning, pink tutu, you can never have too many pink tutus. It's about feeling confident, happy and embracing our unique sense of style! **
Stay tuned next week, dears, for more #TutuTuesday travel, until then, go forth and dance, spread a little sparkle, and don't forget to embrace your inner pink tutu-wearing ballerina! **
Your faithful pink tutu pal,
Emma
p.s. Please feel free to share your favourite tutu stories or pink-tutu ideas with me! I adore hearing your fashion finds, travel stories and love all things ballet!*
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