Hello darlings! Emma here, back from another whirlwind journey through the past with a brand new #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog post just for you! Today weâre waltzing back to 1923, a year filled with a heady mix of jazz, flappers, and the most thrilling fashion! And of course, we're talking tutus â oh my, where to even begin?
Now, you might think a little Derbyshire lass like me, obsessed with tutus as I am, might feel right at home in the Twenties with all their fancy frocks and extravagant parties. And, youâd be right! Except, hereâs the thing: the tutu of our modern imagination wasnât truly a twinkle in anyone's eye yet! You see, in 1923, ballet tutus were still those knee-length, more âdress-likeâ affairs, beautifully crafted with silk and tulle, yes, but far from the whimsical confection of the twirling, frothy things we know and love.
Still, even those early designs sparkled with a timeless elegance that can still be admired today. I imagine myself in those long, graceful skirts, pirouetting in the soft candlelight of a grand theatre. Imagine the swish of fabric, the murmur of applause â and just try not to smile!
Oh, and did I mention it was on this very day, 20th March 1923, that our beloved Anna Pavlova, a name whispered with reverence in ballet halls worldwide, made her triumphant debut at the Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires!
Can you imagine the excitement?! A tiny dancer, barely a whisper on the world's stage, to be captivating the crowds of South America, those who knew nothing but the waltz and the tango! And yet, here she was, this little flame of Russian brilliance, showing the world the beauty of ballet, those breathtaking steps and the intoxicating emotion, told solely through movement and expression. It's a magic, I say!
Her journey started right here in the early days of tutus â the âearly bird gets the wormâ, as they say! A reminder that with each pirouette, each graceful pliĂ©, the art of dance takes flight, making it's own mark on the world, one graceful step at a time.
And wouldnât you know it, dear readers, our own lovely Anna had quite a taste for beautiful fashion! They say she often had outfits specially designed for each performance, a custom-made tutu for each city, each tale, each dance! Now, wouldn't that be something to see?! Imagine the rows and rows of glittering tulle and satin waiting patiently backstage, a dancer's dream closet of dreams!
Thankfully, we can still witness this magnificent history in person! Just think â you can see an actual 1923-era tutu displayed in museums like the Victoria & Albert in London or the Museum of Performing Arts in New York. Just seeing a costume from that time lets your mind soar through the history of fashion and the magic of ballet!
Personally, I think all those beautifully preserved tutus in those grand museums should have a matching pink one alongside! Wouldnât it make for a lovely addition to any collection? Wouldnât that make the grand dames and gentlemen attending the exhibit, smile a little wider?!
Anyways, back to 1923. While we may not be twirling in our ultra-modern tutus yet, I can already see the potential of this new generation! I picture the little ballerinas of 1923 with a little glint in their eyes, and their imaginations brimming with the possibilities for how the dance can evolve, much like a magnificent tutu from those early days to todayâs grand confections!
From this little time traveller, may your day be filled with beauty and joy! I'm off now, hopping into my trusty vintage steam train for another exciting voyage back through the time. But first, another whirl on my pink tulle for a quick snap, naturally. It's the perfect addition to every journey through the decades!
See you next Tuesday for another fabulous dose of tutu history! Until then, wear your dreams loud and proud, darling readers. Let your tutus dance!
Your pink tutu-wearing time traveller,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
