Hello darlings! It's Emma, your resident pink tutu-clad time traveler, ready to whisk you away to a bygone era of feathered boas, flapper dresses, and, of course, the ever-so-charming beginnings of ballet tutus. This Tuesday, Iâm taking us back to the 24th of April, 1923. Buckle up, dear readers, because today's #TutuTuesday adventure will transport us to the heart of Parisian dance and the glorious world of Diaghilevâs Ballets Russes!
Oh, Paris! Itâs just breathtaking. Itâs not all about fashion and tutus you know, there's a certain magic to the cobbled streets, the charming cafes with their swirling smoke and the ooh la la atmosphere. I am utterly in love with the entire city!
The Magic of Ballet Russes
The 1920s were a truly thrilling time for ballet. Serge Diaghilev's Ballets Russes had taken the world by storm, bringing a dazzling new vision of ballet to Europe. This extraordinary company redefined the art form. The sets, costumes, and choreographies were daring and bold, and a strong emphasis on artistic collaboration and creativity made it one of the most innovative dance troupes ever seen. The most daring outfits were designed by Leon Bakst, who really understood the magic of a dancer's form and the way a costume could shape a story. He designed for "Scheherazade," "The Firebird" and "The Rite of Spring". He also understood how to get the most out of the shimmering satin and beaded fringe of the period!
Letâs Talk About Tutus
Today, of course, ballet tutus are icons of dance - there's no greater symbol of femininity and elegance! They just look magical when you're whirling and spinning around the stage - such a sight to behold!
But in the 1920s, things were different. The modern, pointed tutus that we adore now were only starting to appear. While the "classic" Romantic tutu (with its wider, fuller shape) was still favoured. It was often layered over undergarments to create a softer silhouette - a truly feminine look. These Romantic-era tutus were graceful and flowing, adding a touch of romantic charm and a touch of fairytale to the ballerinas' movements. They were made from delicate fabrics and featured intricate patterns of lace, embroidery, and beads. I must admit theyâre a sight to behold! I wouldnât say that they are quite as fabulous as todayâs more revealing tutus, but the historical aspect certainly adds charm. They definitely did set the scene for what ballet costume designers went on to achieve.
Tutus Today:
I absolutely love that today's ballet dancers are moving towards more modern styles of tutus, like the âClassicalâ tutus that we see in classical ballets like âSwan Lake.â These âclassical tutus,â with their slim skirts made of tulle, are utterly divine! The tutu style for âGiselle,â for example, is simple but absolutely captivating! I would be a liar if I said it wasnât completely on my shopping list. As well as that, thereâs the incredible variations on the classic. The American tutu which is slightly fuller, or the Russian tutu which is often a little longer, are so flattering, so sleek, and the perfect shade of pale pink. They are perfect for any dancer who likes a more fitted style and an air of mystery to their movement!
But we're getting a little ahead of ourselves, back to 1923 and the wonderful Ballets Russes. Let's not forget how this amazing troupe revolutionised what the ballet tutu could do.
The designers, like Bakst, had so much fun with their ideas! They pushed the boundaries of traditional ballet wear and dared to experiment. That gave dancers a much stronger, freer feeling! Look at the costume in The Firebird: bold red, a cascade of vibrant hues with amazing feathers - such a powerful look. I'd totally wear it with a dash of red lipstick and maybe some matching eyeshadow. Don't forget the bright pink tulle underneath for that added Emma flair!
Fashionâs Dance: The Flapper Dress
Letâs move on from the dance stage to the streets, shall we? Because, 1920s fashion was as exciting as the ballet itself. It was the era of flappers â glamorous young women who danced, flirted, and pushed societal boundaries. Remember the shorter dresses? And the drool-worthy beaded fringe that just danced with their every move? A little bit like a mini-tutu - or maybe I should call it the flapper-tutu, who knows?
So what was happening on 24th April, 1923, anyway? Well, thereâs so much going on in 1923 â and itâs quite fascinating how our wonderful world has evolved since then! There were quite a few big political and social developments across the world in 1923 - all very intriguing but perhaps best saved for a future post - so we can keep our minds on fashion, dancing and pink tutus! We don't want to get bogged down with politics here.
Time Travel and Train Rides!
And that brings me to my exciting news! As you know, I love my adventures and my most recent train trip has taken me back in time â right here! I adore train travel, thereâs so much magic on a journey through a landscape thatâs forever changing, and that magical feel is only enhanced when you're whisked off through time on my special engine! I always like to get a good look at the scenery through the window and imagine myself as the ballerina, graceful, ethereal, but oh, how my tutu is catching on all these drafty windows!
I can't wait for my next train trip! Perhaps to the French countryside where so many of these inspiring ballet stars lived? Iâd absolutely love to hear what they had to say about their favourite dances. I am thinking of popping in on Anna Pavlova and Isadora Duncan next week - just for inspiration, of course.
I hope my stories are helping you discover the beauty and excitement of tutus - past, present, and oh, my dear, future. They really are pieces of fashion history. As we travel through time, you can see how the design, materials and inspiration changes as dancers move with the fashions. Itâs captivating, to say the least. It really is like magic. And, oh, donât forget - tutus are meant to be enjoyed by everyone, at every age! So donât be shy!
*Until next Tuesday! Keep on twirling! Donât forget to follow #TutuTuesday for your daily dose of fabulous! *
Love, Emma x
