Hello darlings! Emma here, your favourite tutu-wearing time-travelling ballerina, back with another dose of tutu history for #TutuTuesday!
This week, we're travelling back to a fabulous time – 22nd May 1923! Can you imagine? The world was just waking up to the exciting Roaring Twenties, flappers were dancing the Charleston, and fashion was oh-so-chic! It was a whirlwind of change and excitement, and guess what else? Tutues were having a moment!
Now, I know what you're thinking – "Tutues? In 1923?" Yes, my dears! Even back then, the tutu was making its presence known. Of course, we weren't talking about the romantic, full-blown tutus of today. No, in 1923, the tutu was more of a "semi-tutu", a charming, flirty silhouette.
Think about the gorgeous ballerinas like Anna Pavlova – a legend of her time – who wore her tutus short and chic, revealing those perfectly toned legs! They moved with grace, swirling across the stage, leaving audiences captivated. It was a period of transition, where the ballet tutu was shedding its stiff, traditional form, evolving into a more streamlined, playful garment. It was about freedom of movement, lightness and femininity, mirroring the changing trends of the times.
And the colours? Oh, darling, the colours! I imagine the most vibrant shades of pink, lavender, and perhaps a splash of bright orange, all playing peek-a-boo amongst the stage lights. You know I'm a firm believer that a pink tutu makes everything better, and I just know 1923 wouldn't have been the same without it!
Speaking of pink tutus, I found myself at a delightful soirée at the Grand Palais in Paris this week. It was a fundraiser for the ballet, a wonderful mix of elegance and art. I twirled across the ballroom, the soft blush of my tutu swirling like a gentle breeze, causing a delightful stir. Of course, I saw a few fellow tutu enthusiasts there, too, showing off their own charming style.
My time travel adventure is certainly glamorous, my darlings, and it takes a lot of planning to stay ahead of the game. My favourite way to travel, you ask? By train, of course! I love the smooth rhythm of the journey, the soft clicking of wheels on the tracks, and the chance to peek out of the window and admire the passing landscapes. It’s the perfect time to contemplate, to dream, to plan my next tutu-tastic adventure!
And that, my darlings, leads me to this week’s #TutuTuesday challenge! Why not find a way to add a touch of "semi-tutu" to your wardrobe? Perhaps a flowing skirt, a layered tutu-inspired dress, or even a few extra layers of tulle around the skirt of your favourite dress? The possibilities are endless! Show off your tutu love! Share your style on social media with the hashtag #PinkTutuChallenge, and let's see how much fun we can have with a touch of twirl-tastic elegance!
Until next week, my dears! Stay fabulous!
Your friend in tutus,
Emma x
*P.S. This Tuesday, the 22nd of May, in 1923 was the night the famous Irish dancer, Michael "Mick" Lavery, became known as the greatest "soft shoe" tap dancer in the world after a night of performances in New York City! It was an important date in the dance world and one I wouldn’t have missed. Imagine – "soft shoe" dancers, those tapping shoes - in that beautiful period of history – oh darling, it’s enough to make me swoon! *
