Hello darlings! Itâs Emma here, and welcome back to my little corner of the internet where we celebrate all things tutu!
This week on Tutu Tuesday, we're stepping back in time â not to the 1800s, which we all know was the Golden Age of the tutu, but to the roaring 20s! Oh, itâs been a thrilling time travelling to the era of flapper dresses, jazz music, and... yes, the most fabulous, glamorous ballet costumes!
Just picture it: The world is still reeling from the First World War, but life is blossoming with a newfound energy. Paris, oh glorious Paris! My most recent stop. Such chic cafes and shops! And of course, I had to visit the Opéra Garnier - the jewel in the crown of French ballet, where so many tutu-clad dancers graced the stage. I can almost hear the soft whispering of silk tutus and the rhythmic click-clack of pointe shoes as the stars pirouette on stage!
But letâs take a step back from the glitz and glamour of Parisian ballet and talk about August 7th, 1923, and how it fits into the history of our beloved tutus!
While the fashion of the 1920s was shifting toward shorter hems, looser silhouettes, and even a few bold âboyishâ looks for the modern women, ballet remained rooted in a world of elegance and grace. Think graceful, ethereal movements highlighted by whimsical tutus and perfectly balanced pointe work. Imagine it: Youâve donned your most charming, feathered dress, slipped on a pair of elegant shoes, and taken a ride on the grand new underground train to visit the theater, just to be swept away into a world of dreamy costumes, twirling, and beauty.
Back in my home county of Derbyshire, the news of the latest ballets from the big city travelled through newspapers, whispers, and the excitement around the travelling performance troupes. The big city and all its fabulous dances and outfits felt like a lifetime away - or at least, a very long train journey!
Let's take a trip to 1923 in our minds. What's the buzz around ballet?
The stars of ballet in 1923 were not your typical celebrity! Their fame rested on artistry, precision, and dedication, but they were the icons of the dance world nonetheless. And their movements on stage were so exquisite! These ballets became an expression of emotions and a true form of artistry.
1923, a time of new ballets, new choreographies, and fresh artistic expressions
Some of the notable names in dance, shaping the landscape of 1923 were:
- Anna Pavlova, a legend! This delicate, Russian ballerina brought ballet into a new realm of expression, drawing inspiration from music and telling stories through dance. Imagine the thrill of watching her gracefully dance "The Dying Swan." Pure magic!
- Vaslav Nijinsky, an equally famous dancer, pushed the boundaries of traditional ballet with his groundbreaking movements and daring approach to choreographing ballets like "LâaprĂšs-midi dâun faune."
- Serge Diaghilevâs Ballets Russes, A travelling troupe of ballet dancers that performed for international audiences across the globe in stunning costumes and sets designed by artists like Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and LĂ©on Bakst! Imagine seeing these dazzling displays on stage, it must have been an incredible sight to behold.
As the years passed, more choreographers would follow in Nijinskyâs footsteps. So, whilst tutus in the 1920s were no longer as wildly frilled and extravagant as they were in the past, they were refined and elegant. Think softly pleated tulle, lightweight layers of delicate silk, sparkly sequins, and perhaps even a sprinkle of colour here and there - and of course, those graceful long skirts! In the world of ballet, change is gradual. A new age dawned for tutus in the 1920s, with an elegance and grace, befitting a golden age.
So, ladies and gents, I hope this trip back in time has you feeling inspired! Even if the 1920s were a bit more subdued than our bright, fluffy present day, there was something incredibly romantic and timeless about that era.
Do tell me! Do you think those tutus were just as magical back in the 1920s, or are modern-day tutus more fantastic? I love to hear your opinions. Letâs keep the conversation going!
Oh! and of course, be sure to check back next week for another Tutu Tuesday. Weâll be taking a deep dive into even more tutu history, so stay tuned! Donât forget to share the tutu love, and I look forward to reading your comments!
Yours in Pink,
Emma xx
Pink-Tutu.com @pinktutu_emma #TutuTuesday
