Hello darlings! It’s Emma, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu-wearing time traveller, and welcome to another instalment of Tutu Tuesday: A Twirl Through Time! Today we're journeying back to 2nd October, 1923, a glorious time for the blossoming ballet world, especially in this fabulous city! (This is where we are, and oh, how wonderful it is to be here!)
Just imagine, dears: the air is buzzing with the anticipation of an upcoming ballet season! The whispers of the latest choreographies and the gossip about new talent flutter through tea rooms and Parisian salons alike. Our grand theatres are already alive with the elegant swirl of rehearsals. This, my loves, is a time of glamour and exquisite movement.
The tutus of 1923 were a vision of delicate elegance! Imagine a symphony of silk, tulle, and graceful lines. Yes, darling, we’re already talking about the layered tutu! Now, we know they were slightly different to what you'd see at the Royal Ballet today – think fewer tiers, more of a graceful, flowy movement, rather than the fuller, puffier styles you might associate with Swan Lake.
But don't be fooled by the fewer tiers, my dear. The artistry of the era's design lies in its intricate detail. We are talking meticulous hand-stitching and lavishly embellished fabrics! Can you imagine? Silk panels and glittering jewels - all meticulously crafted by some of the world's finest artisans!
And you simply cannot ignore the allure of the colours! Forget those stark blacks and whites, darlings. 1923 is bursting with bold, shimmering hues. Imagine shades of deepest lilac, delicate lavender, vibrant jade, and, of course, my personal favourite… pink!
Oh, the excitement! As a bona fide tutu enthusiast, you simply cannot travel to the 1920s without seeing a ballet performance, Can you imagine waltzing the night away in your pinkest, puffiest tutu under the chandelier's glow, the orchestra’s melody swirling around you? My heart swells with pure joy just thinking about it!
This past week, I was lucky enough to see a performance of Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes – talk about a dazzling treat for the eyes and soul! Their movement was simply intoxicating – every gesture, every lift was infused with such passion and drama.
And as always, darling, shopping has been a highlight of my stay! (No trip to any era is complete without indulging in the local fashion trends, you understand!) You know my love for a perfectly-pink tutu - I was simply captivated by a new line of lace trims that would be perfect for a bit of DIY tutu design – oh, the possibilities! And, wouldn't you know, I stumbled across a beautiful vintage pair of pink satin shoes. I simply could not resist - the detail! The embroidery! (As I type, darling, I’m dreaming about my next crafting project! I might just need a little afternoon tea… and perhaps a box of new feathers!)
As for the date itself… let me whisk you to London on this 2nd October, 1923! The city is bursting with the joyous sounds of its inhabitants – think horse-drawn carriages clattering on cobblestone, children’s laughter ringing through parks, and a chorus of chatter from shopkeepers calling out to customers! It’s a symphony of delightful bustle, darlings!
Did you know? London is brimming with innovative ballet talent this season, And rumour has it, our local opera house is planning a brand-new ballet production of "Swan Lake". How very exciting, wouldn’t you agree? Oh, and a certain Princess has been spotted wearing a pink-tutu inspired outfit… what an amazing woman!
Well, my loves, it’s time for me to whisk myself off to explore more of this wonderful time! Be sure to tune in next Tuesday for another #TutuTuesday as we unravel the exquisite fashion of another era!
Until then, stay fashionable and remember, darling, even a day without a tutu is a day missed!
Love, Emma.
PS Do share your own #TutuTuesday adventures with me at www.pink-tutu.com. Who knows, you might even be featured on our blog!
P.P.S Don’t forget to follow our fabulous Instagram! @pinktutuhistory - We share more exclusive stories of tutu history right on our Instagram, and our followers can join our weekly pink tutu dress-up for photo opportunities! Just picture it, my lovelies!
Now go and twirl that day away! xx
