#TutuTuesday: Ballet Tutu History - A Twirl Through the 1920s! 🩰✨
Hey Tutu Lovers! 💖 It’s your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller Emma here, and today is #TutuTuesday! As you all know, this means a dive into the fascinating world of the tutu’s history – a journey through time that would make even a seasoned ballet dancer dizzy! 😉
And this week, we’re twirling all the way back to December 4th, 1923. I just know you'll be en pointe with my research today, because this year saw some seriously groundbreaking stuff happening in the ballet world!
But before we jump in, let me take a quick detour and give you a little update on my life as a time-travelling tutu enthusiast.
This past week has been all about vintage fashion! I’ve been scooping up some utterly fabulous frocks in Paris - think decadent flapper dresses and exquisite beaded gowns. Paris really is the ultimate fashion capital! It's just impossible to leave without at least ten new garments, all perfectly in tune with my pink tutu aesthetic! 💖
As you know, my time-travelling adventures are funded by my ballet performances, and oh my goodness! Last night was something special - a stunning rendition of Swan Lake with the Bolshoi! Those ballerinas were breathtaking - all graceful lines and precise movements.
Now, back to our time-travelling voyage. The year 1923 was a time of change in the world of ballet, with some iconic moments that deserve to be remembered. For one thing, it’s the year when a very special, pioneering ballerina was born: none other than Margot Fonteyn! You can see why I'm so excited about 1923! Just think about all the future tutu-clad glory we have to look forward to thanks to this iconic ballerina! 💖
Now, let’s have a closer look at December 4th, 1923!
A Very Important Performance: "La Boutique Fantasque"
You know me - I love nothing more than a good ballet performance! And on this date, right here in Paris, audiences were transported to a magical world thanks to the premiere of Leonide Massine's "La Boutique Fantasque."
Think colourful puppets and intricate sets – just like the toys coming to life in a fantastical toy shop. You could say this ballet practically sparkled with creative choreography, beautiful music by Gioachino Rossini, and captivating stage design! And yes, plenty of glorious tutus on those beautiful ballerinas. I'm thinking those tutus were particularly light and bouncy for those exciting puppet dance sequences! 😉
You might also be wondering about the fashion in Paris around 1923. And just like in my vintage shopping adventures, the trend was all about movement and freedom. The “Flapper Look” dominated with loose, flowing silhouettes and dresses that showcased a bit of ankle – a world away from the restricted gowns of the previous decade! Even tutus might have incorporated some of that same freeing feeling, and perhaps some sequins to really catch the light! 💖
Of course, being a big fan of all things pink, I can't help but mention the influence of Rose Cumming, an influential textile designer. Her love for the colour pink, with its rich hues, was everywhere! It even crept its way into fashion design, furniture upholstery and… even interiors! You might say pink was truly making its presence felt around the world! 💖
From Paris to London: Taking Tutues on the Rails!
A little-known fact: travelling by train in the 1920s was all the rage. It was luxurious, romantic and certainly fashionable. For me, as a lover of all things fashionable and fun, a train journey is never just a means of transportation - it's an exciting adventure!
So imagine my delight when the iconic “Flying Scotsman” was introduced to the world! A powerful steam engine that roared through the British countryside, carrying thousands of passengers to distant destinations! My goodness, this magnificent machine, a marvel of engineering, has so much character! 😍
Think about this, Tutu Lovers! Just imagine me, adorned in a glorious pink tutu, aboard the Flying Scotsman, travelling across England – a graceful figure of elegance against the steamy background of this iconic engine! Oh, the memories I would create! ✨
As we’ve seen, 1923 was a year of captivating performances and thrilling advances in transport. A wonderful reminder that we're constantly evolving - both in fashion and in the wider world!
This has been another wonderful trip down #TutuTuesday memory lane. Don't forget to share your favourite tutus from this time with us! We'd love to hear your stories, dear Tutu Lovers.
I can't wait for next Tuesday’s #TutuTuesday. See you then, Tutu Lovers, with a new adventure! ✨💖
Emma xx
www.pink-tutu.com
Blog post #4797