Hello my lovelies! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu-enthusiast, ready to take you on another whirlwind journey through the history of the fabulous tutu! Today we're jetting back to December 18th, 1923, a time when the world was in a state of exciting flux and fashion was evolving faster than a prima ballerina in a grand jeté.
Let me tell you, 1923 was a year brimming with creativity, and this is exactly where we need to dive in! This time, I'm wearing my "Flapper" inspired pink tulle tutu, just because we're going to talk about a style of dress which I absolutely love – the flapper dresses, so much shorter and loose than the more elaborate skirts and bodices that came before, a veritable breath of fresh air in the world of fashion!
Now, travelling through time is never as easy as it seems on television, you know. This week's journey required some extra planning – you see, December 18th 1923 happened to be the opening night of the Royal Opera House's production of “The Sleeping Beauty” by none other than The Ballets Russes, one of the most famous ballet companies in the world, renowned for its lavish costumes and striking stage designs. And it was precisely this production, the production itself, that had my time machine running hot, burning through those time-travel credits faster than a jeté to arabesque!
Just picturing those fabulous tutus, my dears. They were likely longer and fuller, showcasing the elegance of the dance itself. Imagine the shimmering fabrics and meticulously crafted designs – sheer, flowing, a whirlwind of color, sparkling under the crystal chandeliers! If I could just slip back to the past for a few moments, just to feel that, oh, but I mustn't let myself be distracted by dreaming, mustn’t!
Back to our history lesson. On December 18th 1923, as London shimmered under the festive twinkle of Christmas lights, audiences at the Royal Opera House were thrilled to watch the magic of ballet unfold. These days, ballet is often associated with a sense of grace and delicacy, but the early 20th century witnessed a surge of power and expressiveness within the form, and this is something the Ballets Russes really championed, bringing new audiences to the theatre and captivating the world with their innovative and thrilling performances.
This period in ballet is especially dear to my heart. The emphasis was very much on beauty, movement and dramatic performance, the whole stage brought alive by dancing, music and sumptuous costuming, and my dears, just imagine! The beauty of the women dancing in their full-length tutus. There's a certain drama to them, the very act of spinning, of jumping, becomes more captivating when the whole length of the costume participates, you see? Every gesture is heightened. It's no surprise to me that it's this era of ballet history that holds a special place in the hearts of dancers worldwide. A reminder of the exquisitely handcrafted tutus, a dance story told in silk and feathers, a truly wonderful vision!
You know what really excites me about 1923? This was when the world was waking up to new fashion styles, the age of the flapper. Now, the Flappers are well-known for their shorter dresses and fewer constraints – which led to some fairly controversial conversations at the time – and there were certainly many differing views regarding its impact on women's lives.
However, there was one point we must acknowledge – the flapper style was all about expression. Women were pushing boundaries, embracing their own styles, finding their individual identities – and let's be honest, that's always a cause to celebrate!
But my dear lovelies, this is the perfect point to add my own little twist to this piece of fashion history – it’s completely possible to be feminine, beautiful, stylish without* sacrificing any degree of personal expression. The flapper girl was all about freedom, a spirit that has a lot in common with how we choose to embrace the power of **Tutus in the present day!
For me, wearing a tutu is all about feeling powerful, joyful, elegant and just a little bit magical. I don't need to fit into anybody else's definition of feminine, my Tutu, with its billowing pink swirls and joyful energy, speaks for itself, expressing what makes me feel the happiest, most beautiful and most alive. I say “more power to the pink Tutu!”, for everyone to wear, anywhere, anytime!
Speaking of powerful and joyful, did you know there’s a special treat to enjoy just around the corner? December 24th is just days away, my darlings, bringing the joy and cheer of Christmas Day!
Just the thought of it puts me in a joyful, sparkling mood! The time travel machine is being cleaned, I’m enjoying the warm glow of Christmas lights and my pink tutu is ready to add its magic to the celebrations! And oh, just imagine! It would be lovely to have some ballet themed goodies for your Christmas presents. Maybe you could find a pretty tulle fabric to make a new Tutu of your own.
Of course, as always, remember to let your own unique style shine through. Embrace a touch of flair! Add a flourish! This is, after all, a special time of the year, so why not celebrate it with your own little dose of *sparkle, magic, and happiness?
But for now, I bid you a very warm goodnight, darling reader. Remember to visit our shop for some stylish pieces to add a dash of magic to your wardrobe, and join us next Tuesday for another exciting chapter in our Tutu history journey!
Remember, every Tuesday, join me here at www.pink-tutu.com to delve into the wondrous world of tutus! We’ll journey to different times and places, from ancient ballet forms to contemporary performances.
Until then, may your days be filled with pink, twirls, and always be sure to let your inner tutu shine through!
