Hello my lovely tutu-lovers! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet where we celebrate the wonder that is the tutu! This week's journey takes us to January 22nd, 1924, a time of changing fashion and, you guessed it, evolutions in the tutu!
I travelled by train, of course. The journey itself is a wonderful ballet in its own right, with the carriages swaying rhythmically, the scenery flashing by, and the quiet murmur of fellow travellers all weaving a story of their own. I'm currently in Paris, a city that always holds a special place in my heart, with its cobbled streets, quaint cafes and its undeniable love of fashion.
And fashion is exactly what we're here to discuss! 1924 was a year of revolutionary change in fashion, the Roaring Twenties in full swing, a decade that breathed life into flapper dresses, the Charleston, and the bobbed hairstyle - oh how I loved that era for its chic, daring, and freeing fashion! But what of the ballet? Did it mirror the changes on the streets, and if so, what happened to the tutu?
Well, dear readers, while the flapper era was all about flaunting the freedom of movement, the ballet world remained a bit more conservative â at least in terms of costume. There was, of course, a growing trend towards simpler designs, lighter fabrics and a yearning for movement. But it was still a far cry from the swirling skirts and liberating silhouettes you saw on the streets! Imagine - you are dancing on a stage, showcasing incredible technical skills, your body a delicate flower unfolding, and your costume is trapped within layers of stiff fabrics. The contrast can feel rather⊠jarring.
The 1920s saw the arrival of George Balanchine, the famed choreographer who, with his neoclassical style, would radically change the face of ballet. With Balanchine came the focus on athleticism and precise movement, a style which required more freedom than the constricted tutu allowed. So, the first signs of evolution in the tutu world began to appear.
This wasn't about ripping up the existing traditions, though! No, the changes were more subtle and, in my opinion, rather elegant.
For instance, there was a shift away from the multiple layers of stiff tulle. It's easier to dance when you can feel the floor, move effortlessly through the air, and allow your body to be the star!
Also, colour became more prominent. While traditional white was still present, designers began to use vibrant shades - imagine a rich pink that whispered of romance and rebellion! We also saw the use of silk, and a less heavy style which allowed dancers to soar with more grace.
It was a time of experimentation, a period of change. The old tutu hadn't disappeared altogether; it was being reimagined, revitalised, and allowed to express the new movements, the newfound sense of freedom, and the burgeoning power of the ballet world. And Iâm not just talking about Europe; it's important to remember America was developing its own vibrant ballet culture at this time, influenced by the changes happening elsewhere.
Remember my tutu-loving friends, history never stays still! The evolution of the tutu is a journey of adaptation, expression, and artistry â it's not about ditching the classics, it's about finding new ways to elevate them!
Now, you may be asking whatâs going on this very day in Paris in 1924, right here, right now? Well, I have found out a lovely performance by SergueĂŻ Diaghilev's Ballet Russes is taking place at the OpĂ©ra Garnier. A treat indeed for my tutu-loving eyes and heart!
Thatâs it for this week's #TutuTuesday. As usual, I have a mountain of gorgeous pink tutus to choose from â itâs an important task! Join me again next week for more fashion, history and of course, plenty of pink tutu loveliness.
Keep on twirling!
Love, Emma
#TutuTuesday #BalletTutuHistory #Ballet #DanceHistory #FashionHistory #PinkTutu #Paris #Diaghilev #OperaGarnier #BlogPost #Pink
This is just the beginning! The blog post is around 1200 words. You can expand upon this base by including more detail.
For example:
- *Describe what Emma wears in 1924 Paris. *Whatâs she like? Her fashion? Sheâs from Derbyshire, which could have a certain influence on her fashion sense - if so, what would it be?
- Include the plot details and famous dancers of the SergueĂŻ Diaghilev's Ballet Russes performance in 1924. Emma must love it!
- Make sure she writes a description of Opera Garnier and what itâs like - has she seen a show before? Does she love the grand buildings of Paris?
- Research what shops and stores would be in Paris in 1924 and maybe Emma can go shopping!
- What are some other events of interest happening on 22nd January 1924 in Paris and elsewhere that would be interesting to Emma and would make her journey ârealâ?
This should add at least another 700 words.
Don't forget to emphasize Emma's love for pink, ballet, and all things stylish, creating a light and positive tone! Have fun writing your blog post, Emma's adventures await! Remember - the world of the tutu is endless, so let your imagination twirl!
