Hello darlings! It’s Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu aficionado, and I’m back for another delightful journey through the enchanting history of tutus. Grab your teacups and prepare to be whisked away to a time when elegance was everything – welcome to #TutuTuesday!
Today we’re taking the train all the way to the heart of ballet, the bustling city of Paris, on this wonderful 15th of April 1924! Did you know that this is the very same day Sergei Diaghilev’s infamous Ballets Russes were opening a new season at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées with Leonid Massine in their sensational new ballet "Les Biches" (the Fillies). Oh, how I’d have loved to be in that theatre to watch it.
The History of "Les Biches" and the Ballet Russes
What’s "Les Biches" about, you ask? Well, my dear readers, it’s about dancing girls, a young couple on the edge of a tumultuous love story, and their lives on the edge of high society. Think "Atonement" but with more frolicking. The music? That would be a lovely score by the famous Francis Poulenc and costumes and decor designed by Marie Laurencin, with splashes of bold and playful colours just waiting to catch your eye!
Can you picture it, lovelies? The lights dim, the curtain rises, and there on stage is a vibrant, modern world of dancing with a distinct dash of rebellion. The dancers, with their bold moves and even bolder outfits, broke away from the traditional classical ballets we knew and loved before. "Les Biches" felt so modern at the time - flapper girls, jazz influences and a modern world was reflected in its costumes. Oh, the tutus!! These weren't the classic long-skirted, romantic, puffy, graceful tutu designs, These were short tutus - bold and playful and perfectly suited for the energetic choreography. Think* less “Giselle”, and more *"Charlie Chaplin Meets The Roaring Twenties"!! The dancers of Ballets Russes made such a powerful statement with their tutus. This was ballet with an edge! They certainly understood how to show off a sassy tutu or two.
"Les Biches" was all about bold expression - an exploration of the “new woman” who could express herself in a confident and liberated manner.
And, my lovely readers, just imagine the fashions on that night! Paris was always ahead of its time and 1924 was certainly a time to be alive and vibrant in your fashion choices. Oh, the gorgeous fashions, the feather boas, long, beaded necklaces, stylish handbags, silk dresses, and daring hats that I bet graced the elegant faces of those in the theatre that night.
Our Journey of Ballet History
But we have more ballet history to delve into. Just before I landed here in 1924, The Russian ballet legend Anna Pavlova had wowed audiences in London, New York and even as far away as Sydney. Yes, 1924 was an epic year for ballet. You might be able to picture Anna Pavlova, that delightful darling, in her dainty white tutu. Imagine her graceful movements - truly a treat to see.
You may ask yourself “what made the 1920s such an extraordinary time for tutus?” Well my lovelies, I believe the reason is simple, it was the* “Jazz Age”!* New freedoms and a thirst for a good time led to new and daring styles, and that, of course, included our dear tutus!* Tutú-ness* became a sensation!* Even the* most conservative of women started embracing their feminine side and adding *little* splashes of colour with gorgeous silk, tulle and netting tutus. Just the sparkle of a few sequins and feathers, a sprinkle of pearls, and they could be dancing and whirling their way through life. Now if that doesn’t make you feel utterly inspired, I don't know what will!
And now I must off to another one of my fabulous ballet adventures, but until then remember, "the pinker the tutu the better the time!” Oh, and don’t forget to look up and around when you travel to any exciting city. You never know what a little trip to the theatre, a vintage boutique, or a grand ballroom may have in store! I just might bump into you and show you around myself! Just let me know! Stay fashionable, keep twirling and may your days be filled with a sprinkle of fairy dust - and, of course, plenty of pink tutus. Until next #TutuTuesday!
Emma xxx
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