#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1924-08-26

Hello, darlings! Emma here, your pink-tutu-clad time traveller, bringing you the latest instalment of #TutuTuesday, direct from the heart of 1924. Buckle your dancing shoes, and let's take a trip back in time to see how tutus were twirling in the Roaring Twenties!

This week, my trusty time machine brought me to the bustling city of Paris. Oh, la la! The City of Lights has always held a special place in my heart, but today, it's the glorious spectacle of ballet that has me feeling truly giddy!

It's 26th August 1924, and the Paris Opera is ablaze with the shimmering magic of Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes! Imagine - this troupe of incredible dancers is sweeping audiences off their feet with innovative choreographies and dazzling costumes, making ballet utterly avant garde.

But the most exciting part for me, dear readers, are the tutus! We’re starting to see some fantastic evolution in tutu design during this era. The famous tutus of the Ballets Russes are truly works of art.

The Birth of the "Romantic Tutu"

Let's rewind the clock a bit. Imagine yourself, oh darling, back in the 1800s. The tutu at this time was very different to what we see today! A long, flowing skirt, practically dragging along the floor, it was about showcasing graceful movements. Think elegant lines and the lightness of a dream. This was the so-called Romantic Tutu, popular in the 19th century.

The “Classical Tutu” Enters the Stage

However, the Romantic Tutu wasn't quite cutting it for the groundbreaking dancers of the 20th century. As ballet techniques began to progress and emphasise the technical artistry of a dancer's jumps, leaps and spins, a more practical design was required. Enter the “Classical Tutu”, born out of the Ballets Russes’s incredible dancers!

The “Classical Tutu” took inspiration from the traditional Romantic Tutu, but shortened it to a dramatic length. It still featured the full, gathered shape around the waist, but now dancers were free to demonstrate the intricate leaps and turns that had come to define classical ballet.

Dancing through the Twenties in Tutu

On a personal note, dear reader, the “Classical Tutu” is so incredibly liberating! Picture the beautiful lines of its flowing layers, accentuating a ballerina’s every graceful movement! This kind of tutu makes you want to jump, twirl and just let your creativity run wild! And, you guessed it, my favourite colour is pink. A pink classical tutu is the most exquisite combination imaginable.

In Paris, I spent my day soaking in all things dance-related! A stop at a stunning theatre costume shop was an absolute treat. The shop is a veritable wonderland of fabrics, trims and ribbons. It is just like a glimpse of paradise for any tutu-loving aficionado!

The shops around the theatre have been delightful too, just the kind of places that make a fashionable ballerina's heart skip a beat. Oh, and just wait till I tell you about the tea party at the Palais Garnier! You can’t miss out on tea at the opera, you simply can't. They just serve the most exquisite cake! It felt just like stepping back in time - pure Parisian glamour!

I'm lucky, too, to be travelling in style - by train! A journey by rail offers breathtaking views, allows time to let the imagination wander, and offers ample time to observe those fabulous Parisian styles! Oh, and don't get me started on the elegant attire! Fashion in Paris in 1924 is simply divine! All the ladies wear chic dresses with beautiful lines, stunning shoes with an alluring accent and charming hats! Such fabulous elegance!

I had to stop myself from breaking out my favourite pink tutu for an impromptu dance! Maybe next time...

A Dance Through History!

Now, darlings, don’t forget – the key message of #TutuTuesday is this – ballet has evolved to encompass every style and personality. Whether you fancy pirouettes in the Romantic Tutu, or soaring leaps in the Classical Tutu, the magic of ballet lies in self-expression. It's the beauty of ballet, that it transcends generations. That’s why I urge all of you – let your own Tutu Tuesdays begin, wherever you are in the world! Embrace your unique style, be playful, have fun and…

…spread the tutu love!

Yours in Pink,

Emma xoxo