Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, my fellow tutu enthusiasts! This week, we're taking a magical train journey through time, as always, to discover the wondrous world of the ballet tutu. I’m Emma, your time-travelling tutu-loving guide, straight from the picturesque Peak District, and this is blog post number 4839! Every Tuesday, I journey to a different point in history, all in the name of the tutu, of course.
Today’s Destination: The Glamourous Twenties!
Hop aboard the time machine, darling! We’re leaving behind the hustle and bustle of 2023 and landing in the captivating world of the 1920s – an era brimming with Jazz Age decadence and dazzling fashion! Oh, I could get lost in this era – the flapper dresses, the vibrant colours, and of course, the stunning, daring tutus! Think sleek, elegant lines and a whisper of romance.
What's the date today? Why, it's the 23rd September 1924! This is a special day for the ballet world, my dears. Today, we’re celebrating the iconic ballerina, Anna Pavlova! You see, this incredible dancer was performing at the Alhambra Theatre in London! She was a true queen of the dance, bringing her graceful artistry to audiences worldwide. Anna Pavlova! The very name stirs memories of intricate choreography and swirling tutus!
Speaking of Tutús… What a Transformation!
When we step back into the 1920s, we see the ballet tutu taking on a fresh, modern form. Gone are the layers and layers of frills of the Victorian era – think of something grand and a little stuffy. The 1920s tutus were sleek, light and elegant, just like the flapper dresses you see everywhere else in the fashion world.
And a hint of a change that really changed things…
It's now the age of the shorter tutu, a silhouette which will eventually pave the way for the ultra-short, revealing "Romantic tutu" we adore today. It's still very much about elegance and grace, but now with a hint of daring that speaks to the spirit of the era. A symbol of liberation – can you believe it?!
Let's Shop! The Fabulous 1920s and Shopping Spree!
What would any of us do without a little retail therapy? And what would the 1920s have been without a delightful shop for lovely fashion finds? The best stores for fashionable, chic ballets dancers were just as you see them today – just in the era's colours. It's hard to think of something more satisfying than getting a fabulous tutu! Imagine browsing exquisite Parisian boutiques or the bustling, energetic shops of New York – I have to tell you – they have more shopping spots than a squirrel has nuts, and a few more besides!
The 1920s, my dear reader, wasn't all about short tutus and sparkly things, though! It's a rich and exciting era that shaped the ballet world in many ways. The new choreographers like Bronislava Nijinska and George Balanchine who are experimenting with a more abstract form of dance that is a far cry from the classic, graceful moves.
Let’s Take It to the Streets
While it was fantastic to travel in time to the past and experience these wonderful days, it's just as good to experience that magic in our own times. Do you want to feel like you've stepped into the past, darling? Simply slip on a pink tutu and go out! The streets become your stage, and let me tell you – you never know who will admire your dazzling outfit! Just make sure your tutu is not caught on a passing bike… You might find the local community hall running an amazing street performance class – a fun way to meet like-minded tutu lovers. You could even have a go at some "Balanchine-style" dancing, a fusion of abstract moves and a dash of classical training. The perfect way to bring a bit of the 1920s to life right here and right now!
*Spread the Tutu Love! *
Tutus, as we all know, are far more than a garment - they're an inspiration. And every time you see a ballerina gracefully gliding across the stage, you’re watching history unfold. I just hope one day that all the people who think they can’t wear a pink tutu will step outside, slip one on and become ballet enthusiasts like me – I am, after all, making sure this fabulous form of dance keeps flourishing through all times!
And what better way to do it than to take a journey to another day in ballet history next week – don’t miss #TutuTuesday – it’s going to be great. See you next Tuesday!
Until then, wear a tutu – any day of the week!
With all my pinkest love, Emma www.pink-tutu.com
