Hello lovelies, and welcome back to Pink Tutu, your one-stop shop for all things ballet, fashion, and the pinkest tutus imaginable! Today's #TutuTuesday takes us back to 14th October 1924, a date that holds a very special place in ballet history, especially for a tutu enthusiast like myself. So grab your teacups and settle in, darlings, because we're about to take a grand trip back in time!
Before we get into the exciting happenings of 1924, I want to thank you all for being such wonderful subscribers and readers of my blog! Reaching post number 4842 is a real milestone, and it fills me with so much joy to share my passion for ballet and tutus with each of you. It's because of your support that I'm able to jet off to various points in time, explore the fascinating history of the tutu, and bring back all those fabulous fashion finds!
And speaking of jetting off, this week I found myself whisked away to Paris in the 1920s, a time of great cultural change and the blossoming of Art Deco style. This era, my dears, was absolutely overflowing with glamorous women, sleek lines, and just a touch of the scandalous! And naturally, all that fantastic fashion required an equally impressive ensemble on stage - you know, the kind of tutu that would have the whole audience gasping!
What Made the 1920s So Tutu-rific?
This period saw the evolution of the classical tutu we know and love today. Think graceful and flowing, shimmering with an abundance of fabric, and oh, so elegant! While tutus had been around for centuries, this was the era where they really became the ultimate symbol of balletic grace. Think of legendary ballerinas like Anna Pavlova and Vaslav Nijinsky dancing in sparkling tutus with exquisite form and ethereal elegance. The shorter, less frilly skirts became all the rage, emphasizing the dancer’s line and movement. This revolution in tutu design meant a dramatic departure from the heavier, full-length romantic tutus of the 19th century, which were like frothy meringue clouds. They became much more streamlined, a reflection of the era’s shift towards simplicity and a new kind of sensuality.
And on 14th October 1924...?
You know, I love those historical dates that are a little more… personal. And for this one, well, 14th October 1924 was the date of my grand-aunt's first ballet recital! Can you imagine, darlings? She was all of 8 years old and dancing in a bright pink tutu – just like me! She was performing at a quaint little theater in Derby (my home town, darling!), and the newspaper review said her "youthful charm and effortless grace" lit up the stage. It's the sweetest story and brings me back to those formative years when a tiny pink tutu brought magic into my life, too.
From Dance Class to Haute Couture!
It’s funny, isn’t it? You never know where you’ll find inspiration when it comes to fashion and tutus. In 1924, it was a move by the iconic ballerina, Tamara Karsavina, that set off a fashion frenzy. She debuted a bold new silhouette for the tutu, a style she called ‘Le Fléau’ – or The Scourge. It featured bold and geometric layers and cuts that really highlighted her dynamic leaps. Designers just had to replicate it! That same year, Paul Poiret introduced a design called “L’Enfant au Vertige”, or The Dizzy Child, and his collection featured tutu-inspired skirts in soft fabrics with a decidedly Parisian touch, that was so influenced by the elegant stage wear.
You see, ballet wasn't confined to the stage. In 1924, Madame Chanel designed her own “tutu-inspired" evening gown! Oh, I wish I could have had the opportunity to wear such an elegant dress!
Where We Can Find This History Today
You know, one of my favorite things about travelling back in time is actually seeing the pieces from that period that survive to this day! Today you can see all kinds of treasures from 1924 at museums around the world. My dear friends at the Victoria and Albert Museum have some incredible pieces from the era in their theatre and performance collection. Just a little trip across the road to the London Museum reveals some spectacular fashion sketches that really captured that beautiful 20s mood!
Bringing It All Back Home
Right now, you can feel the influence of 1920s ballet fashion everywhere! From the ballet school in our neighborhood (that my dear darling mother is in charge of, darling! Isn't that splendid?) to the tutus on show at The Royal Opera House that remind us how much these beautiful garments have captured the imaginations of fashion lovers worldwide. I have a sneaky feeling the tutu trend is just starting, darlings. Let’s face it: nothing makes a grand entrance like a beautifully pink tutu, wouldn't you agree?
Well, there you have it, darling. This week, #TutuTuesday was all about Paris, Derby, fashion, and of course, tutues. Now, remember, it's never too late to slip on a tutu, unleash your inner ballerina and dance with joy! Until next time, keep dancing, and don't forget, wear pink, it’s the most lovely shade imaginable!
Yours always,
Emma
