Hello my dearest tutu enthusiasts! It’s Emma here, back with another peek into the fascinating history of the tutu, because what's a Tuesday without a bit of tutu talk? Today's journey takes us back to a glorious time in 1925 - the Roaring Twenties! Just picture it: flapper dresses, jazz music, and… of course, the incredible evolution of the tutu.
Before I even start, let's admit it, dear readers, that pink is simply the best colour for a tutu. It's the epitome of grace, elegance, and well, sheer joy! Don't you agree? So, put on your prettiest pink outfit, grab your favourite cuppa, and settle in for a grand adventure as we step onto the stage of history!
Now, the 1920s saw a major shift in dance styles. Think "The Jazz Singer," the rise of film, and - you guessed it - a whole new way to think about dance. Gone were the grand, heavy tutus of the Romantics! Ballet began embracing movement and emotion more, leading to tutus getting lighter and shorter.
Imagine me, with a flurry of my pink tutu and a mischievous glint in my eyes, gracing the Parisian stages! Ooh la la! In the 1920s, the ballet world became a playground of vibrant expression. Gone were the long, rigid, pancake-like tutus of the past. Enter, the Romantic Tutu. Picture a delightful little tulle skirt that would be about halfway up your calf, just fluttering and twirling with each graceful move! This gave dancers a newfound freedom of movement - you can just feel the excitement as I imagine myself swirling across the stage with this beautifully feminine piece!
So where did I take my little train trip this week to gather inspiration for this post? Well, none other than the legendary Paris Opera House! Imagine me, flitting amongst the haute couture shops, the cafes buzzing with lively chatter, and the enchanting cobblestone streets of Paris. Ah, it's simply intoxicating! A city that exudes style, a city where dance holds a place of honour - a real Parisian "tour de force" - and I have to say, my little pink tutu feels right at home here!
Speaking of tutus, I just have to gush about the iconic Serge Diaghilev and his Ballets Russes. Diaghilev was a trailblazer! His ballet company truly embraced the playful spirit of the time. Just imagine: daring designs, bold colours, and stunning choreography. Oh, I long to have danced alongside them! Think of the iconic “Parade” designed by Pablo Picasso – it revolutionized costumes for ballet. I wouldn't be surprised if Picasso took a little inspiration from a bright pink tutu myself! It's fascinating how the ballet and fashion worlds so beautifully intertwine, and let’s not forget those legendary costumes created by Leon Bakst for Diaghilev. Just divine!
What else is exciting in 1925, besides my little jaunt to Paris? We have the glorious creation of the "New York City Ballet". The company's early days were an explosion of modernity, and you can bet they played their part in changing the face of the tutu as well!
In fact, this week, my little "Time Travels Through Fashion" research took me to New York. A most stimulating city, filled with exciting sights and a buzzing atmosphere that captured the fashion-conscious vibe of 1925 perfectly. I can just imagine those glamorous women twirling around in theatres, flaunting those chic knee-length flapper dresses with shimmering accents! Now imagine how stunning they'd look wearing a soft pink tutu, don't you think?
And while we are on the subject, let’s talk about this month! January 20, 1925 was a rather special day - a birthday, actually! But not just any birthday... It was the birthday of none other than Margot Fonteyn, a dancer who went on to become a real ballet legend. Now, if that isn't something to celebrate, I don't know what is! She was a dancer with exceptional grace and agility, and she epitomized that enchanting femininity that we associate with ballet.
And did I tell you about those glorious tutus designed by Madame Karinska? Her elegant creations defined the art of the ballerina in the 20th century! *Oh, my dear readers, how I would have loved to have spun around the stage in a Karinska creation! *
It is this glorious dance that keeps me travelling to and fro, through time, sharing stories, and inspiring you all to embrace your own inner ballerina! Because as a ballet enthusiast and time traveler it’s my aim to help make the world a little more pink! I really believe we should all embrace a pink tutu in our life! Don't you agree?
Till next week, dear readers, and don’t forget to twirl! 🩰
