Hello my lovelies, and welcome back to another #TutuTuesday on your favourite ballet-obsessed website, pink-tutu.com!
It's your girl Emma here, back from another fabulous time travel adventure. This week, I’ve journeyed all the way back to 1925 - and let me tell you, the tutus were simply divine!
But before we delve into the dazzling history, let me just say - this week’s adventure involved a particularly charming journey by train. I mean, who doesn't love the sound of steam engines and the gentle rhythmic rocking of the carriage? Plus, I managed to snag a window seat, so I could gaze upon the ever-changing landscape as we zoomed through the countryside. Bliss!
Anyway, enough about my travel adventures! This week, I’m going to be spilling the tea on the glorious tutus of 1925.
The 1920s were an era of significant change - both on and off the stage. The "Roaring Twenties" brought with it a spirit of liberation, a new silhouette for women’s fashion, and a fresh outlook on dance! It was truly an exciting time for tutus, my darlings, an era where they finally stepped out of the shadow of the elaborate and voluminous romantic tutus.
On 3rd February, 1925, the world of ballet witnessed a true landmark. That very day, Sergei Diaghilev’s renowned Ballets Russes company, which had already enthralled Europe for over a decade, premiered a revolutionary piece that would change the tutu as we know it. I’m talking about “Le Train Bleu”, a ballet inspired by the elegance of the Art Deco movement.
"Le Train Bleu" wasn't just about fancy train journeys, though! The ballet showcased stunning, geometric patterns, a sleek silhouette and…you guessed it, a whole new type of tutu!
The "Le Train Bleu" tutu featured an incredibly innovative, shorter and more streamlined silhouette, designed by Coco Chanel's friend and fellow couturier, Erte. It moved away from the billowing, layered tulle of the Romantic tutu, towards a smooth, slim line. Think geometric shapes and modern chic - think Paris and the epitome of 1920s fashion!
But let’s be real, you just need to picture this…a sea of dancers, clad in elegant blue and white tutus, their limbs moving in graceful unison. It was the epitome of chic, showcasing the modern female figure. And who can resist a dash of sophisticated modernity?
So, it was in 1925 that we began to witness the evolution of the tutu! From that moment on, the tutu became less a symbol of romanticism and more of an expressive canvas for movement and creativity. And who can deny that creativity was the very heartbeat of the roaring twenties?
However, before we get too excited, I can’t neglect to mention that the Romantic Tutu remained a dominant style in the ballet world. Just as we love classic styles today, the beautiful voluminous tutu remained a key player in ballets like "Giselle" and "Swan Lake"…classic romantic staples! It simply means we have the best of both worlds! The versatility and adaptability of tutus throughout history have simply allowed us, as dancers, the ultimate opportunity for expressing artistry.
I can't even begin to describe how much I adore travelling through time. Imagine - going to the ballet back in the 1920s! I mean, can you imagine rocking the "Le Train Bleu" style tutu whilst sitting front-row at the Paris Opera? It just makes my little heart sing! The grandeur of the theatres, the exquisite costumes, the electrifying performances…ah, pure magic!
As for myself, I'm off to shop for the perfect 1920s inspired ensemble for my next time-travelling adventure. Maybe a slinky flapper dress or a little bit of beaded art-deco jazz? Decisions, decisions! I must say though, you just can’t beat the glamour and beauty of that era.
In the meantime, don't forget to pop back next Tuesday for another fascinating dose of Tutu history, my lovelies! We're going to explore all the most stylish, awe-inspiring, and fabulous moments in the tutu’s history. We'll explore trends, innovations and even peek behind the scenes to see the people who create these breathtaking pieces. It’s going to be a tutu-ful treat!
As always, please feel free to share your favourite ballet and tutu-related moments in the comments section below!
Until next time, let your love for tutus flow!
With love and sparkles,
Emma
