Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing time traveller, ready to whisk you back to the wonderful world of ballet history! This week, we're pirouetting to May 5th, 1925! Iāve had an absolutely brilliant trip and just had to share it all with you!
(This is post number 4871, by the way! Do check out www.pink-tutu.com every Tuesday for another #TutuTuesday trip through ballet history!)
It's a truth universally acknowledged that a well-constructed tutu is simply the perfect garment for dancing ā but who would have guessed that the 1920s would be the decade of the ultra-short tutu? And can I just say, this time period had some fantastically extravagant styles. Imagine the most delightful combinations of tulle, satin, and feathers.
*(For those of you who haven't been following along, remember the history of tutus is pretty amazing - it wasnāt just all tulle! But if weāre going back to 1925, I have to bring up the *short tutu. Imagine, this amazing garment was just a couple of inches long, barely even covering the ankles. It looked fantastic with flowing lines and really showcased the ballet dancersā incredibly graceful legs. You have to admit, a good pair of legs always deserves the spotlight!)
And guess what?! On May 5th, 1925, Diaghilev's Ballets Russes staged a stunning performance at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York! Now, I was lucky enough to catch this show (who knew time travelling ballerinas had a fan club!) and let me tell you, the audience went wild. The production featured "Le Train Bleu," a dazzling dance piece based on the iconic French "Blue Train." Talk about glamour! This sleek, stylish train was the talk of the world. Imagine, arriving in a stylish ensemble - it really embodies the Art Deco movement in all its elegance! And of course, the tutu, a truly iconic symbol of ballet, played a significant role in the spectacle! [You can still watch Le Train Bleu - see the details below!]
You see, the world of ballet in 1925 was buzzing with creative energy. Artists, fashion designers, and even furniture makers were playing around with Art Deco, a very modern, sophisticated movement. I always thought Art Deco sounded so grand and glamorous ā think silver, shiny finishes, and lots of sharp edges! The designs were geometric, and sleek, like the carriages of that train!
Imagine being at the premiere, the hushed excitement in the air before the curtain rose. The costumes were, dare I say, sensational, with intricate details and patterns in beautiful colors that contrasted beautifully with the stark whiteness of the tutus! You see, a classic pink tutu needs just a little splash of something special - like a striking shade of cerulean blue!
I just couldn't help but compare the glamour and extravagance of the 1920s to the gorgeous, dramatic world of Le Train Bleu! It had such exciting musical interludes - almost a whole jazz symphony! You wouldnāt catch a ballet incorporating so much jazz music today! But back then, jazz was like magic in the air - I can still imagine the excitement!
(Okay, so back to that time travelling ballet fanatic you see! I made sure I found time to explore the shopping scene of New York, 1925! And can I just say, fashion was SO fabulous. Those gorgeous flapper dresses were my favourite! Imagine all those twinkling beads, sparkling sequins, and daring fringes - a far cry from my elegant ballerina dress! (You know I love to combine them! Nothing is better than an ultra-short tutu over a glittery flapper dress with a hint of feathers!))
Oh, and let's talk about train travel. A trip by train was like entering another world. The luxury of Pullman cars, those amazing plush velvet seats, the windows with panoramic views ā it was truly magical! It felt so chic to have the entire journey be about travel in the most grand fashion, like a ballet itself!
You have to agree, this era felt totally about escaping to a place that was exciting and elegant. And if thereās one place I truly feel that way, itās in a tutu! The joy of dancing, that absolute freedom ā is something everyone should experience. Itās a timeless beauty, so full of pure energy and excitement. ( I do make time for a nice relaxing soak at the end of the day, and you have to give credit where it is due! After a wonderful trip through the world of fashion, shopping and ballet, a hot bubble bath and my favourite cup of chamomile tea truly are the perfect ending! )
So here's to 1925! A glorious period for both fashion and dance! You might not think so much of it today but trust me, those ultra-short tutus were a fashion revolution and an inspiration to us all! Now go forth, find your tutu, and let your inner ballerina shine!
And, because I know you want to join me in 1925, here are some of my favourite details from that trip:
What you should know:
- About the āLe Train Bleuā premiere:
- Watch Le Train Bleu: [Add YouTube link] The choreography is pure visual magic. It's very rhythmic, a beautiful dance of contrasts! I love the music - itās a perfect blend of classical and jazz elements, just amazing! (The composer N. Rimsky-Korsakov knew his stuff! If you aren't a musician you can find this piece through the Symphony of Sorrowful Songs album by the Dead Can Dance, I like it much better than the original.
- Diaghilevās Ballets Russes: Youāll find this company, Ballets Russes, played a huge part in shaping the history of ballet! Diaghilev was such a genius. His ballets had stunning visual designs, costumes, and innovative movement styles, often showcasing the most extravagant creations. You know how much I love extravagance!
- A little peek into my travels:
- The Grand Central Station in New York in 1925! It really was magnificent with incredible marble finishes, chandeliers and an air of excitement.
- Shopping at Bonwit Teller - I love all things glamorous and there are very few things more amazing than a beautiful shop filled with magnificent fabrics and designs from all over the world!
This is your very fashionable time-travelling ballet blogger signing off!
See you all next Tuesday for more amazing #TutuTuesday adventures!
(Don't forget to subscribe to www.pink-tutu.com and tell all your friends - maybe even get them to join my mission to get everyone wearing pink tutus!
