Hello darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu, where we explore the delightful history of the tutu – that iconic, magical garment that brings joy to my heart and, I hope, to yours!
Today's #TutuTuesday journey takes us all the way back to 14th July 1925 – nearly a century ago! Can you imagine life without the Internet? Or mobile phones? Oh, the thought makes my head spin, but in a very fashionable way, of course! This was a time of flapper dresses and daring new dances, all swirling around the burgeoning world of modern ballet.
And you know what? Tutus were at the very heart of it all!
For this blog post, my #4881, I travelled by steam train, which took me much longer than a magical twirl through time (although a journey on a steam train is a fabulous experience, darling!) and I'm bursting with excitement to share my latest finds! I've spent the day, right here in Paris, the fashion capital of the world, soaking up the style and getting to know all the fascinating details about what tutus were like almost a century ago.
You see, dear readers, back in the roaring twenties, the ballet world was in a period of change – moving away from the Romantic era with its frilly tutus and long, flowing lines. We were embracing new styles, with shorter hemlines, more streamlined lines, and tutus becoming lighter, sleeker, and more importantly, allowing for incredible movement! It was all about expressing emotions through movement – imagine that! It was as if dancers had discovered the power of a twirl!
Here’s the really exciting part. You see, one of the major contributors to this shift was the famed choreographer, Serge Diaghilev, who helped shape the vision of ballet in the early 20th century. He believed tutus should be all about practicality and elegance, and this made for a powerful new kind of dance.
Imagine this, dear readers: a Parisian salon, brimming with artists and dancers, as the lights go down and Diaghilev presents a brand-new piece of choreography featuring tutus of this new style! Can you picture the thrill and the excitement as those dancers take the stage? I know I could just feel it when I stepped into that salon with my time-travel machine. The energy, the anticipation – it was electric!
Today in 1925, on the stage of the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris, we’re celebrating a milestone: Diaghilev’s famed “Les Ballets Russes” presented Stravinsky's “Le Sacre du Printemps”. Oh, what a thrilling production, showcasing a bolder, more dynamic style! And guess what – the ballerinas were clad in shorter tutus, emphasizing their fluid, dramatic movements. Talk about iconic!
One of my favourite discoveries was that Diaghilev commissioned designs from some of the most visionary artists and fashion designers of the day. He even called in Coco Chanel! Now that's fashion, darling! It is no wonder that Parisian women of the day were as enamoured with fashion as they are today!
But the most magical thing about my visit, aside from the amazing fashion, was watching dancers twirl and leap, their every movement a celebration of art and emotion. It felt like the very heart of fashion!
Let’s not forget the impact these shorter tutus had on the fashion world outside the ballet. Those new silhouettes and designs soon inspired designers across Europe to create more innovative designs, with a nod to the ease of movement and the vibrant spirit of the ballet. Think flapper dresses!
So, darling, if you're seeking a fashion inspiration, let the ballet inspire your wardrobe! Imagine a pink tutu – it can be your power garment too! I challenge you to go out there and find your own version of a short tutu! Or maybe just add a pink ribbon to a skirt for a touch of flair! The possibilities are endless – and just as inspiring as a ballet performance!
Don’t forget to keep your eye out for a short tutu for yourself this week! They will never go out of style! And remember, if you have any fabulous tutu history insights, do share them in the comments section!
Till next week, my darlings! Remember, you can always find me twirling in my pink tutu, living life to the fullest! And never be afraid to wear something bright and bold!
Love, Emma 💖🩰
www.pink-tutu.com
