Hello darlings! Emma here, back for another week of #TutuTuesday with your favourite pink tutu clad historian. Today, we're whisked back to November 17th, 1925. Can you believe it? Nearly a century ago!
As always, before we delve into the fascinating world of tutu history, I must tell you about my most recent trip, a whirlwind journey back to 1920s Paris! The energy, the elegance, the clothes! And darling, let me tell you about the tutus! It was simply divine. Think cascading layers of tulle, delicate lace and that perfectly chic, barely-there look. It's enough to make even the most ardent fashionista swoon!
And wouldn’t you know it, this week's #TutuTuesday finds us in the middle of a very special occasion – the première of Sergei Diaghilev's Ballets Russes production of "The Prodigal Son." This iconic ballet, a tale of youthful folly and redemption, premiered at the Théâtre de Monte-Carlo back in 1929, but today we are lucky to be watching it on its London premiere at the prestigious Alhambra Theatre! It’s quite the showpiece of drama and daring choreography and the tutus…well they are simply spectacular!
Speaking of tutus, we simply must get back to the history bit! Now, back in 1925, ballet was undergoing a major transformation, much like myself getting a whole new wardrobe before a show. It wasn’t simply about long, elegant romantic tutus anymore. Designers like Léon Bakst and Coco Chanel were introducing a whole new wave of practicality and fashion-forwardness into ballet wear. Imagine tutus, oh so sleek and chic, with a shorter silhouette. And you wouldn’t believe it but, even those classic romantic tutus had a new style, more form-fitting and tighter in the waist! You could see the curves, but still get that ethereal feeling!
Just a quick word on the evolution of tutus: the term 'tutu' actually didn’t come about until the 1840s! Can you believe it? I know, it seems almost sacrilege for a tutu lover to even think of those pre-tutu days!
Back in those times, they called these amazing little wonders 'tulle skirts.' Think of Marie Taglioni, a celebrated ballerina, the first to wear this sort of dress on stage back in the early 1800s. They called it 'the Greek skirt' at first, which you know, I must admit doesn’t have quite the same flair, does it? But darling, these styles paved the way for those modern marvels we know and adore as 'tutus' today! I can’t think of ballet without them.
I simply can’t get enough of history, can you tell? There are more details on the early ballet skirt and tutu on my website pink-tutu.com (check out Post 4898 – you won't regret it!). There is always something to discover. But just know, the development of the ballet skirt into the tutus we know and love was a long and fascinating journey. But oh darling, just look how far they have come!
And, of course, the 1920s brought a new spirit to ballet and tutus. I call this the age of elegance! Now I’m not saying it wasn't beautiful before, just that it had more movement and more ‘swoosh’! It's that dynamic dance between history and trends which continues to this day! I love watching a show that showcases the beauty of tutu evolution. If you get a chance to see a show from the 20th century or earlier, do! I’m telling you, the designs will take your breath away.
Let's be honest, darlings, every tutu deserves a little love. It is my dream to make everyone embrace the power and beauty of this glorious garment. It’s about more than just the ballet.
While we're talking about love, I can't forget to tell you about a sweet tradition I came across. Imagine, in Paris, around 1925, before every performance, the lead ballerina had to dance a solo with a specific tutu just for the occasion. They called it ‘le Pas de Quatre’. The first solo was danced to music by Giacomo Meyerbeer, oh so romantic! Isn’t that a sweet little story, perfect for #TutuTuesday, wouldn’t you agree?
Now darling, if I don’t catch you next week with a new tutu tale, just know I am whisked off by a mysterious train ticket to another historical moment – I will tell you all about it next Tuesday! Remember, stay true to the magic of ballet and always dance your way through life, especially if you are wearing a fabulous pink tutu, like this one.
Stay fashionable and, of course, don't forget to share your #TutuTuesday thoughts with me on pink-tutu.com, because every #TutuTuesday is better with you! See you all next week!
Until then, keep dancing, my dears, keep dancing!
All the love,
Emma.
