Hello my darling tutu-loving darlings! It’s Emma here from www.pink-tutu.com, back with another installment of my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History, a blog that I started way back when I had just graduated from the Royal Ballet School and dreamed of finding the most gorgeous tutu in the world! (That was a while back, let’s just say it involves more train travel than one little lady should probably be taking... but a girl has gotta have a pink tutu!) Anyway, today's trip in my TARDIS-like Tutu Time Machine (don’t ask!) brings us to December the 29th 1925.
Now, imagine Paris, France in the winter time, a city alive with music and the most stunning clothes. It's a world of grand opera houses and decadent soirées where the Parisian aristocracy dances the night away! And guess what, my little swans? This was the decade of the Diaghilev Ballet Russes! Can you believe it? A whole group of fabulous dancers and ballerinas bringing their artistry, a little Russian flair, and most importantly, their tutus, to a completely different continent!
Just picture this: Imagine golden silk tulle, so billowing and voluminous it practically becomes part of the set, flowing on the stage, as these amazing dancers perform. This is the year that Serge Diaghilev and his talented company are dazzling Parisian audiences, so naturally I’m here! Let's just say I might have taken a slight detour during a Ballets Russes performance... Oops! Did someone say "extra ticket"? Because who doesn't love a little bit of spontaneous theatre? It was practically begging me to buy it and come join the excitement, darling!
Back to history though: in 1925, tutus were getting shorter and a lot more structured! Forget those billowing Romantic-era creations; think about geometric lines and stark silhouettes. And it's definitely starting to become about more than just the ballet; the fashion world is definitely looking at tutus with some serious inspiration, especially that glorious pink!
Of course, we all know how much pink means to me. The ultimate romantic colour for my tutu-loving heart! And with a bit of sleuthing and maybe a visit to a charming little vintage shop (wink, wink), I managed to discover a hidden gem from that time period – a delicate pastel pink tutu that still retains that amazing volume but boasts these fantastic embellished silk petals (I must have shrieked when I saw them!). And as for shoes? Oh my word, the gorgeous satin slipper with an elegant lace detail! My collection keeps growing - it's what a tutu-loving lady does!*
Now, before I set off to another ballet performance (the local theatre's doing Giselle – what a delight, right?), remember that the magic of the tutu continues to inspire designers, fashion icons and ballerinas all around the world. If 1925 saw this change in tutu-styles, just think what the coming years are going to bring! And if you see me in the crowd in my pink tutu, please come and say hi - or perhaps even join me for a little tea and tutus (I'm thinking perhaps a chocolate éclair or two… dreamy sigh)
Until next #TutuTuesday, remember… everyone is a ballerina at heart! Keep shining and may your steps be light and your twirls as graceful as a petal on the wind.
Stay fabulous, Emma xoxo
