Bonjour, darlings! It's your favourite tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, here, back again with another #TutuTuesday delve into the glorious history of our beloved tutus! Today, I've taken a hop on the time-travel train back to 4th May, 1926, a delightful date in Paris, the heart of fashion and ballet!
This week, I'm particularly thrilled to be stepping into a time when the tutu, our most magical garment, was truly in its prime!
Imagine, dear reader, the enchanting world of the Ballets Russes! In 1926, Diaghilevâs brilliant company was wowing audiences across Europe with stunning performances and absolutely exquisite costumes.
It was a time of fabulous creativity, experimentation and flamboyance. Think long, flowing skirts, shimmering fabrics, opulent colours...oh, and a dash of daringly revealing peek-a-boo details. That's our kind of ballet, isn't it?
On the 4th May 1926, in Paris, the world of dance was abuzz! Serge Diaghilev's Ballets Russes were preparing to premiere the captivating ballet âApollon Musagèteâ, choreographed by none other than George Balanchine, and I was there, front row and centre, my pink tutu a beacon in the Parisian theatre.
I tell you, this was not a performance to miss! It was a revolution in classical ballet, introducing a bold new aesthetic with a focus on simple, clear lines and innovative use of the stage. It's no wonder âApollon Musagèteâ continues to capture imaginations even today, nearly a century later!
This ballet, with its exquisite white tutus, played with the conventions of traditional ballet attire, showcasing both strength and grace, structure and fluidity. Itâs a glorious example of how even our seemingly timeless tutus can evolve and redefine ballet as the years go by.
And oh, those beautiful, swirling white tutus!** Imagine my delight! A breathtaking dance, featuring the most delightful dance steps. Every twirl, every leap was poetry in motion, highlighted by those graceful white skirts!
Of course, my time-travel journey wouldn't be complete without a peek at the fashion of the day! And in Paris, the streets were awash with beautiful garments and a vibrant, creative spirit.
Imagine, a whole era before the iconic Christian Diorâs âNew Look,â when femininity reigned supreme. Here, you might find chic ladies strolling in elegant dresses with dropped waists, and long, flowing skirts, perhaps a dash of sequins or a feathered touch! It's hard not to imagine those elegant looks inspiring the graceful lines of "Apollon Musagète" tutues!
As a big fashion fan, you might wonder: "How did those elegant dresses from the streets of Paris influence the tutus of âApollon Musagèteâ ?" It's a fascinating question, one that has taken me to many a library! I've sifted through fascinating design sketches, read snippets of journal entries from the great couturiers of the day, and I even found a letter written from Diaghilev himself to his costume designer, mentioning a desire to "encapsulate the spirit of modernity".
Perhaps the streamlined elegance of fashion of the 1920s had an influence on Balanchineâs desire for a minimalist and contemporary aesthetic in "Apollon Musagète". Whatever the link, thereâs no denying that the beautiful simplicity and graceful lines of both these fashion worlds, ballet and dress, are strikingly similar.
Of course, it wouldn't be a true #TutuTuesday without a bit of Tutu inspiration, right?
If youâre looking for some elegant inspiration from this 1926 fashion era, why not channel that delicate femininity and elegance of the flapper dress. Think soft colours like peach, lavender and powder blue, a loose, flowing style with subtle details such as delicate lace, or beads, or even a feather boa for an extra dash of the 1920s touch!
Speaking of feathers... you simply have to try pairing a beautiful white or pink tutu with a dash of feathers. Picture a long white or pink tutu draped delicately with feathers...so stunning! Even a few feather boa details would work! Imagine adding just a hint of sparkle for extra magic. Oh my! Just lovely.
And lastly, what's better than a tutu and feathers to make a fashion statement? Why, a pair of adorable, shimmering ballerina shoes! Just imagine, walking into a party in a white tutu and delicate, shimmering ballerina flats! Itâs a little bit ethereal and elegant, and utterly chic!
Itâs been such a joy stepping back to this enchanting Parisian day, in 1926, and I'll admit, my heart's feeling full of joy just thinking about the elegant beauty of that "Apollon Musagète" premiere. Don't you just love those magical, dancing tutus?!
Well, I'm off, my darlings, to hop on the time travel train again. Until next Tuesday, remember... every day is a chance to twirl in style!
Keep shining, dear reader. And please, keep wearing those tutus!
Love and Twirls,
Emma
P.S For more historical tutu adventures and fashion fun, donât forget to head on over to www.pink-tutu.com. We'd love to see your twirls! And, please share your #TutuTuesday moments with us using the hashtag!
