Hey darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, dedicated to all things tutu, all things pink, and all things fabulous! It’s Tuesday, which means it’s time for another dive into the glorious history of our favourite dancewear!
Today we’re twirling back to the 6th of July 1926. Oh, the excitement! Just picture it – the year that Coco Chanel brought the little black dress to the world, flapper dresses swirling and shimmying, and Charleston dancers captivating audiences with their energetic moves! In London, we were just recovering from a rather delightful summer heatwave. The streets were alive with colour and laughter, and I, for one, couldn't wait to head off to the theatre for a spot of ballet, which was starting to become the darling of the social scene.
And the best part? Tutus were already stealing the show! Imagine, darling, a sparkling white tulle, wispy and soft, moving gracefully like a cloud with every pirouette and grand jeté! Imagine dainty pink satin ribbons adorning those tutus, tied perfectly with a little bow – so chic! It was truly a magical time for the world of dance, and tutus were leading the way, don't you think?
I can almost hear the whispers from those posh ladies who had snagged a seat at the Coliseum, as the graceful dancers, bathed in the warm stage lights, swept across the stage in their fluffy, perfectly-structured tutus.
Speaking of tutus, I have to confess I was feeling rather envious today, as I spied a stunning pink tulle tutu, fit for a ballerina princess, in the shop window on Oxford Street. Oh, it was a dream! A swirl of glorious colour, dancing with the light. But I’d just spent all my shillings at the delightful dress shop by the park – another delightful find for a future #TutuTuesday blog post!
I did find a gorgeous, hand-painted fan at the market on my way home, though, to bring back some Parisian chic. I love the Parisian women! They understand the allure of a perfectly placed detail, like a fan with just a touch of lavender and a single, delicate pink rose. I'll be sporting it at the next ballet! And it's just so wonderfully reminiscent of the 1800s, where ballet and fashion came together so beautifully - and guess what, darling? I plan on taking a trip back to that era soon for my own personal historical research - how exciting!
You see, in those days, women wore a variety of tutus – there was the Romantic Tutu with a flowing and graceful form and the Classical Tutu, which favoured a structured and rigid shape. Imagine! These two very different styles are still being enjoyed today – though the tutus are just a tad more fabulous with the advancements in fabrics and craftsmanship! We’re so fortunate!
However, there were certain restrictions back then that we, my dears, are blessed to not face. Imagine, trying to find the perfect tutu – that perfectly fluffy layer of tulle or the most charming satin ribbon - without the convenience of online shops! And for ballet dancers, the styles they were expected to wear were incredibly strict – there was a specific 'look' they needed to uphold – unlike today!
But thankfully, time moves forward. I just have to admit to feeling a twinge of excitement at being the only woman in London sporting a bright pink tutu on a Wednesday afternoon! It's all part of my mission – to encourage every single person to embrace the beautiful power of a pink tutu. Even the men, perhaps. Now wouldn’t that be something! 😉
And now, back to my present! The year 2023 has gifted us a dazzling display of vibrant and artistic ballet costumes, and let’s face it, nothing steals the spotlight like a tutu! We have designers showcasing a mix of traditional and contemporary pieces, all dancing in harmony with the captivating dance performances themselves! And guess what, dears? I’m seeing so many pink ones! The world is getting it! And my, how we have come along since those very early ballet days! The world was beginning to catch a glimpse of what the tutu really represented, and how it could shape and reshape the future of ballet – a vision we’re living out today!
Now, I must run! I have a ballet performance to see tonight. And then it's a whirlwind tour through some of the oldest and most charming costume shops! I wouldn't miss it for the world.
But before you head off for the evening, dears, tell me what YOU love about tutus! What's your favourite type? And are you ready to embrace a pink tutu?
Keep twirling! 💖
Emma
P.S. Have you checked out www.pink-tutu.com yet? It's my blog dedicated to all things pink, all things fabulous, and, you guessed it - all things tutu! Come find your next favorite piece of tutu history there, my loves. Until next Tuesday, stay pink and sparkly! 😉
