Hello, my lovely tutu-loving friends! It’s Emma, your resident pink tutu enthusiast, back with another trip down #TutuTuesday's memory lane. This week, we're waltzing back to the roaring 20s, specifically 24th August 1926, to witness a ballet era that was just beginning to bloom.
Before we delve into the fashion of the time, I have to confess that travelling to the 1920s was an adventure in itself! My trusty time-traveling machine, powered by the energy of a hundred enthusiastic ballet performances, whisked me straight to Paris, the heart of ballet at this time. Imagine my delight - the city itself was brimming with excitement, the air buzzing with creativity and the scent of freshly-baked croissants (which I happily sampled, of course!).
Now, onto the main event - the ballet tutus of 1926!
At the time, ballet was still heavily influenced by the Romantic era, which was all about swirling skirts and flowing lines. While the tutus weren't quite as billowing as their Romantic predecessors, they were definitely not the minimalist, streamlined silhouettes we see today.
Think delicate tulle layered upon more tulle, often trimmed with lace and sparkling with sequins. The colours? Think soft pastels and dreamy hues - like ballet shoes dipped in fairy dust. The iconic pink tutu (my favourite!) had not yet taken centre stage, but the shades of blush, pale lilac, and heavenly blue were just beginning to emerge.
These tutus, though undeniably beautiful, weren't designed solely for swirling and twirling. They served as canvases for choreographers to paint their stories, to accentuate movements, and to amplify the emotions of the dancers. And what emotions they were - passionate, romantic, and undeniably ethereal.
While I can’t exactly don one of these tutus myself (imagine the time-travel complications!), I did manage to find an amazing vintage costume shop in Paris, filled to the brim with authentic 1920s creations. Imagine my excitement as I slipped on a silky pink top and a billowing, tulle-layered skirt. I swear, for a moment, I could feel the energy of those dancers - their passion, their artistry, and their absolute joy in moving.
What was happening on 24th August 1926?
The world of ballet, on that particular date, was alive with activity. In London, Diaghilev's Ballets Russes was enchanting audiences with "Le Sacre du Printemps" - a groundbreaking piece that shook up the world of ballet. And in New York City, the American Ballet Theatre was busy preparing for its upcoming season.
Across the channel, Parisian audiences were enjoying "Les Sylphides," a delicate and romantic ballet choreographed by Michel Fokine.
Now, dear tutu enthusiasts, let's talk fashion.
While the 1920s are known for their bobbed hair and flapper dresses, ballet dancers had a distinct style that emphasized grace and elegance. Think figure-hugging silk leotards, draped skirts, and velvet shoes with shimmering embellishments. It was an era that celebrated both the athleticism of ballet and its inherent glamour.
This date, however, marked a change. 1926 saw the launch of the world's first dance shoe retailer – and it’s still running to this day. The shop became the leading authority on dance footwear, selling everything from classic pointe shoes to sturdy practice shoes.
This date, my friends, is the beginning of ballet's growing popularity - the start of an era when the danceform became more accessible to the wider world. I can’t wait to see what adventures the world of ballet has in store for us in the coming weeks - keep your eyes peeled for my #TutuTuesday post next week!
But for now, remember to keep your twirls light and your spirits high. And remember, you too can embrace the spirit of the 1920s - add a touch of shimmer and glamour to your wardrobe, don your own sparkly dress and try out some 1920s dances with a friend. Don’t forget to show off your moves, but above all, enjoy yourself!
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to hop back onto the time-travel train and head to my next adventure. Until next week, my darlings, keep dancing!
Love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
