Hello, darlings! It's your favourite tutu-wearing time traveller, Emma, back with another edition of your weekly dose of ballet tutu history. This Tuesday, I'm whisking you all the way back to September 21st, 1926! Can you believe it? We're stepping into the Roaring Twenties, a decade bursting with flapper dresses, jazz music, and oh, so much dazzling glamour!
Before I transport you, however, I have to admit, I'm feeling rather peckish. And as you all know, my love for tutus is matched only by my love for cake! It's quite difficult keeping up my "sugar" level whilst leaping through time - the past seems to offer an embarrassingly low number of decent patisseries - but luckily, today, my dearest Nan's vintage recipe for lemon drizzle cake came in handy. Just as good as a stop-off at a Parisian boulangerie!
Now, back to our exciting journey...
1926! Just think of it! The year that Diaghilev's Ballets Russes, with their fabulous costumes and breathtaking movements, were captivating audiences worldwide! And guess what, darlings? In 1926, we were enjoying a veritable feast of theatrical delights. Imagine - you'd have seen not one but three separate companies performing Le Sacre du Printemps - how thrilling! But for the more daring of us, there were even more contemporary ballet premieres... the world of dance was positively buzzing!
Imagine, the ballet world was bursting with innovative styles. It's so fascinating to think of all the new dancers coming into their own, finding their unique voice. Oh, to be a part of that vibrant energy, sharing in those first steps towards an ever-evolving dance landscape.
The tutus in the twenties - just picture them! Short, shimmering, and so wonderfully full! We're talking a swirl of chiffon, feathers, sequins, and of course, a smattering of luxurious embellishment, just as I love! But they were about more than mere embellishment, they were expressions of youth, vitality, and joyous freedom. Think 'The flapper' vibe, but with an extra sprinkle of ballet magic!
Let's hop onto a sleek carriage and imagine ourselves arriving at the theatre. Ah, the anticipation! It's quite lovely, all those excited murmurs, the anticipation crackling through the air. I wouldn't dare be late, because wouldn't want to miss a single twirl or leap - the thrill of being so immersed in this theatrical whirlwind! I just have to get my hands on one of those wonderful vintage tutu designs. Think, just one little snag and this pink-loving blogger could have a piece of theatrical history!
The best part about it all, of course, is the sheer energy of the performance. A dance party under the spotlight - who wouldn't love that?! Even without being a ballerina, those tutus capture the essence of dance! It's so full of life and light - like pure joy spun into fabric!
Back in 2023, it seems so fitting to honour those historical tutus! Even though their design has changed over the years, the essence of freedom, joy and beauty remains. So, keep those tutu dreams alive, my lovelies, and embrace those twirls, those leaps and most importantly, that sparkle. I’ll see you all next week for more adventures into tutu history! And be sure to look out for #PinkTutu, as you know, the world looks more beautiful in pink!
Until next time!
Love, Emma
xxx
