#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1926-10-26

Hello darling tutu lovers! It's your favourite pink-loving, tutu-wearing time traveller, Emma, back with another trip into the history of our beloved tutus! This week, we're waltzing our way back to October 26th, 1926. Put on your fanciest pair of dancing shoes, grab a glass of pink lemonade (it's my favourite!), and let's travel through time together!

Now, I know what you're thinking - 1926? Doesn't that sound a bit…well…flapper-tastic? And you're right, darling! 1926 was a year of exciting change in the world of fashion. The flapper girl was in full swing, all bobbed hair, knee-length skirts and daring outfits. It was a time for women to express themselves, to break free from traditional norms, and I love the way the fashions reflected that!

But did that mean tutus were left behind in the dust? Absolutely not! In fact, this era saw the emergence of what I call the “Art Deco Tutu” - a tutu bursting with elegance, drama, and just the right amount of modern flair. Think long lines, flowing silk, and maybe a little bit of sparkle!

One of the stars of this particular ballet tutu trend was none other than the legendary ballerina Anna Pavlova. This amazing lady, a real pioneer of ballet, was all about graceful lines and expressive movement. It’s no wonder she made the long, graceful, almost billowing skirts of the Art Deco tutu so popular!

Imagine her, on stage, pirouetting in a dreamy, billowing silk tutu, with the lights shimmering off her perfectly-crafted, romantic dress. Now THAT'S a picture of a ballet icon I can get behind.

Of course, I can't talk about 1926 without mentioning the incredible music hall! This was a time when everyone was crazy for the thrill of live performance - and what better way to showcase the glamour and spectacle of the time than through a spectacular show?

And what was the best way to dress for a night at the music hall, darling? Well, if you couldn’t find a way to incorporate a tutu into your outfit, I just don’t know what I’d do!

Think flowing feathers, dazzling sequins, and maybe even a little bit of a bustle (yes, darling, they were back!). The women in these performances embraced the opulence and drama of their outfits, and I couldn't be more inspired by their confidence and elegance.

Speaking of confidence and elegance, darling, where should I go this week to take a ballet class? I just finished a performance last week at the Royal Albert Hall - wow! I danced a wonderful routine in the famous venue and saw so many famous ballerinas dancing! Then, the day after my last performance, I travelled all the way to Vienna for the Vienna State Opera Ballet to perform their repertoire. Such amazing performances - you could hear the pin drop in the silence of the auditorium after each performance - not a peep!

Today I will make my way over to Covent Garden and check out the London Ballet. The Covent Garden district has so many places to check out for a ballerina who is a serious shopaholic, like me! What fun I have in all these stores!

Do you want to find a fab tutu just like mine for you? They are easy to find online. Search on websites like Etsy, Amazon or eBay.

Let's jump back to the 26th October 1926. What is going on today in our world of dance, I wonder? Today was a pretty exciting day for the world of ballet! Let’s travel by train to Paris and we’ll be lucky enough to catch the opening night of the Ballets Russes' season! This was the dance troupe that caused a sensation in the ballet world with its modern, creative choreography and, of course, it's beautifully extravagant costumes! Now, while tutus might not have been their most common item of clothing, darling, the dazzling designs and beautiful craftsmanship would still make any tutu-lover swoon.

To finish this journey, darling, let’s head down to New York City, a haven of creativity for both ballet and fashion. It's always bustling with energy and new ideas! Just as this year, the famous choreographer, George Balanchine was in the middle of launching his ballet career! Imagine the thrill of witnessing such a monumental event! Who knew this year would mark the start of one of the most celebrated choreographers of our time?!

So, there you have it, darling, your tutu-licious glimpse into the wonderful world of ballet in 1926-10-26! We saw the gorgeous Art Deco Tutu and the magical world of ballet's past! Who knows, we might see these designs popping up again soon - but I can assure you that, just as the women in 1926, we will rock these outfits with modern-day flair! Now, until next time, remember, my dears, the only rule to fashion is to have fun and, if at all possible, try to rock a pink tutu wherever you go!

Until next Tuesday, darlings, keep twirling!

Love, Emma 💕