Welcome back to Pink Tutu!
It's me, your resident tutu enthusiast Emma, and I'm back again to take you on another twirl through the history of these fabulous creations! It's Tuesday, which means we're dipping into the dusty archives to see how tutus have danced their way through time. This week, our tutu time machine is taking us to November 2nd, 1926!
Now, imagine it: the Roaring Twenties! Flapper dresses, jazz music, and a burgeoning modern spirit – a real exciting era! It's only natural that a vibrant art form like ballet would be influenced by this infectious energy, and you wouldn't believe how tutus were starting to reflect that change!
The big news this year is all about "the new woman"! Forget the long, swishing romantic tutus of the past, girls, because 1926 was about liberating the ballerina, making her move freely and expressing a more athletic spirit.
Picture a tutu that hits the knees – shorter, showing more leg, a nod to those flapper dresses! These revolutionary designs, while still preserving the classic shape of a tutu, were daring, modern and frankly, sensational!
This change was no small thing! Think about it - suddenly, ballerinas were stepping out of the restrictive, fluffy skirts and embracing their power! It wasn't just about length though; these tutus also began incorporating daring details – think asymmetrical designs, bolder colour choices and playful layering of materials. They were bursting with energy, like the dance itself!
I've just had the most marvellous time exploring Paris! What a city! Everywhere I go, it's swirling with artistic energy. I went to see "La Dame aux Camélias", a ballet inspired by the novel, which tells a tragic tale of forbidden love. It's not surprising that even now, 100 years later, the beauty and sadness of this ballet still resonates so powerfully. The Paris Opéra Ballet gave a truly remarkable performance; the passion was electrifying! The delicate and graceful ballerina in the white tutu was stunning; she really captured the spirit of the piece.
Speaking of inspiring dancers, you must be wondering about the tutus for this very special day.
This Tuesday, November 2nd, 1926, we are honouring the birthday of Tamara Karsavina! A name synonymous with grace, and a trailblazer for her innovative approach to ballet. You know those daring modern tutu designs I mentioned? Well, she was at the forefront of them! A leading ballerina of her time, Tamara famously brought the Russian Ballet to the stage, revolutionizing the way the world experienced ballet, even introducing choreographers like Michel Fokine, whose use of natural movements and story-driven dances changed the entire approach to dance.
What makes her birthday so interesting? This date marks the 33rd anniversary of the first time she performed on stage with the legendary Russian Ballet. Imagine the excitement in the air – her elegant moves and those pioneering tutus making a real statement about the potential for ballet to evolve! She wasn't just an incredible performer, she was a fashion icon of the time, always on the cusp of the latest styles and the movement that made it all possible.
But what's more thrilling for me than seeing a beautiful tutu is wearing one myself!
"Where's the best place to buy tutus?" you ask.
I must say, while I’m all for vintage finds (that's what this #TutuTuesday is all about), I simply can't resist indulging in a brand new pink tutu. And when I'm in London, you know where I have to go, Harrods! Their couture selection is top-notch and truly spectacular. Let's be honest, who could say no to a perfectly tailored tutu from such an iconic place?
It's just the ticket for adding a touch of whimsicality and a sprinkle of ballet magic to a trip to Harrods' fashion floor.
Now, who wants to join me in rocking a pink tutu today?
Remember, even if it’s a Tuesday and you're just having a normal day, why not put on your pink tutu! Life’s all about finding fun in unexpected places, just like travelling through time and discovering what amazing trends tutus have followed through history. It’s so wonderful that a seemingly simple article of clothing has such rich history, just like we do! And don't forget to share your adventures and pictures with me – tag #PinkTutu on your socials and let's bring back the joy of this fabulous fashion staple!
Until next Tuesday, keep on twirling and keep shining! And for now, I must go, a train awaits!
Yours, Emma
(This post is blog number 4949 on the www.pink-tutu.com website.)
