#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1926-11-16

Hello my darling dancers! It's Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-clad time traveller, and it's another gloriously twirly #TutuTuesday! Today, we're taking a little trip back in time, specifically to November 16th, 1926, to explore the tutu's place in the ballet world of yesteryear.

Now, picture this: the air is abuzz with excitement. The aroma of lavender and pipe tobacco mingles with the plush scent of velvet theatre seats. A hush falls over the grand hall as the orchestra begins a lilting melody. It’s a ballet performance in all its elegance and grace, and, you guessed it, the tutus are there!

Oh, how I wish I could be transported back to 1926! Just imagine myself in a beautiful silk tulle tutu, waltzing alongside those incredible dancers of yesteryear. Now, while 1926 is still a little before the ‘golden age’ of the tutu that came with the Ballets Russes, it was certainly a significant time for ballet, and the tutu played a starring role!

Back then, ballet wasn’t just a theatrical event – it was a social affair! Seeing a ballet performance was as prestigious as attending a grand opera, and the excitement surrounding ballet shows was truly contagious! And you know what added to that excitement? The tutus! They were like sparkling beacons, radiating glamour and wonder, setting the stage for unforgettable performances.

The tutus of the 1920s, while not as full and dramatic as those of the modern era, were still undeniably enchanting. Imagine layers upon layers of silk, perfectly billowing out from the waist, framing the ballerina's movements with exquisite lightness and fluidity. These tutus were all about movement - celebrating the athleticism and grace of the ballerina, just like the incredible dancers I've seen at Sadler's Wells!

The silhouettes were decidedly more slim and streamlined compared to the full-blown Romanticism tutus that came before. It was a time when ballets were exploring more dynamic movements, and the tutus reflected that shift. These dancers moved with an effortless precision and beauty – like floating on air!

You might be wondering, what could possibly be happening on November 16th, 1926? Well, this year, we find ourselves in none other than New York City, at the illustrious Metropolitan Opera House. Imagine the glittering chandeliers, the opulence of the velvet seating, and the buzz of excitement as the city's elite prepare to enjoy an evening of classical ballet!

This is the type of setting I simply dream of seeing, just think how the stage lights would reflect off the glistening silk of the dancers' tutus – a captivating spectacle for the ages!

And the most exciting part? The incredible ballet legend, Anna Pavlova, is performing here! Can you imagine seeing the grace and power of Anna Pavlova's iconic swan? Just swoon worthy!

And, of course, we can't talk about tutus without mentioning my absolute favourite colour: pink! The pink tutu has a special place in my heart! Now, I'm sure some of you might be thinking, “But pink? Isn't that a bit too much for 1926?” Well, maybe not entirely!

Pink was making a comeback in fashion then. This “new woman” of the 20s was breaking free of conventions and embracing more feminine silhouettes, including rose-coloured fashion trends. Now, think about those dazzling ballerinas gliding across the stage in tutus, not only the classical white or black, but also blush pink, coral, and other pastel shades – what a visual delight!

Of course, as a devout admirer of the pink tutu, I can’t help but dream of spreading this passion far and wide, reaching beyond the ballet world and into everyone's hearts! Imagine all of you, my dearest readers, wearing pink tutus – a symphony of pinks from the softest blush to the most vibrant fuschia!

And speaking of pink tutus, it’s time for me to whip up a fresh pink outfit! Just think how amazing it would look at the Royal Opera House!

Remember, my darlings, every day is a new opportunity to embrace the joy and beauty of tutus, in all their whimsical and delightful forms.

Stay tuned for next week’s #TutuTuesday, when we'll be exploring more adventures in the fascinating world of ballet! Until then, twirl happily, embrace the pink, and keep your tutus shining!

Love always,

Emma

XOXO