Post number 4971
Oh, darling dears! How is everyone's week going so far? Has anyone had the pleasure of catching a show at the Royal Opera House? Or perhaps indulged in a little vintage shopping on Bond Street? For me, this Tuesday is all about whisking back to the dazzling days of 1927 – and oh my, what a year it was!
Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, dedicated to all things pink and tutu-licious! I'm Emma, your ever-optimistic guide to the wonderful world of ballet. And as always, I'm so excited to share a new bit of ballet history with you today. This week, I've hopped in my time-travelling carriage (don't worry, it's perfectly pink) and we're going to the roaring twenties!
Now, before we get swept away in a cloud of sequined gauze and feathers (don't you just love those early 20th-century costumes?), let's take a little look at what else was happening on the 5th of April, 1927. On this date, Charles Lindbergh began his historic flight across the Atlantic, setting off from Long Island for a solo adventure across the big pond. Talk about daring! But you know what's equally daring? Tutus!
Now, back to the tutu. We all know about the iconic tutus, those grand creations that graced the stages of the Bolshoi and the Paris Opera. But back in 1927, tutus were really starting to come into their own. Imagine swirling layers of tulle, each one lighter and more delicate than the one below, catching the stage lights and creating a dazzling aura around the dancer. Imagine the whisper of fabric as a ballerina takes her first pirouette, the elegant silhouette against a backdrop of grandeur and opulence.
And those designs, oh my! Picture this: knee-length tutus, exquisitely draped in layers of netting, adorned with shimmering embellishments that reflected the lights. Remember that time I wore that stunning 1920s replica with those gorgeous rhinestones, dancing around the stage? We all had the same look of delight in our eyes, don't you think?
1927, however, was a pivotal time for ballet. A time when the stage began to evolve, becoming bolder and more expressive. The early 20th century brought with it a new approach to the way ballet was presented. It was a time of daring new choreography, revolutionary approaches to dance, and the exploration of modern interpretations of classical forms. These were exciting times for dancers and audience alike, and tutus were right at the heart of this vibrant artistic movement.
That very year, there were a whole host of amazing productions on stages around the world, and the tutu was there, showcasing its exquisite form in a whole new way. We must remember that the 1920s were a time of innovation. A time of pushing boundaries and exploring new creative avenues.
I just love the way that fashion, and even more so the ballet, really reflected this energy in the 1920s. In the midst of economic hardship, everyone, not just the royals, looked to escape and immerse themselves in the beauty of these stage performances. I wonder if people ever think, "What is all that swirling tulle and bright light for?" In Derbyshire where I am from, I know we wouldn’t think of dressing up and spending our evenings at the theatre like this, though times are a-changing even in my beloved Derbyshire!
For those who are a bit newer to the dance scene, you have to know that ballet in 1927 wasn't just about classical tutus. It was also a time of experimentation. That's how the tutu began to transform into what we know it to be today: a fashion statement, a symbol of artistry, a key element in storytelling.
We saw shorter, more athletic tutus emerge, allowing dancers a greater freedom of movement, emphasizing not just the elegance but the strength and agility of their bodies. Just picture the exquisite artistry of a corps de ballet dancing in a row of these smaller tutus. Each ballerina, moving in harmony, forming a sea of elegance, grace and femininity, shimmering in a kaleidoscope of color under the stage lights.
Imagine the feeling of a hundred tutus swirling around you, a veritable pink tutu wave of joyous celebration, all set to a beautiful musical score! Doesn't it just make you want to twirl, jump and take a leap into a world of beauty and pure joy?
And don't just imagine it, my dears, do it! Put on your favourite tutu, blast some Tchaikovsky, and twirl until your heart's content!
Of course, my journey doesn’t stop here! You can check out my favourite tutus, vintage and new, on my Pink Tutu website, www.pink-tutu.com, for your weekly dose of ballet brilliance! Don't forget, we're in for another exciting #TutuTuesday next week, and who knows where we’ll land next? We could be going to Vienna in the late 1800s, New York during the heyday of the great ballets, or even just down to London's Royal Opera House for a taste of current fashion. We can explore a range of themes from romantic tutus, theatrical tutus, traditional tutu shapes and all the incredible tutus that dancers are using for ballet, contemporary dance and performance art. It’s really exciting. And most of all, we’re keeping things fabulous, fabulous and even more fabulous.
So grab your pink tulle and join me on this exhilarating journey! You won’t regret it.
And don't forget to send me your favourite #TutuTuesday pictures! I'd love to see your own style. After all, the world is a brighter place when we all wear pink tutus.
Yours always,
Emma
Emma's Favourite Find of the Week:
This week's favourite has to be the gorgeous antique tulle skirt I found on a trip to Paris! It's so soft and airy, and the delicate embroidery is absolutely divine! And wouldn't you just know it, it's even the perfect pink for me! I simply cannot wait to share it with you all in next week’s blog post!
