Hello darlings! Welcome to #TutuTuesday, your weekly dose of ballet history! Itās Emma here, your resident tutu aficionado, and today we're taking a time-traveling trip back to the fabulous flapper era! Get ready for a journey to 1927! š
Iām posting from the heart of the ballet world, Paris! The train journey over was a delight, and I've already popped into the most divine little boutique, right near the Palais Garnier, to snap up a new frock for tonight's show. I simply must have the perfect outfit for seeing Diaghilev's Ballet Russes, wouldn't you agree? š
Itās such a thrill to be back in this period ā everything is so glamorous! The bobbed hair, the knee-length flapper dresses, and oh, the shoes! We're talking sparkling embellishments, elegant silhouettes, and a definite focus on femininity. And speaking of feminineā¦ can we talk about how amazing the costumes are in the Ballet Russes?
1927 ā A Year of Ballerina Dreams
For this week's #TutuTuesday, we're dipping into the year 1927. It was a year packed with artistic achievements in ballet ā especially here in Paris! Diaghilev and his legendary company, Ballet Russes, were at their creative peak. They were revolutionising ballet, bringing bold designs, music, and stories to the stage.
Did you know that on this very day in 1927, June 7th, the Ballet Russes premiered their groundbreaking production of āApollon MusagĆØteā? It was a collaboration between the musical genius Igor Stravinsky, the captivating choreography of George Balanchine, and the dazzling costumes and set designs by the artist, AndrĆ© Derain. I canāt imagine the buzz around town! Can you picture it ā the Palais Garnier buzzing with excitement for a world premiere?!
The Ballet Russes redefined the way we looked at ballet. It wasn't just about tutus, though they had beautiful tutus, no doubt. It was about telling stories, about pushing boundaries, about expressing emotions, and above all, it was about embracing a powerful and elegant artistic expression. They gave us new ballet stars, they gave us bold music, they gave us beautiful art!
A Love of Tutu in All Its Forms
And what about those tutus?! I'm completely enamoured by the shortened tutu skirts in the 1920s. They were daring, they were chic, and they absolutely accentuated the fluidity and elegance of the dancers. Theyāre perfect for showcasing the ballerina's every movement, making every pirouette and grand jetĆ© feel like pure magic.
Oh, but you know me ā Iām a tutu girl through and through, so Iām always searching for those classic, flowing tutus, the ones that make you feel like you can fly. Thankfully, the 1920s brought long, sweeping tutus back into fashion. The romantic tutu that floats in the air while the dancer performs the ethereal and gentle dance steps of Les Sylphides ā pure ballet heaven. I've just bought the most magnificent one here in Paris! Imagine: blush pink silk, delicately gathered, and it's almost long enough to sweep the floor! Oh, I'll have to share a picture of it on my socials - I simply can't wait to twirl!
Tutu Fashion!
Speaking of twirling, you know, I have this feeling that weāre seeing the rise of street-style tutus even here in 1927! You know I'm all about incorporating ballet fashion into everyday life. A little twirl here, a little ballerina flair there ā that's the way I like it! The designers seem to have taken a cue from the ballerinas and the fashions are so soft, so romantic. Perhaps a bit of ballerina grace and femininity is needed in this often chaotic world. Don't you think?
There is such a playfulness to the outfits Iāve been seeing here in Paris. They have relaxed the strict corsetry and brought in more loose-fitting fabrics - so flattering, donāt you think? Itās all about freedom of movement - I suppose it's revolutionary for its time, wouldnāt you agree? Imagine the women of 1800s shocked by the daring look of 1920s fashion.
You know I like to share a few little style tips from my travels. The beautiful tassels, fringes, and sequins that are so fashionable in 1927! Itās all about detailing. Look out for a little touch of beaded detail, or maybe some sparkly trim. These can really complete the outfit and give it an edge. You might see some ballerinas incorporating some of this beautiful 1927 embellishment into their costume design too, because we all love a little bit of sparkle, don't we?
From Derbyshire to the Stage
Okay, so where was I? Yes, well, right now I'm in a lovely cafĆ©, drinking some tea (so much tastier than water, by the way!), just around the corner from the Opera Garnier. I love to soak up the ambiance and let the sights and sounds wash over me. It's a beautiful day here in Paris ā a little balmy, a touch of warmth and sunshine. We Derbyshire folk can dream of a day like this, and itās what I live for - to feel a ray of warmth and sunshine and enjoy a nice hot drink in a sunny cafĆ© ā such simple pleasures!
Why Pink Tutus?
Anyway, back to my love for pink tutus, the core reason for this whole adventure. It's just that feeling, that fairy-tale magic! My mum has said that I mustāve been destined for ballet. Maybe she is right. I believe in believing. If you believe in your dream, darling, it will happen! Just remember, life is not just a series of black and white dull moments, even the darker times, which will happen I promise you, are merely building your strength for what comes next, and a little touch of pink can brighten the dullest moments, youāve only got to think it into existence.
As for the Ballet Russes, you simply canāt miss their shows. You're gonna have the most extraordinary evening. If you are going to see it, youāve simply got to have the perfect outfit - one to be remembered! Don't you think?
You may not be a professional ballerina (although we all are in our own little personal world, yes, yes?) but we all deserve that special little treat to boost our confidence - be it a new ballet show, a trip to a fancy cafƩ, even buying that fabulous new tutu that makes you feel a million bucks! Embrace the little moments of life and find joy and happiness everywhere you go. You may never know where your tutu may lead you.
Tune in next week for another episode of #TutuTuesday. And donāt forget to wear pink tutus - donāt tell me you don't have at least one stashed away in your closet somewhere. We all have secret closets ā filled with ballet wonders. And donāt forget to visit the website www.pink-tutu.com for even more amazing tutu history posts - all 4,980 of them (this is post #4,980!), so grab yourself a comfy chair, a hot drink, and prepare to be transported!
See you soon! šš
Emma, The Tutu Travel Blogger
Post-script ā A few fun things to try to live your 1920s life:
- Try a little bob: You can even try a bobbing accessory, like the ladies wear in 1920s!
- Learn to shimmy: Try taking a vintage dancing class!
- Accessorise with beads: Look out for some lovely beaded embellishment. The stores are brimming with fantastic details. You could also buy an antique jewellery piece for that real 1920s touch.
Until next time, keep shining brightly like the ballerinas in Paris!
