Hello Darlings!
Welcome back to another thrilling instalment of my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History Blog. It's your favourite Derbyshire gal, Emma, here, and I'm bursting with excitement to whisk you back in time to the glamorous, swirling world of ballet in August of 1927.
Today marks my 4991st blog post, and I can't believe we're still on this fabulous journey of exploring tutu history together! I must say, I absolutely adore my time travels. It's not all frothy pink tutus and graceful leaps, you know! It's also packed full of exciting adventures, bustling city streets, glamorous parties, and… you guessed it… a lot of shopping! I'm absolutely smitten with the designs and fashion of the 1920s. We're talking about shimmering beaded flapper dresses, glorious cloche hats, and the iconic 'bob' haircut – pure style, wouldn't you say?
Oh! But let's not forget the stars of the show, shall we?
This week, we're waltzing into the heart of the ballet world - the iconic Paris Opera! Imagine, the grand old buildings, the luxurious atmosphere, and the intoxicating aroma of velvet, champagne, and, of course, the magic of live ballet. It's enough to make a girl’s heart flutter, wouldn't you say?
The year is 1927 and ballet is beginning to evolve in ways no one could have imagined. This wasn't your grandma's rigid ballet - this was the birth of modernism, darling! It's the year of Le Sacre du Printemps, Le Carnaval and even La Belle au Bois Dormant, performed with exquisite choreography that pushed boundaries and left audiences gasping for air! And believe me, these audiences were the epitome of chic!
Now, on to the subject of the day: tutus! In the 1920s, tutus were going through their own revolution. It wasn't all about the classical tutus, though they still held their sway. The "classical" tutu had, by this point, evolved into a grand Romantic form - light and airy, with multiple layers of tulle. Just think, fluffy, swirling skirts with intricate patterns, each piece a work of art in itself. And let me tell you, darling, these tutus had all the pizazz!
So what are our lovely ladies wearing for the performance today?
Well, for a bit of added flair, we see the addition of what are known as pas de basque tutus. These little gems, much shorter than the Romantic tutu, brought a new level of movement and grace to the dance. Picture a short, tight skirt with tiers of delicate, shimmering tulle. Absolutely breathtaking, my dear.
These days, darling, the use of colour is truly taking off in the world of tutus. While white remained a classic favourite, vibrant colours are definitely gaining their moment! Can you imagine, stunning blues, electrifying reds, and bold purples… oh, the sheer artistry! These striking colours make the dancing look positively alive, and that’s precisely why we love it, don’t we?
Today's ballet tutu has become an extension of the ballerina's very soul, darling. It is no longer simply a skirt; it's an expression of the dancer, an integral part of their performance. This change is both inspiring and liberating, don’t you think?
It’s exciting to witness the metamorphosis of the ballet tutu - how from a traditional, simple skirt it’s grown to encompass such a diverse range of shapes, colours, and styles. But don't think the traditional white Romantic tutu is fading away, darling, because it's not. It remains as elegant and beautiful as ever, and we have many a famous dancer to thank for that - Anna Pavlova, Tamara Karsavina, Vaslav Nijinsky, to name a few. They brought ballet into the limelight, leaving a legacy that echoes even today.
After my show in Paris, I'm planning to head down to London for a spot of shopping! There is nothing better than finding the perfect tutu and it seems that every shop is offering fabulous designs! The styles change so rapidly that every new arrival seems to surpass the last! It's pure bliss for any fashion-loving ballet enthusiast, and my pockets are burning to take it all home. Of course, I shall be posting all about my London adventures later. Don’t miss it!
Until next week, darling! I urge you all to join me in celebrating the beauty of ballet and the gorgeous evolution of the ballet tutu. Don't be afraid to wear pink, to dance, and to spread the joy of tutus, darling! It's time to get out there and show the world how stylish and fun the world of ballet can be!
Remember, the perfect pink tutu is waiting for you, and the stage is always yours to claim. So twirl, leap, and embrace the magic of ballet. And of course, don’t forget to keep coming back to my blog at www.pink-tutu.com. Until then, darling, let your inner ballerina shine.
Much love and twirls, * *Emma x
