Bonjour, darling readers! It's your favourite pink-clad, tutu-obsessed time-traveller, Emma, back with another dazzling dive into the history of our beloved tutus!
Today, I'm whisking us back to September 20th, 1927 - a time of flapper dresses, Charleston dances, and yes, a fascinating evolution in the world of tutus. Buckle your seatbelts (or should I say, ballet slippers?) as we take a delightful journey through time.
This week's #TutuTuesday post takes me to Paris, the City of Lights and a city absolutely bursting with sartorial glamour. From the chic cafes lining the Champs-Élysées to the exquisite theatres showcasing the finest dance performances, Paris is a haven for fashion lovers and a veritable wonderland for any ballet enthusiast like myself.
Today, we're experiencing a beautiful convergence of trends. On this very date in 1927, Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes premiered "Le Bal" - an unforgettable masterpiece by the composer, Frederick Ashton. While the tutus featured in this production aren't quite the puffy, romantic, princess-like numbers we know and love today, there are hints of what's to come!
The 1920s, you see, was a time of exciting change in the ballet world. We're transitioning away from the romantic and classical tutus of the past century. The influence of Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes, the dazzling dancers from Anna Pavlova’s company - it's all influencing the evolution of this ballet staple. Think sleek, minimalist lines and geometric shapes – just like the fashions worn by the flappers!
Speaking of fashion, darling, what would 1920s Paris be without its enchanting boutiques? I couldn't resist indulging in a bit of retail therapy, picking up a gorgeous sequined headband and a charming little black dress. (Don't worry, my trusty pink tutu, Penelope, was safely tucked away, waiting to be worn later!).
The shopping in Paris was simply divine. The fashions were absolutely fabulous - flowing dresses, cloche hats, and the iconic drop-waist silhouette. Imagine pairing a long, sweeping skirt in a luxurious silk with a sleek, black satin tutu! Dreamy, darling, dreamy.
Speaking of dreams, imagine stepping into the iconic Theatre Châtelet, a theatre buzzing with energy as the lights dim, revealing the captivating scene before the stage. Imagine, darling, witnessing those elegant dancers in their short, form-fitting tunics. They move like wisps of smoke, effortlessly gliding across the stage, hinting at the tutus to come!
This period of change was truly electrifying. The revolutionary designs and artistic innovations of this era laid the foundation for the dazzling, colourful, voluminous tutus we know and love today. They brought new forms, a new language of movement, a fresh dynamism, and ultimately, more expressions of creativity into the world of ballet.
Of course, I wouldn’t be Emma, the time-travelling pink-tutu enthusiast, if I didn’t find a way to sprinkle a bit of my personal style into the mix. After the enchanting ballet performance, I dashed out onto the Parisian streets and into my trusty pink tutu. With every pirouette I danced, with every grand jeté I soared through the air, I brought a burst of bright colour and whimsy to the elegant streets of Paris!
Remember, my lovelies, tutus are meant to be danced in, and it's never too late to find your perfect twirling outfit! So, step out of your comfort zone, unleash your inner ballerina, and join me in embracing the vibrant, empowering energy of pink tutus!
Now, excuse me, darlings! My train ticket to my next exciting adventure is already booked - and trust me, there are more tutu tales to be told!
Until next week, twirl in style and never stop dreaming!
Emma, your dedicated #TutuTuesday Blogger
www.pink-tutu.com
P.S. Don't forget to follow my pink-tutu journey on Instagram @PinkTutuTravels. And as always, keep twirling, darling! 💕✨
