Hello my darling darlings! Emma here, your resident Tutu Time Traveller, back from another whirlwind jaunt through the history of the most magnificent garment known to mankind – the tutu! And today, we're stepping back into the fabulous flapper era, landing smack-bang in 1928!
Can you believe it, dears? Just 95 years ago, the world was dancing to a different tune. While I love my classic, romantic tutus, it's thrilling to witness how the world of ballet fashion was transforming, taking its cue from the rebellious spirit of the Roaring Twenties.
Imagine, darling, a world where ladies bobbed their hair and wore knee-length dresses, where men wore pinstripe suits, and everything was jazzy, fun, and daring! It was a period of incredible change and creativity, and ballet wasn't left behind.
This week, we're heading to Paris, the fashion capital of the world, and the heart of ballet.
So let's raise our tiaras (and pink tulle, of course!) to the tutus of 1928!
A New Era of Movement:
You know me, dears, I adore a good classical tutu. But in 1928, ballet itself was evolving, taking on a new dynamic and a focus on agility and speed. This called for a new kind of costume – something that wouldn't restrict the dancers' movements but rather enhanced them!
The classic, voluminous tutu was slowly starting to fade. It was all about shorter lengths and simpler, lighter designs that allowed dancers to move with greater freedom and grace. You might catch a glimpse of the "tutu à l’américaine," a skirt that hugged the hips, flared at the knee, and became shorter and shorter as the decade progressed.
Flappers and Feather Boas:
Don't think that the spirit of the flapper era wasn't reflected in the ballet costumes. They might not have worn drop-waist dresses on stage, but there was a certain flapper influence! The colour palettes, my dears, were stunning – bold colours, vivid shades of magenta, emerald green, and, of course, a dash of fabulous pink! You can imagine these vibrant shades popping against the backdrop of the famous Palais Garnier!
The costumes weren't limited to mere dresses. Dancers embraced feathers, sequins, and even metallic fabrics, all in the name of embracing that glittering, joyous energy that swept the world. Imagine a glittering dance floor of Paris and translate it onto the stage!
Stars of the Ballet World:
Imagine, dears, watching legendary dancers like Tamara Karsavina and Olga Spessivtseva, stars of the Ballets Russes! The company, known for its lavish productions and innovative designs, introduced the world to dazzling costumes and innovative choreography.
And did you know, darling, that Anna Pavlova was a huge influence in shaping the world of ballet. Her costumes were exquisite, elegant, and graceful, a perfect embodiment of the Romantic ballet style.
But of course, darling, it wouldn't be a true Tutu Tuesday without mentioning what's going on on this very day!
Well, this Tuesday, January 10th, 1928 – my trip, of course – is filled with Parisian fashion! Today's most exciting thing happening is a beautiful new collection release at Madeleine Vionnet! I was lucky enough to see the dazzling showcase – the silk and velvet, the embellishment and ruffles! Oh, my! I will have to have a good shop.
Now, darling, what are you waiting for? Grab your favourite pink tutu, pour a cup of your best Earl Grey, and let's journey together through the fascinating world of ballet!
Remember, dear, this is only a tiny glimpse into the colourful history of the ballet tutu! Stay tuned for next week's Tutu Tuesday – we've got more wonderful trips and trends planned! And don't forget to visit the www.pink-tutu.com website every Tuesday!
Until next week, dear darlings! Stay pink, stay fabulous, and keep twirling!
Yours in Tutus,
Emma 💖🩰
