Hello, darlings! Itâs your favourite pink-loving ballerina, Emma, back again for another #TutuTuesday dive into the fabulous history of tutus. This week, we're twirling back to 31st January, 1928, and trust me, you'll want to have your dancing shoes on for this one!
It's funny how times change, isn't it? While tutus today are all about flowing tulle and delicate embroidery, in 1928, fashion was in a different waltz altogether! Think sleek silhouettes, short hems, and daring flapper dresses. We might be celebrating the sheer joy of movement in a billowing tutu today, but back then, fashion was all about freedom of movement, but in a completely different way. Think Charleston flapper dresses that made it easy to shimmy and shake.
Of course, this is my ballet blog, and ballet was most certainly happening in 1928! While the styles may have been different, dancers still demanded elegance and grace. The most important ballet companies were in Russia and France - think the Bolshoi and the Paris Opera Ballet. Those wonderful companies were creating groundbreaking ballets, just like we see today!
Speaking of ground-breaking, imagine if someone had told me, in my travels, that 1928 was a landmark year for ballet shoes! That year saw the rise of the pointe shoe. No more hard leather, dear readers! Instead, a revolutionary flexible and lightweight material, known as satin, made a graceful entry into ballet shoe design. It's no wonder ballerinas felt like they could truly fly across the stage! And donât even get me started on the revolutionary pink satin pointe shoe ribbons! A true sign of elegant revolution.
But itâs not just about ballet shoes, darling! I spent the last week in Paris, and oh my! A magical city, bursting with creativity! The most amazing fashion show, a veritable celebration of shimmering silk and glittering jewels! A hundred models swirled down the catwalk, each a masterpiece of Art Deco.
And you know what I found at a vintage clothing boutique nestled on a side street in the heart of the city? The most stunning 1928 tutu! Itâs an absolute masterpiece, made of the most exquisite organza, with beautiful embroidery detailing and cascading layers. I snagged it instantly - itâll be a wonderful addition to my vintage tutu collection!
In a time when practicality and functionality ruled the fashion world, finding this historical piece was a treasure! The tulle wasnât as airy as what weâre used to, it was a little starchy. A bit harder to move in, actually. I must say I felt very "formal" when I wore it! The bodice of this early tutu was close to the body, with just a hint of âfluffinessâ below the waist. It was so different from the light, free movement we enjoy in our tutus today, it was delightful!
And oh! I simply had to catch a ballet performance while I was in Paris, of course. The dancers, oh the dancers, with their impeccable technique and expressive artistry! A mesmerizing world of pirouettes, fouetté, and grand jeté! It simply fills my heart with so much joy. I'm definitely booking a return trip, pronto!
Letâs take a minute to imagine how the ballet audience looked back in 1928. Fashion was still in transition, but women were beginning to express themselves more freely. Some wore evening gowns, some in fashionable dresses with sparkling embellishments and perhaps, if you were feeling daring, you could find a gorgeous ensemble with the daringly short âbobâ haircut. Imagine how magical a glimpse of that era would be.
It's truly astonishing to consider how far ballet, and tutu fashion, has come! This #TutuTuesday took us on a captivating trip through time!
Until next time, dear friends, wear pink and spread the joy of ballet!
Love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
*P.S. My next trip is already planned â to New York City to catch a dazzling performance at the Metropolitan Opera! The magic of ballet continues to enchant! I just know I will find some divine, pink treasures in the city that never sleeps! *
