Hello, dears! It's your favourite pink-loving tutu-enthusiast, Emma, here, back for another exciting episode of #TutuTuesday, and my 5015th post for you all, right here on www.pink-tutu.com! Today we're embarking on a historical adventure, whisking ourselves back to the roaring twenties, 1928 to be precise! Buckle up, lovelies, this trip will have you spinning like a top!
You know, this particular year was a real game changer in the world of ballet, dear reader. Not just any game changer, but one that fundamentally redefined what a dancer wore, especially here in Paris, the heart and soul of the ballet world, donât you know? Letâs take a look at why:
I hopped on the train from my little Derbyshire home town and headed to the Paris OpĂ©ra Ballet, a place where history is just oozing out of the walls. Itâs a spectacle even without the dancing. You could spend a whole day exploring its gorgeous halls and elegant nooks, you know? And to think that this iconic institution was on the cusp of revolutionising tutus!
Why is it so important? Because in 1928, Russian choreographer Sergei Diaghilev, the visionary genius behind the Ballets Russes, took a brave, nay daring leap, by commissioning one of the most iconic tutu designs ever conceived, one which truly cemented itself as the "ballet" look in everyoneâs mind. Yes, youâve guessed it, we're talking about Les Biches, choreographed by Bronislava Nijinska, and with costumes, dear readers, by none other than Coco Chanel!
It was pure artistic alchemy! Just imagine: Coco Chanel, who in a time when the word âfashionâ literally felt like a word whispered in a hushed library, revolutionised the world with a whole new way of thinking about womenâs clothes. With her designs, she brought an air of comfort, simplicity, and daringly modern silhouettes into the feminine world of fashion. She was literally designing the modern woman â with bold bobs, little black dresses and, most importantly for us, innovative ballet costumes that stripped back the traditional tulle overload and brought a whole new elegance to the dance stage!
These âLes Bichesâ designs were like a breath of fresh air for the world of ballet! Goodbye bulky, frilly tutus, and hello sleek and modern. Imagine yourself in the wings backstage at the Paris OpĂ©ra Ballet in 1928! There was a certain electricity in the air, a tangible thrill that you could almost reach out and touch. As a young dancer, you wouldnât be wearing any heavy yards of tulle. No! Coco Chanel created a tutu that would not only flatter, but it would also enhance every movement, giving dancers an agility that hadnât been seen before. It was sleek, chic, almost sporty! Think short, almost tunic-like skirts in lightweight, flowing materials like silk, satin and crepe, sometimes with embellishments, with these amazing, fluid designs created with panels, which moved and shimmered on the body with each twirl, each leap. It was an ethereal look, the perfect canvas to highlight the artistry and strength of the female form.
Coco Chanel's influence on the dance world didn't stop with Les Biches, my dear reader. Throughout her career, her design genius influenced other choreographers as well, forever transforming the dance world. Can you imagine dancing in a Chanel-inspired design, your feet just barely brushing the floor, floating effortlessly across the stage, draped in these incredible designs that made every move seem almost like an effortless piece of poetry?
For me, this period was absolutely revolutionary, a period that truly made my heart soar! You can definitely say it was a ballet-loverâs paradise. If you find yourself with some time, head over to your local library, pop on some old movie posters, or dive into online resources - just let yourself be swept away by the beauty of Les Biches!
Don't forget to check back next Tuesday for another trip back through history, with more stunning tutu discoveries from our past, because believe me, there's so much more to discover! I want everyone in the world to know that tutus are not just for ballerinas, darling! Wear it to the supermarket, to a picnic in the park, to a museum, or even to the office (no judgment here!). Pink is the new black, my lovelies, and if there is any place for this pink-loving tutu fanatic, there is room for us all.
Until next week, lovelies, and don't forget to rock that tutu, and spread that pink sparkle. Remember, the world is a better place with a little more pink.
Love,
Emma xoxo
