Post #5018
Hello lovelies, and welcome back to Pink Tutu! It's Tuesday, which means it's time for another whirl through the glorious history of tutus. Today, we're hopping on the Orient Express (how I adore those plush carriages!) and heading back to February 28th, 1928. Fancy that! Just imagine, a world without YouTube tutorials on the perfect bun or online shops with endless tulle options. Gasp!
This Tuesday in 1928, the ballet world was buzzing! You wouldn't believe the exquisite costumes they wore, all shimmering satin and flowing silks, but oh, those tutus… They were just starting to make their grand entrance. The tutu as we know it hadn't fully bloomed, but there were definitely little whispers of it on stage, creating exciting whispers of lightness and fluidity in every twirl.
Let me paint a picture:
Imagine yourself stepping into the heart of the Parisian Opera House, where the air crackles with the electric anticipation of the performance about to begin. The stage lights, casting an ethereal glow on the beautiful, pale faces of the ballerinas, give a glimpse of a world that truly understands how to make ballet the star of the show. And yes, their costumes! Oh my, you haven't truly lived until you've experienced the grandeur of a late 20th century ballet outfit.
Think flowing chiffon skirts, meticulously gathered and layered to create a cascade of colour and movement, hinting at the beauty that the true tutu will one day bring to the world. A little lace, a bit of delicate embroidery, maybe a tiny splash of a single sparkling sequin - they really knew how to add a bit of pizzazz to those costumes. And I'm not going to lie, I was particularly envious of those darling shoes. Satin slippers, all smooth and sleek, tied perfectly around the ankles with tiny ribbons… just divine.
But let's be honest, even with their stunning attire, there's a slight wistfulness for me in observing this time. The world still hadn't embraced the full tutu magic, and the costumes, while undeniably beautiful, lack that breathtaking, voluminous impact of the tutus we know and love today.
It's a time of change, a time when fashion and movement are working hand in hand to craft something truly spectacular. The early 20th century, in its quest to evolve beyond the heavy Victorian corsetry, embraced new forms, and with them, new dances, new ideas, and new possibilities!
What I adore most about this era, though, is the dedication and skill of the dancers. Their dedication is clear in the way they move, their posture, their elegant precision, each step and gesture performed with the kind of elegance that you just don’t see on our reality dance competitions. They truly embraced the art of ballet as a disciplined craft.
After our Parisian excursion, I hopped back onto the Orient Express (nothing quite like the romantic rumble of train tracks and the murmur of conversations around me), headed for London, just in time for a brilliant evening of the "Ballet Russe" - yes, we're talking Sergei Diaghilev and his famous company! Now this was truly something special. A troupe of internationally acclaimed artists pushing boundaries and creating a whole new style of performance that the world was just starting to adore.
It was like a little slice of magic unfolding on stage - costumes in rich colours, bold shapes, a powerful expression through the movement… and I could sense that a tutu renaissance was just on the horizon! This was the time when true innovation and art converged on the ballet stage, and my fellow pink tutu enthusiasts, we have these incredible visionaries to thank for the world of stunning tutus that we are so fortunate to enjoy today!
So, in summary:
1928, an era of artistic brilliance where the tutu's star is about to shine, a time of shimmering satin and bold steps, where every gesture felt like a brushstroke, creating a beautiful artistic canvas on stage. This is the legacy we inherit. This is the magic we keep alive.
Until next time, remember my little pink tutu followers: keep twirling!
Your loving time travelling tutu ambassador, Emma xxx
P.S: Have you started dreaming about what your next tutu project might be? My current obsession is a bespoke pink satin creation with the most intricate hand-embroidery – perhaps with a hint of rose gold sparkle! Stay tuned!
