Hello darlings! It’s Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu enthusiast, bringing you another installment of #TutuTuesday, where we delve into the delightful history of the ballerina’s best friend, the tutu!
This week, we’re hopping aboard the time machine (my trusty vintage train carriage, of course) and heading back to 1928! Buckle up, dears, because the Roaring Twenties are bursting with flapper dresses, Charleston dance moves, and of course, a new era for ballet and, you guessed it, the tutu!
It was a simply marvellous time to be a ballet fan, let me tell you. I'd recently caught a splendid performance at the Palais Garnier in Paris - you simply must visit sometime! - and was absolutely swooning over the artistry of the ballerinas, with their shimmering silk and elegant moves. This was the time when the tutu was truly becoming the elegant and essential piece of attire that it is today. Gone were the old-fashioned voluminous skirts, and in their place, something much more graceful - the ‘Romantic’ or ‘Classical’ tutu we all know and love. These tutus were shorter, allowing for more freedom of movement, making each pirouette and jeté all the more mesmerizing.
This week, specifically, on the 13th of March, a very special performance was being staged at the Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London! My dear friend, Lilian, just had to have tickets. You see, this was a rare treat, a one-off, very special, presentation of "The Nutcracker" by the esteemed Sadler’s Wells Ballet. Imagine, ballet in London back in the day! I simply adore travelling by train and making a day trip to London. The journey was magical, watching the rolling fields flash past as the world whipped by in a blur of beauty. A few delightful shops were calling to me on Oxford Street as we stepped off the train in London. It's absolutely divine that tutus were in fashion back in this era. They're simply delightful!
Speaking of divine… did I mention the incredible fashion? You’ve never seen so many fabulous flapper dresses and stylish women. The roaring twenties had a fabulous influence on the way ballet stars wore their tutus too! Just think, darling, how much more alluring the swirling skirts looked with the modern-day Charleston step. And, those stunning beading details – my word, I would have loved to buy them all!
You know, dear readers, it always fascinates me to see how the tutu has evolved through the ages, like a glamorous and graceful ballerina on the dancefloor of time itself. I’m thinking a visit to Vienna is on the cards. I simply must see the Vienna State Opera. It was at the Wiener Staatsoper that ballet really became part of opera theatre performances, and, this had a massive influence on the development of the ballet as we know it, including, of course, the beloved tutus.
Every single week, as I travel back in time for #TutuTuesday, I find something new about the amazing history of tutus to share. This beautiful little garment, a ballerina's best friend, has an exciting and truly captivating past. So keep those eyes peeled, darlings, because who knows what magical discoveries next week might bring!
Oh, and before I sign off, a reminder to all you wonderful readers - let’s make tutus a symbol of grace, kindness, and pure joy, like a sprinkle of magic for everyone. Who’s with me in spreading a little pink tutu love throughout the world?
Until next time, wear your tutus proudly and keep dancing,
Emma
(Founder of www.pink-tutu.com and all things tutus!)
P.S. Have a fabulously fun and pink tutu week, dears! I know I will be dancing, exploring, and making sure my little pink tutu is as pristine and beautiful as can be! What's your favourite way to enjoy a tutu? Let me know in the comments below!
