A Trip Back in Time - April 3rd, 1928
Hello, my darling dancers! It's Emma, your tutu-loving time traveller, back with another exciting installment of my Ballet Tutu History blog! This week, I've popped back to the roaring twenties - and oh my goodness, are things exciting! Just picture it: flapper dresses, bobbed hair, and a whole heap of jazz! This decade is just buzzing with life and a real love for all things glamorous.
I'm standing right now in the heart of Paris, surrounded by the most exquisite boutiques. My senses are simply overwhelmed by the vibrant colours, the sleek silhouettes, and the wonderful whiff of perfume that fills the air. Oh, how I wish you could experience it!
Itâs a perfect day to discuss tutus, of course, as everyone knows tutus and France go hand in hand, a beautiful and enduring love story thatâs captivating hearts everywhere.
From The Stage to the Street
The tutu was definitely becoming a real style icon in 1928. You wouldnât necessarily spot women sporting them down the Champs-ĂlysĂ©es quite yet, but weâre not so far away. Ballet is moving towards modernity in these days and designers are borrowing inspiration from the beautiful, romantic costumes.
My recent visit to the Theatre des Champs-ĂlysĂ©es has been absolutely divine. Watching the beautiful ballerinas gracefully twirl in their fluffy tulle skirts, all light and elegance, gave me some real inspiration! It's the very heart of French ballet right now, the home of legends, and Iâve been swooning over the exquisite tutus worn by the famous Ballets Russes company. Their costumes are a blend of fairytale and drama, a mix of vibrant colors and shimmering silks â truly stunning!
A Dance through the Decades
To really understand why the tutu has captivated us all this time, we need to turn the clock back just a little. Letâs rewind our tape back to the romantic period, where a real love affair began between ballet and the beautiful tutu. In the 1830s and 40s, we see the rise of the Romantic Tutu. This elegant, knee-length skirt gave the dancers more freedom and a chance to truly show off their skills and grace. It was a complete revolution for ballet, and Iâm simply obsessed with that period. Just picture yourself, dancing gracefully under the chandeliers, a flurry of white and pastel silk, just⊠wonderful!
Tutu Trivia: Did you know that the word âtutuâ doesnât appear in official ballet writings until the 1880s, even though dancers had been twirling in similar garments since the Romantic Period. It was first mentioned in the Parisian Balletâs records in a description of costumes used in 1889!
Dancing into the Future
Today's fashionistas are borrowing ideas from the tutu, from the short fluffy ballet skirt to the full-length, glamorous gown, we can definitely see the influence in 1928.
And what do we have in store for the future? Who knows! I predict more daring designs and innovative creations, and even though fashion is always evolving, I think there will always be a special place for the tutu, an enduring icon of beauty and grace.
Well, my darlings, it's time for me to go and enjoy this captivating city a bit more. But remember, every day is a perfect opportunity to embrace the elegance of a pink tutu! So, go on, try one on! Itâs going to be our signature style!
Stay fabulous!
Emma x
