Hello darlings, and welcome back to Pink Tutu! It's a bright and sunny Tuesday, which means it's time for another journey through the history of the glorious ballet tutu! As you know, I'm a bit obsessed with tutus. From the classic romantic to the whimsical modern, I think a tutu just adds that touch of magic to any outfit. And it seems my passion for tutus knows no time boundary because today I'm whisking us back to April 24th, 1928!
Buckle up your dancing shoes, girls, because we're going on a fashion adventure!
Now, you might be wondering, Emma, how can you go back in time? Well, it's a secret. Let's just say my love of the ballet and a whole lot of hard work have led me down some magical paths!
Of course, we've gotta look the part when we time travel, right? I've got my favourite pink tutu on – oh, this one's simply darling! I found it at a vintage boutique in Paris just the other week. It's light as a feather, just the perfect colour of blush pink, and with the most beautiful embroidery. Imagine a cloud dipped in rosewater - that's the shade!
I just love Paris - it’s simply a fashion dream, but right now I’m in London – oh, how I adore the charm of the capital. The buildings, the cobbled streets… the very air feels a bit like stepping back in time.
Right, now that we’re in place – well, not really, of course! We're just going back in our minds - let’s take a peek into what happened on April 24th, 1928.
Imagine this: the theatre is alive with buzz! I hear chatter in French, Russian, Italian – we’re in Paris, darling! At the Opéra Garnier, dancers are prepping, costumes are being carefully checked – the air hums with anticipation. What a fabulous performance this is going to be!
You see, today is a big day, it's the opening night of Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring with a completely new and revolutionary set and costumes! Can you imagine, all the controversy surrounding it - it was like nothing they'd ever seen. This is how ballet moves with the times – always keeping up with modern dance ideas, and that’s exciting!
The whole event had a touch of the scandalous – you see, the music was bold, the costumes radical, and everyone was simply amazed. Well, apart from some traditionalists! The scandal even made the papers the next day - "Scandal on Stage at The Opéra!" they declared. Now you’ll be excited to learn that these costumes – well, some of them anyway - have gone on to be iconic for their simple, almost stark designs. Imagine just a few, very specific items, a daring silhouette and dramatic lighting!
If you ever get a chance to see the Rite of Spring, don't miss it – it's full of raw emotion and breathtaking, unconventional movement!
However, now we're in 1928, the ballerinas were not wearing tutus at all! No tutus – I can’t even imagine a ballet without one – and that was exactly the revolutionary new look! Instead, The Rite of Spring was full of innovative costuming which mirrored the primal, earthy themes of the ballet - simple dresses and garments with movement and ease that reflected ritual and ceremony. I mean, it's truly amazing. You really have to see it to believe it.
So, there you have it, darlings. That's how The Rite of Spring transformed the ballet world. But you know what else? Just imagine the stunning fashion shows and dress events that would have been happening on this day - and, believe me, London is full of glamour this evening. Let’s have a stroll down Oxford Street! The shops are filled with the latest creations in silk and feathers – just imagine the hats, the elegant suits and fabulous coats. The women are stylish and glamorous – I’m taking mental notes of some great ideas!
The beauty of fashion, my dears, is that it always evolves, always keeps a touch of magic! But one thing remains timeless, even as ballet steps through different eras. A love for dance.
You know what? Right now, I have a sudden craving for afternoon tea, the perfect time to reflect on this whirlwind trip back to 1928! So, do join me on my www.pink-tutu.com blog. And next Tuesday, it's another date with history for our #TutuTuesday! Don’t forget your pink tutu.
Until then, stay chic and remember – the best accessories are a twinkle in your eyes and a joyful skip in your step!
Lots of love,
Emma
(And please do let me know if you have any questions about history, the ballet, or your favourite shade of pink! I adore feedback and answering your queries. Remember, every tutu story has a history!)
