Hello my lovely pink-tutu loving darlings! Welcome back to another edition of #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History! This is post number 5027, believe it or not, and I'm positively bursting with excitement for this week's journey through time! As always, I'm hopping aboard my trusty time-traveling steam train, armed with my pink tulle and a bottomless supply of sugar plums, ready to dive into a past era filled with all things tutus.
Today, my dears, we're venturing back to 1st May 1928, and let me tell you, the world of ballet was absolutely buzzing with activity! The air was positively thick with excitement for the upcoming season, the scent of freshly polished pointe shoes lingering in the air...ah, such memories!
But before we get too lost in the dreamy world of tutus, let me fill you in on a bit of a secret. I have to admit, there's been a little bit of a travel hiccup this week, my lovelies. Turns out, a ballet dancer with a love for tutus and time travel needs to keep their eye on the time clock! The journey back to 1928 was a bit...splintery. It seems there was some time warp shenanigans in Derbyshire and I found myself unexpectedly on the wrong side of the wardrobe door for a good week, so to speak. Imagine my surprise! I woke up surrounded by cobwebs and a rather grumpy bat in a 17th-century cottage with a penchant for dust. Quite an experience, to be sure!
Fortunately, the little bat, who surprisingly knew a thing or two about fashion, was able to help me mend my travel woes. So I'm delighted to be back, right here with you, albeit slightly battered and more dusty than I'd hoped. But honestly, the little bat's wardrobe had some rather splendid brocade. I nearly packed the whole thing, my lovelies! However, a quick costume change to a nice pink tulle skirt and all is forgotten.
But back to 1st May 1928! You see, at this time, ballet wasn't just about graceful twirls and exquisite costumes; it was a full-blown social phenomenon! Fancy dress parties with tutus, dance recitals for charities, and even elegant ladies donning ballet skirts for afternoon picnics – everything was touched with a hint of tutus, even if it wasn't an actual performance! Can you imagine that? It was just the perfect dose of feminine whimsy, a touch of glamour in the midst of daily life!
Speaking of glamour, let's talk about what's actually on display in the world of fashion on this fine day. From Paris to New York, the era's style was dripping in elegance and a hint of bohemian flair! Think silk, beading, embroidery, and vibrant colors, especially pink, oh how I adore pink! It's no surprise, then, that the ballet tutu, as the pinnacle of feminine grace and beauty, found itself woven into the fabric of fashion. It was simply the perfect way to channel a sense of airy romance and captivating beauty!
Did you know that the ballet tutu was evolving, too? While the traditional form, the Romantic Tutu (you know, those beautiful, long skirts made of multiple layers of tulle) was still favoured for ballet performances, shortened and shorter versions were becoming more prominent for special occasion costumes and even for regular wear!
And oh, those magnificent ballerinas! From the incomparable Anna Pavlova, whose artistry made even the simplest pirouette a breathtaking spectacle, to the elegant Margot Fonteyn, who, much later, captured the hearts of audiences all over the world with her pure elegance and artistry. It's no wonder that everyone, from society matrons to everyday ladies, dreamed of twirling in a pink tutu and capturing just a hint of that graceful allure!
Today, we can all be inspired by this bygone era, a period where ballet held a special place in the heart of every woman. So go forth, my darlings! Channel your inner ballerina! Put on your favourite pink tutu, twirl with confidence, and let your heart be as light as the tulle itself.
And don't forget, there's always room for a little bit of pink tulle in your life, no matter what year it is! Just remember to be careful when traveling through time! If you happen to bump into a grumpy bat who insists on collecting dust, offer them a pink tulle skirt - you never know, you might make a friend.
Until next week, dear readers, let's keep dancing! Don't forget to join me on www.pink-tutu.com and be sure to follow me on my Instagram, @PinkTutuBallerina, for even more fashion inspiration!
Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to find my way back to my time. Until next time, remember to be the best versions of yourselves, you pink tutu-loving dreamers, and don't forget, life is a beautiful ballet.
Your very pink and bubbly,
Emma
