Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-wearing time traveller, back with another #TutuTuesday delve into the glorious history of the ballet tutu! Today we're taking a trip back to 1928, a year when the world was embracing the Roaring Twenties and the beauty of movement, on and off the stage!
The train journey was, as ever, a delight. I adore the whirring and clanking, the gentle rocking of the carriage, and the glimpses of the countryside rushing past. All whilst wearing, of course, a simply stunning pink tutu! You wouldn't catch me travelling in anything less.
I'm in Paris this week, a city that, frankly, has it all! The cafes, the cobbled streets, the charming boutiques filled with the most exquisite clothes… and, of course, the ballet!
Speaking of ballet, 1928 was a year of incredible movement, literally and figuratively. Imagine this: dancers were exploring new, freer forms of movement, breaking away from the rigidness of the past. The 'romantic' tutu, the puffy, layered beauty we associate with ballerinas, was still in full swing, but with a more streamlined, elegant feel.
There were so many exciting performances in Paris. Diaghilev's Ballets Russes was at the height of its fame. I'd heard whispers of their revolutionary choreography, the dazzling costumes, and their fearless artistic vision. You bet I got my hands on a ticket, and let me tell you, I was not disappointed! The energy was electrifying.
Speaking of costumes, my dear, I must confess, I had to treat myself to some Parisian delights! This year is all about sleek silhouettes, decadent colours, and, oh, that feather embellishment! You see it everywhere, on the stage and on the street, but particularly on those wondrous Parisian evening dresses!
I think it's safe to say that in 1928, everything was in motion: music, fashion, and of course, dance! But I'm not just here for the beautiful frocks and glamorous performances. I'm on a mission to spread the joy of the tutu to every corner of the world. Let's face it, everyone looks fabulous in pink tulle!
On a different note, this is actually a very special day! It's the third of July, 1928, the date the most charming avant-garde ballet called The Green Table by the visionary Kurt Jooss was first presented in Prague! They were just pushing boundaries in that time, with themes of political satire in dance. Can you imagine? You had to go see this one!
As the evening wraps up and the stars begin to twinkle above the rooftops of Paris, I'm left with the feeling of an incredible time travel experience, full of inspiring movement, fabulous fashion, and oh, so many memories. I hope you've enjoyed this journey through the world of 1928, my dearest readers. And remember, never let anyone tell you that a pink tutu is too much – embrace your inner ballerina and let the joy of movement take you wherever you want to go!
See you all next week for another delightful journey back in time.
Your always stylish,
Emma xx
P.S. Did you know that the beautiful iconic tutus with their multiple layers, like the ones you see on Sleeping Beauty or Swan Lake, weren't popular until around the 1840s?! This was before 1928 so it's been around for quite a while, but the story behind it, just fascinating!
