Welcome back, dear readers, to my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog! I'm Emma, your pink-tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina, and it's a delight to have you joining me again on this fabulous journey through the history of our beloved ballet tutus. This is post number 5042, and we're waltzing our way to 14th August 1928 – a truly dazzling year for ballet and a time that really embodies the magic of the artform!
I simply adore taking these journeys, hopping on a steam train and finding myself in a different decade, observing the world of ballet as it was. Each era has its own captivating charm and the tutus – oh, the tutus! - they always manage to steal my heart. I can tell you, even back in 1928, a tutu wasn't just a piece of clothing – it was a symbol of artistry, grace, and feminine strength!
Now, 1928 was a thrilling year in ballet! We saw the emergence of Anna Pavlova, a captivating Russian ballerina who graced stages with ethereal grace. Her performances, oh, they were pure magic! She had a way of moving with such effortless fluidity that she seemed to glide across the stage like a swan in flight. Talk about inspiring!
But let’s rewind back a bit for a moment. In this year, we are still dancing with Romantic era ballet and classical ballet. In those days, ballerinas twirled in long, romantic tutus, made of lightweight fabrics, creating those soft, airy shapes that make the art form so visually appealing. Just imagine the fluttering fabric as the ballerinas leap and pirouette! We are still working with the ‘ classical tutu’, it is truly a thing of beauty and remains a staple in the ballet world even today. Imagine layers and layers of fine netting, carefully shaped and structured to create the illusion of movement, of a dancer defying gravity with every turn and leap. Oh, to be a ballerina in a beautiful classical tutu!
As a passionate fan of everything pink and fluffy, I’m just a tad disappointed we haven’t seen pink on stage in such a significant way yet. But don't despair my fellow tutu enthusiasts, we have a long journey ahead of us and pink tutus will be the highlight of our journeys very soon! I can’t wait!
This particular day, 14th August 1928, the ballet world buzzed with exciting news. *The Diaghilev Ballet Company was in full swing with their renowned “Le Sacre du Printemps,” a piece with revolutionary choreography. This iconic ballet, known for its intense movement, redefined ballet as we knew it. Imagine! We have entered the era of modern ballet, the *‘New York City Ballet’ had been created as recently as 1948.
This time travel adventure has filled me with inspiration. I’ve picked up some beautiful antique lace trims that I'm planning to use to adorn a custom pink tutu for my next performance. I believe the magic of tutus transcends time and my own bespoke creation will channel the beauty of these elegant costumes and honour their place in ballet's rich history!
Remember, my darlings, a tutu is much more than a garment – it’s a symbol of artistic expression, dedication, and dreams soaring high! Now, it's time for me to gather my own pink tutu and get ready for a day filled with pirouettes and twirls! But first, a little indulgence…off I go to pick out a fabulous pair of dancing shoes!
Until next week, my dear tutu lovers, stay curious, stay glamorous, and always, always dance!
XOXO Emma www.pink-tutu.com
PS: Don't forget to share your favourite ballet moments and tutu styles with me in the comments! I simply love hearing your thoughts and insights!
