Hello my darlings! Emma here, your pink tutu-clad time travelling ballerina, ready to whisk you away on a trip back in time! It's #TutuTuesday again, which means it's time to dust off the history books (and maybe a sparkly feather boa) to dive into the world of tutus, a little bit closer to their origins.
Today, we're travelling to August 21st, 1928, a time when the world was buzzing with jazz, flapper dresses, and yes, of course, tutus! Oh, darling, just imagine! The flapper girls of the twenties loved their little black dresses, bobbed haircuts and, you guessed it, dance.
Today, let's celebrate the beautiful dance style of the Ballets Russes, a Russian ballet company which was wowing audiences across the globe at this time. Think exotic costumes, exciting music, and of course, glorious tutus!
You see, the Ballets Russes brought the idea of the short, revealing tutu - think a daring combination of the classic romantic tutu but shorter and much more daring, perfect for a dance full of intricate steps and stunning jumps.
Think about it: just imagine seeing Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes performing ‘The Firebird’ at the London Coliseum on August 21st, 1928. Can you even begin to fathom the pure artistry? Oh my, the dazzling tutus in vibrant colours would have simply mesmerized the audience. They would have looked so vibrant against the deep stage curtain, like beautiful ballerinas flitting through the night, creating magic on the stage!
Now, let's think about how these innovative tutus became a staple in the ballet world. You know I love to imagine the incredible artisans who crafted those stunning costumes! These were skilled artists and talented tailors working with exquisite fabrics like silk and satin, hand-stitching delicate lace and adding precious adornments. All for the beauty of dance, don't you see?
On a fun note, in 1928, a new type of dancing shoes began making its appearance on the stage! Think flexible leather shoes, a complete contrast to the previous pointe shoes which needed painstaking construction. A true triumph in ballet shoe history, don't you agree?
August 21st, 1928, marks a significant milestone in the evolution of ballet fashion. The Ballets Russes, with its emphasis on daring, innovative choreography and its exquisitely designed costumes (those amazing tutus!), transformed ballet performances into captivating visual spectacles. This is something that truly resonated with audiences, darling, and influenced ballet all over the world!
So, today on #TutuTuesday, I hope you're feeling inspired by the revolutionary changes that were taking place in the world of dance back in 1928. I'm dreaming of going back in time and taking in one of those enchanting ballet performances, wearing my own, of course, bright pink tutu and feather boa. Maybe even joining in on a few spins!
Don't forget to leave your comments below. Do you love tutus too, dear readers? And what is your favourite era of ballet costume? Share your thoughts and let's have a proper natter!
I'm off now to find some more fabulous inspiration and keep my own #TutuTuesday blog sparkling!
Love and twirls,
Emma
xx
