Hello my dearest Tutu Twirlers!
Welcome back to another edition of #TutuTuesday! Today we're taking a time-travelling trip back to October 9th, 1928. Imagine the excitement of bustling streets filled with the latest fashions and roaring engines! Oh, how I adore travelling through the eras, discovering the fascinating history of our beloved tutu. This week, I'm rocking a divine shade of pink tulle that practically screams 1920s glamour! (I even snagged a vintage feathered headpiece in a little antique shop in Paris - talk about a statement!)
This Tuesday, my diary's filled with adventures - I'm waltzing through the heart of Paris, witnessing the premiere of the ballet "Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme" by the renowned Sergei Diaghilev's Ballets Russes. It’s quite an affair, you know - elegant ladies in floor-length gowns, gentlemen in tuxedos and an air of absolute enchantment. Speaking of enchantment… Oh, have I mentioned the magnificent tutus?! These are some of the most iconic designs you’ll ever see, with delicate fabrics and beautifully constructed silhouettes. Think feathered boas, dramatic headpieces, and layers of cascading tulle. It's the era of ballet that truly sparked my obsession with all things tutu,
But, let’s backtrack a bit, shall we? How did we get to these stunning designs, you ask? Well, darling, it's a fascinating journey that began much earlier!
The Tutu's Early Twirls: A Victorian Affair
Before 1928, the tutu was undergoing a beautiful metamorphosis, leaving behind its earlier iterations of long and heavy skirts. The 1800s saw the development of the romantic ballet tutu, with its flowing tiers and graceful silhouette, offering dancers greater freedom of movement.
Imagine a flurry of tulle in hues of blush, cream, and baby pink – picture a beautiful tableau of light and grace! Even Queen Victoria embraced the romantic style! She would wear elegant versions of the tutu in private, embracing the sheer grace it embodied.
A Bold New World of Dance
The late 19th and early 20th century was an era of evolution. The ballet world was no longer restricted to the graceful romanticism of the past. Russian Ballet, led by legendary dancers like Anna Pavlova and Vaslav Nijinsky, emerged, bringing a dramatic flair and groundbreaking movements that required a change in costume. The tutu evolved to a new stage, becoming shorter and lighter.
These shorter, fitted designs allowed for a dramatic contrast in movement between the flowing romantic style and the sharper lines of Russian Ballet. A revolutionary idea at the time, but we all know how successful this daring change proved to be!
Back to 1928 – The Tutu’s Shining Moment
So, back to Paris in 1928… At "Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme," we see the evolution of the ballet tutu in full bloom. Imagine intricate embroidery on a light and airy skirt – the ideal backdrop for breathtaking ballet moves! Each stitch and each layer of tulle represents an artform, an elegant dance in itself.
I’ve spent the day immersing myself in the fascinating history of tutus and enjoying all that the glamorous 1920s has to offer. A lovely vintage tea party at the Ritz was certainly a delightful touch. Of course, I have been meticulously documenting it all for my beloved website. Oh, and have I mentioned I'm going to try and snag a vintage costume for a future Tutu Tuesday post? Fingers crossed!
Don’t forget, my lovelies! Be sure to follow along on www.pink-tutu.com for our #TutuTuesday updates. It's the place for fashion history, inspiring style, and the pursuit of pink perfection – everything we hold dear in the world of ballet! Until next week, keep your heads high and your spirits soaring, my dear Tutu Twirlers!
*Remember to subscribe to my blog and keep the love for the ballet tutu alive, wherever you go! *
With Love & Tutu Dreams,
Emma
( P.S. – This week’s travel expenses were completely covered thanks to a dazzling performance at a fabulous gala in Derbyshire! Now, how do I fit another 10 gorgeous new shoes into my already-overstuffed suitcase? Ah, the struggles of a time-travelling fashionista!)
