#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1928-10-23

Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your resident tutu-loving time traveler, ready to take you on another dazzling journey through the history of the ballet tutu. Grab your tea, put on your fanciest frock, and let's twirl back to a glorious day in October, 1928.

Today, we're embarking on a grand train adventure from Derbyshire, England, straight to the heart of ballet, Paris! Paris in 1928 was the epicenter of style and fashion, and what better place to catch a glimpse of the dazzling evolution of the tutu?

I can already feel the electric buzz of anticipation in the air. As I disembark the train and weave through the streets, my pink tutu, of course, attracting admiring glances, I know I'm on the cusp of witnessing some true fashion history. Today, we're here to witness something quite special: the première of Sergei Diaghilev’s famed Ballets Russes production of “Apollon Musagète.”

Now, darling, imagine: “Apollon Musagète,” choreographed by George Balanchine himself, featuring a brand new, dazzling score by Igor Stravinsky! This production is already whispered to be groundbreaking. And oh my, the costumes, the sets, the sheer beauty!

The ballet opened in a blaze of white, and guess what? That was the sensation of the moment. The entire company, even the male dancers, sported simple yet elegant white tutus. This, my dear friends, was not the traditional, voluminous, multi-layered tutu of the 19th century. It was shorter, more sleek, with a distinctly athletic feel. A tutu born from modern ideas of dance and movement, perfect for the dynamic and daring steps of Balanchine's choreography. It's a far cry from the full-skirted, romantically-charged tutus we typically associate with Swan Lake or Giselle.

The white tutus of “Apollon Musagète” marked a new chapter in the evolution of the ballet costume. It signified a move away from the ornate and fussy to something more pared-back, yet elegant and functional. Imagine, being able to spin and leap freely without getting caught up in swathes of fabric!

Imagine seeing the dancers in these sleek, almost minimalist white tutus, perfectly reflecting the light and the graceful choreography.

This isn’t just a fashion update, it's a revolution. This is the dance world moving with the times.

My journey to see “Apollon Musagète” is more than just a performance; it's an immersion into the era, the music, the style, and the changing attitudes of dance.

Let me tell you, Paris is an intoxicating place. My first stop is, of course, to browse the stunning collection of dresses at Jacques Doucet’s salon. Jacques, you see, is one of the leading lights of haute couture. The "New Look," my dear, the modern, sleek, slimline silhouette, is in full bloom here in Paris, and trust me, the tutus on the stage reflect that very same shift in fashion.

Afterwards, it's off to a delightful little boutique on the Rue de la Paix to pick up the most divine pink beret to match my beloved pink tutu, for of course, a tutu-wearing ballerina never lets go of a fashion opportunity!

While you’re picturing these elegant scenes, don’t forget the power of a real pink tutu to inject joy and sparkle into any occasion. It's my firm belief that a little bit of pink tulle can make any day brighter, and let’s be honest, it never fails to bring a smile to everyone's face!

So, my darlings, as we prepare to close this TutuTuesday, take a moment to picture this. It’s 1928. Paris. “Apollon Musagète.” White tutus, bold choreography, groundbreaking music. It's a moment in time when the ballet tutu, a true symbol of feminine beauty and grace, was being redefined, becoming something more fluid, athletic, and in step with the era's changing sensibilities. And in this ever-changing dance world, let us remember that a tutu can always be reinvented and revitalized, just like us!

Until next Tuesday, darlings. Keep twirling!