Hello darlings! It's Emma, your resident pink tutu enthusiast, back for another exciting journey through time with #TutuTuesday. Buckle up, my dears, because today we're whizzing back to the Roaring Twenties! This week, we're swirling our way back to 20th November 1928, a date full of history and, of course, fabulous fashion!
Now, my journey began in the usual fashion: with a breathtaking ballet performance that sent shivers down my spine and filled my soul with the joy only the twirling, leaping, and graceful movements of dancers can inspire. The final curtain brought a thunderous applause and the satisfaction of a perfect performance. But my adventure wasn't over. As the audience dispersed, I stepped off stage, slipped into my secret time travel compartment hidden in my dressing room, and was whisked away in a puff of sparkly stardust!
My latest destination: New York City! Oh, the glamour and energy, my dears! As I stepped onto the platform at Grand Central Station, the city buzzed with excitement and promise. People rushed about in elegant attire, their stylish bobs framing faces aglow with vitality. But it wasn’t just the vibrant scene that took my breath away; it was the sense of a burgeoning new era in ballet.
We all know the tutu is a timeless garment. Yet in 1928, its future seemed bright and new! Imagine, a decade earlier, the tutus were long, cumbersome affairs, often layered and adorned with heavy ornamentation. They resembled a princess’s dream in a fairytale book. Then, in the early 1920s, the fashion scene embraced the flapper look. The long skirts, tight corsets, and suffocating bonnets went out the window, replaced with looser, flowing garments, shorter hairstyles, and bold, experimental designs!
As for the tutu, well, it also began to shift, echoing this changing silhouette. The designers and choreographers were playing with the possibilities! They shortened those skirt lengths, introduced a focus on fluidity and lightness, and even embraced a more casual style of dancewear! It was a revolution for ballerinas. Suddenly, there was a focus on the dancer’s body, their athleticism, and their graceful movements. The tutu was no longer a symbol of grandeur; it was a tool to tell a story, to evoke emotion, and to push boundaries!
Naturally, I rushed straight to Broadway. It was, after all, the theatrical heart of the city. As I walked the avenues, the air buzzed with anticipation and the murmur of excitement. Everywhere I looked, dazzling theatres lit up the night sky, promising glittering performances. It was an enchanting sight to behold. I slipped inside the majestic New Amsterdam Theatre, catching a glimpse of a play in full swing, the music and dialogue echoing through the opulent spaces. It was captivating! Later, I visited the Palace Theatre, its name as grand as the luxurious setting. I spent the evening in awe, mesmerised by the sheer artistry on display, the magnificent performances of the leading ladies and gentlemen, the dazzling costumes, and the dazzling dance numbers!
New York, a ballet paradise in 1928! Of course, I indulged in some shopping too. I just couldn't resist! The shops were overflowing with exciting designs - luxurious fabrics, bright colours, and daring silhouettes. I spotted a vibrant fuchsia chiffon, the perfect shade for a swirling tutu! And who wouldn’t adore a playful feather boa in sparkling emerald green? I imagined them swaying rhythmically, adding a touch of playful charm to any ballet outfit.
This was, after all, the time of the Charleston! The joyous, high-energy dance had taken America by storm, filling dance floors across the land. It's no surprise that the new generation of ballerinas incorporated elements of this energy and free-flowing movement into their dancing. And it all echoed through the costumes!
Now, here's a little something you may not know about November 20th, 1928: the "first" successful heart transplant on a dog! It’s mind-blowing to consider the scientific progress happening at the time. Isn’t it amazing to think that whilst tutus were getting a make-over, medicine was progressing with such daring innovation? But perhaps, this groundbreaking moment also signifies the beginning of a changing worldview, where exploring the unknown, embracing progress, and pushing boundaries were becoming cornerstones of society!
But remember, dears, my purpose is to spread the love of ballet and inspire a little tutu-licious magic! And this journey through the roaring twenties filled me with pure joy. There’s a reason why the era has left an indelible mark on the world. It embraced creativity and imagination! The tutus may have changed, but the heart of ballet remains the same, that yearning for beauty, elegance, and pure artistry!
That, dear reader, is what I strive to capture in my little blog! I aim to show how each tutu, regardless of size, style, or decade, embodies the joy of dance, the passion of creativity, and the freedom to express yourself. I’m passionate about showcasing how even the simplest tutu can be so powerful. So grab a comfy cushion, put on a charming soundtrack, and indulge in your tutu-filled dreams!
But don’t forget to let me know what you think! Leave a comment below and tell me what you love about tutus! Do you have a favourite style, era, or memory that makes your heart flutter?
Until next #TutuTuesday, my dears! Keep your head high, your hearts full, and never be afraid to embrace your inner ballerina!
XOXO
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
