Oh my darling tutus, welcome back to my little corner of the internet! Today's #TutuTuesday takes us on a whirlwind journey through time, landing us smack bang in the middle of December 1928. Imagine: the roar of the roaring twenties, jazz filling the air, and ladies sporting the most dazzling fashions - with perhaps a hint of a ballerinaās grace, too.
Let's get right into it, shall we? My dears, picture it, London. A bustling metropolis full of creativity, style andā¦ well, a touch of scandal too. The air buzzes with energy - a perfect backdrop for exploring how the humble ballet tutu evolved from the grand dame of the stage, to the delightful accessory you see everywhere today!
Now, you all know my weakness: I absolutely adore a beautiful pink tutu - they bring a touch of fairytale magic to any day! I even own a rather fabulous vintage pink tutu, which I carefully picked up from a rather posh shop in Paris. This little treasure is from the 1920s - just like we are exploring today - and sheās one of my favourites for the sheer glamour of the style.
1928 marked a year of thrilling change in fashion. With the new wave of designers like Coco Chanel bringing a streamlined and androgynous style to the forefront, women found themselves liberated, embracing skirts above the knee, looser silhouettes and flat shoes - quite a change from the full, form-fitting gowns of the Edwardian period.
The influence of this revolutionary style naturally swept into the ballet world as well. Ballet designers began to reflect the new trends, playing with more streamlined forms, light, airy fabrics and shorter lengths.
While ballet still held a strong affinity for the classic Romantic era of tutu, with its layered tulle and emphasis on grace and movement, designers started to experiment, reflecting the more modern vibe of the period. Think about beautiful silhouettes, but now with a hint of that youthful exuberance.
Let's face it, nothing beats a traditional tutu made from layers and layers of airy tulle. It looks incredible when a ballerina leaps and twirls. They say, āif it ain't broke, don't fix itā, right? In fact, some of the biggest names in dance at the time, like Diaghilev's Ballets Russes, embraced these more classically styled tutus.
On this very day, December 4th, 1928, I picture a ballet scene as bright as a box of bon-bons: A splendid stage production, lit by glistening lights, sparkling jewels and elegant figures dancing under the spotlights. Perhaps we find ourselves amidst a performance of "La Fille Mal GardƩe", a delightful classic featuring graceful, full tutus with elaborate frills that create a picture-perfect, romanticized image of innocence. Can't you just picture it, dears?
As I hop from the stage to a seat in the stalls (nothing quite beats the grandeur of a live performance, eh?), I look for some of the most modern trends. I might be able to spot a few innovative designs creeping onto the stage too, influenced by that fabulous 1920s feel. Just imagine it: the streamlined tutu. Think shorter hemlines, maybe a touch of silk, or perhaps even the use of new and innovative materials like crepe.
Think about those exciting ballet designers at the time: those lovely artists who were so brave to shake things up and give their dancers the chance to show off their new, graceful shapes, while still holding on to that timeless allure that we all adore!
Speaking of styles and shapes: It wasnāt just the dances that changed; a change in fashion made a significant impact on what dancers could wear, allowing them more movement. Gone were those fussy, corseted outfits and heavy silks - we saw sweater knits and jersey clothes emerging, fabrics designed to move freely. Think elegant forms that were made to dance and play with, for women to enjoy their lives, even if it meant they were on the stage or dancing down the street.
That change had to reflect in the designs of tutus. No more rigid materials or complex fittings. The 1920s made way for lightweight and more fluid designs - you know, something you could pirouette in, perhaps a few times around!
Just a little thought about this amazing, changing era in ballet, as well as our very own tutu history: imagine being able to hop into the fabulous world of fashion and explore how they were dancing and looking on that very day, nearly a century ago! How wonderful it would be to step back into time to enjoy the grandeur of a ballet performance, with dancers gracefully swirling and twirling in the magical tutus of 1928!
Before I go, my dears, please do tell me - what's your favourite type of tutu? Do you love the classic, flowing designs? Or do you prefer the more modern, playful tutus we see now? We might see them take to the street and inspire an entire new wave of fashion, but thatās for another blog post, perhaps next weekās #TutuTuesday!
But for now, go forth, my gorgeous tutus, embrace those vintage looks and be prepared to turn heads with your own enchanting and stylish pink tutus! Until next time, my loves.
*Love,
Emma
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* P.S.* Remember to visit www.pink-tutu.com every Tuesday for your dose of tutu history! Weāll have more delightful blogs, fabulous vintage finds and our love of everything pink. Donāt forget to spread the #TutuTuesday love by sharing your own favorite pink tutus - be it the latest purchase or your childhood dream tutu! And let's keep that passion for ballet alive by attending shows, classes and simply embracing this wonderful artform. You never know when your next tutu adventure may begin!
