Bonjour mes chĂ©ries! It's Emma here, your favourite tutu-wearing time traveller, and today I'm whisking you back to the fabulous era of flapper dresses and the Charleston â that's right, we're headed to the 16th of April 1929!
This is my #TutuTuesday, and let's face it, no Tuesday is complete without a little chat about the magnificent, majestic, oh-so-fabulous tutu! Today's topic? A Parisian whisper of tutu history.
Remember those iconic dance photographs from the 20s? The images of lithe, athletic dancers, often draped in an elegant cloud of tulle, soaring through the air like ethereal beings? Those are the tutus weâre talking about today!
Before we dive into this exciting era of tutu evolution, letâs take a moment to acknowledge a remarkable moment in dance history! Today, dear reader, on the 16th of April 1929, Sergei Diaghilev, the visionary choreographer and artistic director of the Ballets Russes, is performing Le Sacre du Printemps - the masterpiece that caused such an uproar when it first debuted in 1913. Today itâs one of the greatest works of choreography and a triumph of ballet innovation, and for all you fabulous tutu-lovers out there â a fabulous celebration of ballet in the very heart of Paris.
Imagine, my dear tutu enthusiasts! Paris! This iconic city pulsating with artistic energy, fashion houses unveiling the latest designs, and artists making their mark on the world. But itâs not just the city that makes 1929 so exciting. The dance world is evolving, and the ballet tutu is no exception!
Think about it, darling: this is a time when women are challenging societal norms, asserting their independence, and expressing themselves in a way that reflects their newfound freedom. And what could be more freeing than dancing in a billowing, lightweight tutu? Imagine being the graceful figure of a flapper, flowing with elegance and freedom across a dance floor - the perfect symbol of this spirit!
While the grand tutus of the Romantic era were still around, we see a shift toward lighter, more streamlined designs. This was a reflection of the growing emphasis on athleticism and movement in ballet.
This, my dear tututologists, is where the âtutu for modern balletâ begins to take its unique shape. While the âRomanticâ or classical tutus remained for classical and grand pieces, you also begin to see short tutus that were incredibly graceful and free-flowing. The dancers were showing more skin than ever before, moving with a fluidity and dynamism that redefined the boundaries of dance.
And speaking of design, can we talk about the fabric? Oh, the fabrics of 1929! Imagine the ethereal lightness of tulle, a symphony of tulle swirling around a dancerâs legs as she gracefully spins and leaps across the stage! Thatâs the spirit!
Imagine me, darling, in my pink tulle creation, dancing in the heart of Paris â yes, the heart of fashion! I can feel the electrifying energy of this beautiful city. Every single detail from my ruffled ballet shoes, to my pink sequined costume and of course, the perfect shade of pink tutu, is in tune with the fashion-forward spirit of this time!
Now letâs jump back to 1929. You must be asking - Where do I buy a tutu like that? Where can I find a shop in Paris full of all things fabulous?
You can take your pick! Letâs take a little tour of Paris together, shall we?
The Grand Prix du ThĂ©Ăątre Français: This was one of the main locations for a fashionista of this era! In 1929, you could expect to find everything here. The shops were teeming with the most stunning garments for every occasion! From flapper dresses that swirled with elegance to gorgeous hats that adorned stylishly bobbed hair â thereâs definitely something there for your elegant Parisian wardrobe! And, letâs face it, a grand Parisian tutu collection, of course!
The Place VendĂŽme: Oh, how this little square makes my heart sing with joy! I can practically smell the luxurious perfume emanating from the iconic jewelry houses like Boucheron, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels. But even more fabulous? The sheer number of couture houses surrounding this fabulous location.
Imagine finding a perfectly fitting pink tulle tutu right here, nestled amongst couture gems! It wouldn't be out of place amongst the diamond necklaces and pearl earrings â because we all know, my sweet Tutuists, a tutu is a precious piece of art!
Le Bon MarchĂ©: This legendary department store was known for its elegance and innovation, with designers bringing us the latest in chic, fashion-forward items for the elegant lady about town. I bet weâd find the perfect accessory here â not only an exquisite ballet tutu in a lovely pink shade, but also matching accessories like a stunning feather boa or a beautiful bejeweled headband to add just that little bit extra.
You see my darlings, shopping in Paris during the 1920s was truly a whirlwind of sartorial joy. Just imagine: every corner was brimming with the very best of Parisian style and every item is an elegant ode to femininity.
Donât forget, this was a time when everything about the female body and appearance was evolving. Gone was the Victorian corset, in its place - looser and lighter garments. It is easy to see that the style of the tutu in the ballet world began to shift along with fashion trends.
What did I wear during this era, my dear Tutuists? Imagine me twirling across the Place de la Concorde, wearing a pink satin dress, with a beautiful pink tulle tutu layered over it. I might even have donned a black, bejeweled cape.
Letâs not forget our hats, darling! It wouldnât be a 1920s Paris look without the perfect headpiece! From cloche hats to fascinators, we must adorn ourselves with every kind of headgear imaginable! I personally favour the beret! Donât you agree? A touch of Parisian elegance for the dance enthusiast in all of us!
As always, I hope this look at the evolution of the tutu brought you as much joy as it brought me. I love sharing this journey into ballet history with you. And darling, itâs not just about tutus â it's about expressing our individual stories and our unique sense of style through dance!
Now I am off, darling, to watch âLe Sacre du Printempsâ and catch a Parisian ballet performance. Itâs no surprise I have taken many trips through this era â for its breathtaking performances, fashion, and oh, the beautiful art! It just reminds us of why tutus and ballet are so enduring and so full of wonderful energy!
Until next time, remember to dance, and keep your tutus twirling!
Your fashionable Time Traveller,
Emma
