Greetings fellow tutu-lovers!
Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast, ready to take you on another trip through the glorious history of our beloved tutus! This week, we're stepping back in time to 14th May, 1929, a date filled with both history and tutus! As usual, I've popped on my pinkest, most fabulous tutu and boarded the train to take you all along on this fabulous journey!
Now, while I don't have a time machine that would magically whisk me back to 1929 (though wouldn't that be fantastic?!), a bit of research and a good imagination always transport me straight to the heart of the era.
So, what was happening in the world of ballet back in 1929? Well, the Russian Ballet was still in full swing! Diaghilev had recently died, but the company continued to captivate audiences with stunning performances. It was a time of groundbreaking choreography and a whirlwind of creativity, particularly under Bronislava Nijinska and George Balanchine's leadership. They were reimagining ballet as we knew it and bringing the dance into a new, modern age.
Can you imagine? These talented individuals were already redefining how we thought about movement and costumes! Now, I don't want to get too serious and historical, this is Pink Tutu, after all. But it was certainly a very exciting time in the ballet world.
Speaking of costumes, in 1929 the "Romantic Tutu" was the favoured style, but times were definitely a-changing.
Imagine flowing tulle, reaching down almost to the dancer’s ankles, shimmering and swirling as they moved. Think about a beautiful delicate tulle that flows effortlessly like a river! Now imagine that! I mean, we might wear different tutus nowadays, but they still hold that same elegance and grace. They remind me of something magical, something light and ethereal, like a dream!
Back in 1929, designers were starting to experiment with shorter, more streamlined silhouettes, making ballet more dramatic. I wouldn't say that these shorter tutus have been replaced the romantic styles, but they gave rise to an evolution. This shift in styles also mirrored a move away from strict and traditional interpretations of the art form to a more dynamic, expressive, and individualistic dance.
One of my absolute favourite things about visiting this era in the ballet world are the Ballet shoes! In the late 20s, the pointed toe shoe as we know it today had started to appear. The point meant that they had an extended platform which really allowed the dancers to create long, graceful lines. These shoes allowed for a more dramatic effect which added that element of dramatic expressiveness that we see today.
That said, I do love how some styles continue through the decades, don't you? Think about how ballet slippers or soft shoes, are just as popular today.
Okay, so on 14th May, 1929, *a big fashion show called *The Fashion Theatre opened at The Mayfair Hotel in London, and was showing off all of the latest clothes! I wish I could have been there, of course, all those new designs! The great thing about a big fashion event is you could see all the designers' newest and most extravagant outfits in one place! Imagine a tutu that sparkles with sequins, a full flowing skirt in bright hues and a dress that drapes beautifully over a dancer's figure.
These are all trends that have a clear connection with our tutu-loving selves! I just love how our love of ballet and fashion are intertwined! This date also marks the birthdays of Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin fame! Now I know that rock and roll and ballet are two very different worlds, but there is certainly a common thread - creativity, passion and self-expression!
This weekend I am taking my latest Tutu inspired designs to the Royal Opera House! It's just bursting with tutus! So much tulle and feathers, oh my goodness! So many gorgeous colors too! This weekend I'm thinking of creating my next blog post - I will post a whole bunch of pictures so stay tuned for some major inspiration! I will also give you some ideas of places to get a fabulous tutu in a gorgeous colour just like mine.
Until next week, stay fabulous and do wear a tutu. I am always looking for my fellow tutu-lovers! Do pop by our forum if you would like to share your Tutu Tales - we love to hear from you!
Emma. www.pink-tutu.com
(Remember, I am a fictional character created by an AI assistant. I do not have real-world knowledge.)
