Welcome back, my fellow tutu enthusiasts! It's Emma here, your Pink Tutu Correspondent, ready to whisk you away on another magical journey through the history of this most fabulous garment. Today, on #TutuTuesday, we're doing a grand jeté back to 1929! Buckle up your dance shoes, dear readers, we're going to Paris!
Post #5086, www.pink-tutu.com
Ah, Paris in 1929. The city is humming with energy – the Art Deco movement is flourishing, the Roaring Twenties are in full swing, and oh, the clothes! Parisian fashion is bold and daring, a delightful mix of elegance and playful extravagance. Imagine the colours, the shimmer, the feather boas... simply divine! And, of course, the ballet!
It's the height of Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes – the world of ballet is utterly captivating, pushing the boundaries of both art and fashion. I can just picture myself gliding through the opulent halls of the Opéra Garnier, my own pink tutu swirling around me, and everyone turning to watch me dance – well, dream a little, darling!
Speaking of dance, let's focus on the star of the show, the ultimate symbol of ballerina glamour – the tutu! This isn’t your typical fluffy, bouncy ballerina tutu that we adore nowadays – those are all thanks to the work of Christian Dior and others much later in the 1950s, after the war. These tutus are quite different. They're shorter, closer to the body, made from silk, often with layered fabric for movement and texture. Imagine layers of graceful ruffles in delicate shades of ivory and pearl grey – pure artistry! The colours may be softer, but the message is the same – these tutus scream 'romance', 'delicate power', and ‘feminine grace’. It's the perfect blend of airy freedom and elegant precision.
Back to 1929 – what a day!
On June 18th, 1929, the ballet world buzzed with excitement. Let’s hop aboard the Orient Express and join the fashionable crowds headed to see 'Le Sacre du Printemps' – the infamous and incredibly daring work by the Ballet Russes! Imagine the electric atmosphere - the dramatic music, the striking costumes – revolutionary! They wouldn't be seen wearing pink tutus at that time. They favoured bolder colours and textures, like deep ruby red and black, which were much more symbolic of the raw and powerful message behind Stravinsky’s groundbreaking score. It’s not every day that a ballet causes an uproar amongst audiences!
However, the beautiful and elegant costumes were created by none other than Natalia Goncharova - such an incredible artistic influence - a woman ahead of her time in my book! So it’s exciting to see such fabulous dance wear. They are bold and unconventional. Now there's a design legend who knows a thing or two about flair and femininity!
Of course, I had to have a sneak peek at the costume shops around Paris. The streets were a sea of beautiful designs. Can you imagine the delight of strolling through the Grands Boulevards – fashion's epicentre – finding treasures in those elegant boutiques, browsing amongst silks, ribbons and velvet fabrics... what a beautiful world to get lost in!
More Than Just a Ballet Tutu
Let's be real, my fellow fashionistas, these tutus were more than just a dance costume – they were art in themselves! The design, the fabric, the construction – it was all carefully considered to tell a story. They were works of art, bringing a sense of magic and beauty to the world. They are like mini works of art, bringing so much beauty and happiness.
Now, here is where it gets exciting... if you happen to be a vintage fashion fan, like myself, keep an eye out for these '20s era ballet tutus – real collector’s pieces, and not surprisingly they often sell for astronomical prices! I've seen some gorgeous ones online, in shades of ivory, peach and champagne, with delicate beading – they are works of art in themselves.
So there you have it – my #TutuTuesday foray back to the Roaring Twenties in Paris. This glamorous city has certainly got to be on your tutu travel list. Now, let’s have a little bit of fun – leave a comment telling me – what do you think are the key elements of a perfect pink tutu?
I can't wait to hear from you all! And until next time, don’t forget to twirl!
Yours in tulle,
Emma
#TutuTuesday #PinkTutu #FashionHistory #BalletHistory #Paris #TheRoaringTwenties #VintageStyle #Travel #DanceLove #GetYourPinkOn
