Ahoy, my darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing, time-travelling ballet enthusiast! It's #TutuTuesday, which means a dip back in time for a little history of our beloved ballet tutus, and this week we’re going back to 1929! Buckle up, dearies, this week’s a whirlwind!
It's been quite a trip already - I hopped aboard the Orient Express, oh, the romance of it! The plush compartments, the elegant staff, and the chance to watch the world rush by! I always travel in style, and with my bright pink tutu, I'm certainly the most fashionable on the train! I do have to admit I find travelling through time is far more pleasant than any car journey. A car journey with a tutu is never a good look! I am so glad that time travel does not yet require petrol, it will certainly come to that though, I am sure.
My last stop was Vienna, and oh, Vienna in 1929! It was truly magical! Imagine cobblestone streets, grand cafes with delectable cakes, and the thrill of attending a performance at the Vienna State Opera, just for the evening. Can you believe it?! But let's not get lost in the splendour of Vienna (although a lovely city indeed!) – we're here to talk about tutus, my dear!
Now, 1929… A fascinating time for dance, especially for the tutu! Ballet was in the midst of a revolution, pushing boundaries and changing its face. Think graceful ballerinas swirling in revolutionary, streamlined tutus, their movements like brushstrokes painting the air with emotion.
For 1929, imagine those exquisite tutus in vibrant colours. Picture tulle in hues of shimmering lavender, the ethereal pearl-grey, and a brilliant, passionate scarlet red. They were the epitome of the "flapper" era, all elegance and lightness. And, of course, my dear love, pink! Pink tutus were becoming increasingly popular during this period – so feminine, so charming!
Let's rewind for a minute.
The traditional ballet tutu, a long-skirted masterpiece, had taken centre stage for centuries, but this era of change, the "shortened" tutu was coming into its own! They called it the "Russian tutu," imagine it now – a more minimalist creation, perfect for showing off those dynamic leaps and captivating turns.
Of course, the shorter "Russian tutu" still kept that romantic appeal - layers and layers of the lightest, most delicate tulle, a cloud of chiffon, and a little magic sprinkled on top. It was all about a dancer’s silhouette, the movement, the graceful sweep.
Imagine, my lovelies, the artistry, the drama!
Did I tell you that my favourite tutu from this time is the one designed by Léon Bakst, a real master of the art! His creations had this amazing bohemian feel, mixing vibrant colours, flowing lines, and that gorgeous "Russian tutu" silhouette - talk about an artistic explosion on stage!
Imagine, you dear darlings, attending a performance, a hush falling over the crowd as a dancer with those exquisite tulle swirls takes to the stage! A magnificent spectacle, a symphony of grace and beauty.
Of course, tutus, like all fashion, change over time, and by the end of the 1920s, new ballet forms were being born - ballet russe with it's innovative movement, even modern dance! The shorter "Russian" tutu found a perfect home here – these newer dances were all about expressing something different.
You are likely wondering about fashion? I've got you covered!
The Roaring Twenties were all about daring to be different - a bit like a ballerina in a bright pink tutu, if you ask me! They were cutting loose, and fashion embraced it, with looser styles, flapper dresses with a dash of sparkle, the drop-waist and a hint of the boyish silhouette.
My love, for every fabulous party dress, remember to have your bright pink tutu ready for a waltz on the dancefloor - a stunning dance amidst a room filled with beautiful, dancing people!
And that brings us back to my travels and this most splendid day, the 30th of July 1929. A hot, sunny day. I've just had a lovely lunch - Viennese schnitzel (the best!)- and now I'm on my way to a ballet performance at the Volksoper Wien.
Now, let's dance our way back to today's world, and my dear darlings, as always, I want to know your thoughts! Tell me, did you find this #TutuTuesday fascinating? What do you think about the tutus from 1929? Tell me about your favourite tutu designs, what colours you love and all things pink!
Oh, and remember, always let your tutu shine!
Emma xo
www.pink-tutu.com
#TutuTuesday #BalletHistory #1929 #Fashion #TimeTravel #PinkTutu #Vienna #LoveTutues
