Hello my darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back with another #TutuTuesday post! I've hopped on my trusty time machine - well, actually, it's more of a glamorous vintage train carriage adorned with satin ribbons and a bejeweled clock - and I'm whisking you all back to the enchanting year of 1929. Today, we're exploring a particularly special date, October 8th, 1929, and how ballet tutus were making a splash in the world!
This week's trip has taken me to Paris, the heart of fashion and dance! This charming city always makes me feel like I'm stepping into a grand opera, especially around this time. You'd find Parisian women with their flapper dresses and cloche hats strolling down the cobbled streets, a sea of sophisticated style. Now, imagine my delight when I discovered that a captivating new ballet was in full swing on this very day! It was “Le Beau Danube Bleu” by the illustrious choreographer Bronislava Nijinska, showcasing a unique blend of French and Russian influences, something that perfectly reflects the changing world of ballet in this period.
But back to the tutus! They were quite the fashion statement in 1929. We weren't seeing those grand, full tutus of the Romantic period - oh no, they were far more moderne in this era. I'm talking about shorter, streamlined tutus, often with simple, elegant designs. Think wispy chiffon or layers of tulle with just the right touch of embellishment - absolutely breathtaking! I must admit, I'm a little bit in love with this style - it embodies the grace and movement of ballet so effortlessly, like a delicate flower dancing in the wind.
While the ballet world was buzzing, fashion in general was experiencing its own explosion. Parisian boutiques were bursting with colours, textures, and revolutionary cuts, all perfectly embodied by Coco Chanel. She was the queen of simplicity and chic, pioneering a new era of feminine independence and bold expressions. She encouraged women to dress in comfortable yet elegant designs, and I have to say, the flapper style she influenced truly epitomised that! Just picture those shimmering sequinned dresses, with knee-length hems, and that famous garçonne bob - magnifique!
And, dear reader, wouldn’t you know it, even our dearest Queen Mary had taken a shine to this new wave of elegance. Her passion for ballet shone bright during this period, and she even commissioned special dance outfits. I imagine those outfits, flowing with graceful lines and luxurious fabrics, must have been something truly magnificent. This, dear readers, was a period where the allure of ballet wasn't just limited to the stage; it seeped into every facet of Parisian life.
Of course, the ballet world was going through its own whirlwind of transformations too. The legendary Russian Ballet, known as "Diaghilev's Ballets Russes" had just returned from a tour of America, bringing back a fresh wave of influence to Europe. I just imagine the buzz of energy surrounding their performances, a captivating mix of dance, art, and fashion. Their arrival on this date, coincidentally, really added to the thrill of this time. I've read about their captivating productions, especially the stunning choreography, which often challenged and pushed boundaries - something that resonates so much with me!
To fully appreciate how those tutus danced in this period, you have to picture the Parisian theatres themselves! The Opéra Garnier, an architectural masterpiece, had already been welcoming ballet lovers since 1875. Its grand staircase, majestic halls, and awe-inspiring ceiling - oh, the sheer glamour of it all! Imagine a symphony of colours and sound as the lights come down on the stage, revealing a spectacle of elegance and grace... Now picture those tutus, shimmering under the stage lights, each dancer a delicate blossom swaying in the breeze!
To feel the essence of those tutus, dear reader, we must also step out onto the rue (French for street) and imagine a ballet performance. A travelling troupe of dancers could be setting up stage just about anywhere, entertaining crowds with their beautiful pas de deux (French for 'dance of two'). The streets would have been brimming with the thrill of dance. Just imagine, tutus in their simplicity, reflecting the vibrant, youthful spirit of the time, an energy that transcends any age!
Oh, but that's not all! Back to Paris, you would find stores that were already dedicating entire sections to dancing costumes and, yes, tutus, offering a stunning array of colours and textures! The spirit of ballet, of self-expression, had already become an integral part of everyday life - something I applaud!
Well, my darlings, that's a glimpse of the magic that surrounded tutus on October 8th, 1929. A time of evolution, artistry, and that sparkling essence of beauty that always seems to accompany the ballet world. But you know me, I always encourage you to join the tutu-wearing revolution! Put on your own, darling, and celebrate your inner ballerina! Don't be shy about expressing yourself. You may even be the inspiration for someone else!
Remember, my dear readers, this isn't just a blog about tutus; it's a call to dance through life with grace, colour, and an unshakeable sense of self-expression! I'm here every #TutuTuesday with a new chapter of tutu history waiting to be unveiled! Don't forget to visit my website, www.pink-tutu.com, and join my ever-growing community of pink-tutu enthusiasts! Till next week, my lovelies!
Much love, Emma
