Hello my darling dears! Emma here, back from another whirlwind trip through time. This week, I’ve taken a spin to the glorious era of flapper dresses, jazz music, and yes, you guessed it - the evolution of the ballet tutu!
This Tuesday, we’re stepping into November 5th, 1929. Picture this: the air is buzzing with a certain Parisian chic. Ladies are sporting cloche hats and bobbed hair, sipping cocktails in speakeasies, and oh, how I love to see the elegant, loose-fitting dresses billowing in the wind as they step out in style.
It’s a time of incredible change, of rebellion against the past and the emergence of new ideas in art, music, and fashion. The world is discovering a newfound freedom, and that echoes even in the world of ballet.
In 1929, the dance world is swooning over the legendary Anna Pavlova, a Russian ballerina known for her ethereal grace and breathtaking technique. Pavlova, much like my lovely readers, had a passion for fashion and incorporated bold, daring designs into her performances, especially those daring tutus! Her love for vibrant, flowing silhouettes helped influence the shift towards softer, more romantic designs compared to the rigid, stiff tutus of the previous eras.
The evolution of the tutu has been an absolutely fascinating journey, and today we get to see how the 1920s helped it move from a classic, structured style into something flowing, feminine, and simply magnificent! Imagine a pastel-hued tulle cloud swirling around the dancer’s legs as they pirouette across the stage! It's truly a visual symphony, and one I have the utmost pleasure to study!
On this particular November 5th, you could have caught a glimpse of Pavlova herself in her iconic performance of “The Dying Swan” in the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. If I could have had a peek from the balcony, it would have been magical! But alas, it wasn’t in the cards for this Tutu Tuesday!
Don’t you just adore those soft tulle creations? Their delicate structure adds so much ethereal beauty to any dance move. They float and sway, making even the most difficult moves look effortless.
Today’s ballet companies are continuing to build upon this evolving trend of fluidity and graceful lines. We're still seeing variations on the classic tutu form, with creativity pushing boundaries. There's still the dramatic use of multiple layers of tulle and delicate detailing in intricate patterns, but we see a much more modern twist on the classic style - think longer skirts, more colour variations, and even sequins for a touch of glamour!
To continue my own contribution to the ever-evolving world of tutus, I'm adding a splash of pink to my attire today! Pink has been my obsession for as long as I can remember! Think soft baby pink, blushing coral pink, even a deep vibrant magenta. I'm embracing the spirit of those glamorous 1920s flappers, but with a touch of whimsy and romance.
And now for my darlings, a fun activity! Imagine you are stepping back into the 1920s, and you’re attending a grand soirée in a beautiful theatre. The chandelier shines bright, the music plays with a vibrant jazzy rhythm. Now, you are going to design a tutu inspired by the flappers! What colour would it be? Would it be short and frilly or long and flowing? What kind of patterns and embellishments would you use? Share your ideas in the comments below!
Let’s continue this journey of fashion and dance, dear friends! Remember, “Pink is the color of happy.”, and never be afraid to express your unique style, no matter what the year may be!
Keep twirling, keep sparkling, and always remember to live life with pink tutu passion!
Love, Emma xxx
www.pink-tutu.com
