Hiya darlings! Emma here, your resident tutu-obsessed time traveller, ready to whisk you back to a glamorous era of frills and flourishes – 1929! Today’s #TutuTuesday takes us to a time when the world was just beginning to discover the sheer joy and elegance of a twirling ballerina!
This week, I'm transported to… well, everywhere and nowhere. In 1929, the ballet world wasn’t centred in just one location like it is now! From the grand stages of London to the Parisian theatres, there was a beautiful ballet bloom happening in all corners of the globe.
Today, you might find me taking tea at a Parisian salon in a sunshine yellow, bias cut dress. Imagine this! I've matched the shimmering tone with a fluffy, frothy pink tulle tutu. The colours practically glow against the soft pastels of the walls, don't you think? Perhaps tomorrow, I'll be attending a grand London performance of "Swan Lake" in a chic silver sequin dress, shimmering with every graceful turn I make. Naturally, I'll be sporting a cascading tutu in a pale silver, mirroring the swan’s elegance.
But before we dive into all the fabulousness of ballet fashion, let’s chat a little about where we're at in time:
It's December 24th, 1929 – a date forever etched in the annals of history. This is the day that "The Great Gatsby" hit the big screen, transforming literature into a dazzling cinematic spectacle. I bet there were a few feathered boas and flapper dresses dancing around the cinemas that evening, just waiting to be caught on the silver screen. The Great Depression might be casting a shadow over the world, but ballet is thriving in all its glorious, hopeful beauty.
This was an exciting time for tutu evolution! We're seeing a dramatic departure from the heavy, layered, classical tutus that were the norm. The dancers, oh so brave and adventurous, are embracing shorter, lighter tutus that flow effortlessly and allow them to express movement with a fluidity unseen before! This shift is a direct response to the changing social landscape. Think "flapper" - short skirts, flowing silhouettes and liberated dancing - these are the new tunes playing in the tutu world.
Take, for example, the legendary dancer, Anna Pavlova, who at the time was wowing the world with her exquisite ballets. While Anna may have stayed loyal to the traditional length and shape of tutus, she embraced the use of delicate materials like silk and net, making the skirt dance with each arabesque.
Just think about it - this means you could dance and twirl with joy all night long without the constraints of a heavy, old-fashioned tutu! It’s a revelation for dancers and spectators alike. It’s a tutu revolution!
Speaking of revolution, here’s my top-secret intel for fashion-forward ballerinas:
- The "Romantic tutu" was rising in popularity in 1929! Imagine this beauty, all fluffy and romantic, falling from a simple waistline. No big, bulky bustier! Just a light, free-flowing shape that allowed the dancer to express her elegance with graceful, fluid movements. It's a design that echoes the spirit of the times - all about lightness, fluidity and elegance.
- Feathers, oh darling, are the new fashion black! Be prepared for a dramatic display of feathery extravagance on and off the stage. A plume of peacock or pheasant feathers, gracefully draped along the leg, just added that touch of drama and regality to the whole silhouette. And let’s not forget about feather boas and headdresses, all making their appearance at glamorous balls and theatrical performances!
Can you imagine the excitement of seeing a dazzling array of colourful feathers adorning the stage? A truly magical spectacle for all who witnessed this magnificent show. It was like a beautiful kaleidoscope brought to life!
As always, I’m thrilled to share this historical journey with you, and I can’t wait to explore what more tutu wonders we can find together. Be sure to come back next Tuesday, as we embark on a brand new tutu adventure!
Remember: Always remember to find your inner ballerina and twirl with joy.
See you next time! Xx Emma
TutuTuesday #1929 #BalletHistory #PinkTutu #Fashionista