Hello lovelies! It's your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, here, ready to take you on a dazzling journey back in time for our weekly dose of ballet history! Today we're twirling back to 1913, a year brimming with gorgeous gowns, incredible performances, and of course, a whole lotta tutus!
Now, you might think that the tutu's reign of beauty was firmly established by 1913, but darling, that simply wasn't the case! While the tutu has been around in one form or another for centuries, this year, believe it or not, marked a pivotal moment in its evolution. You see, the 1910s saw a shift away from the stiff, heavy, and honestly, rather impractical tutus of the late Victorian era. We're talking multiple layers of netting, heavily embellished with frills, beads, and a plethora of fabric that could barely be considered a garment, let alone something to pirouette in!
It was during this period, darling, that the Russian ballerina, Anna Pavlova, emerged as a true tutu icon. Pavlova was a master of the delicate and elegant, and her style heavily influenced the tutu design of the time. This resulted in a softer, more flowing silhouette. Gone were the stiff and unyielding petticoats. Instead, the tutus became more streamlined, lightweight, and beautifully flowing - just imagine a single, perfect layer of tulle dancing around a ballerina's graceful form!
To see a ballet in 1913 was like stepping into a fairytale. The intricate designs, the opulent settings, the elegant movements of the ballerinas, all contributed to an experience that left the audience enthralled. Remember, this was the era of opulent grandeur, of lace and silks and velvet, and ballet reflected all that magnificent excess.
Speaking of opulence, it just so happens that today is the 19th November 2013 (do forgive me, sometimes the years get a bit jumbled up in my time-travelling head) and it's none other than the anniversary of the birth of a true icon of the theatre world - Sir Laurence Olivier! Oh, darling, imagine watching Hamlet starring Olivier in its heyday! To truly appreciate this legendary actor, it's not enough to read his biographies - you must experience his talent on the stage! Luckily, the wonderful world of theatre allows us to access those glorious performances even decades later. You can almost feel the electric charge of his acting skills electrifying the entire audience, captivating the senses with each word and gesture.
So, where can you find me today? Oh, this darling, the ballet is a must! London, darling, is buzzing with excitement for the Royal Opera House's production of "Swan Lake". With its iconic tutus and romantic story, "Swan Lake" is the ultimate tutu-filled evening! However, I’ll be venturing out to the English National Opera at the London Coliseum for “The Pearl Fishers" – and trust me, darling, this opera is full of romantic, fluttering costumes that’ll make you swoon. I am just positively delighted to see such classic works coming alive, a wonderful reminder that beautiful performances transcend time.
As for fashion in 1913, the era of the "Gibson Girl" was in full swing, darling. It was an era of refined feminine elegance, where delicate dresses and charming hats were all the rage! If you’re in the mood for a bit of retro-inspired fashion, remember, you can’t go wrong with a flowing dress paired with a lace blouse and a touch of vintage jewellery. But of course, let’s not forget about tutus! Remember, they are still very much in fashion for the most modern fashionistas, from designers like Vivienne Westwood, with her outlandish creations featuring bold colour palettes, to Karl Lagerfeld's playful yet chic tulle designs!
So there you have it, darling, my lovely ladies, a glimpse into the gorgeousness that was 1913! As always, I implore you: let your inner ballerina shine through! Whether you choose a graceful poufy tulle masterpiece, or a delicate tulle tutu, embrace your inner twirling goddess, embrace your unique style and dance the world into a sea of beautiful pink tutus! Remember, darling, tutus are always in style!
And that's a wrap for our Tutu Tuesday trip back to 1913! Now, let’s grab some champagne, gather the girls, and head off to the ballet! And remember, keep those tutus twirling!
Much love,
Emma x
