Bonjour, my lovely ballet bunnies! It’s Emma here, your tutu-obsessed time traveller, and it’s time for another whirlwind trip through Ballet Tutu History! Buckle up, because today we're stepping back to July 19th, 1881, and finding ourselves in the heart of Parisian elegance!
Imagine cobbled streets alive with the clatter of carriages, the scent of fresh pastries wafting from boulangerie windows, and ladies in stunning gowns rustling their silks as they promenade down the boulevards. Yes, darling, we’re in the golden age of fashion, and even ballet is feeling the influence!
This era was about more than just puff sleeves and parasols; it was about an evolving sense of beauty. While we still see those gorgeous, billowing skirts of the romantic ballet era, a new style is beginning to emerge. A style that emphasises a lightness, a freedom, a certain...fluttery grace, shall we say?
The tutus of the time were still full, but they began to become more layered – a glimpse of the next evolutionary step in tutu history! Instead of being crafted from one single piece of fabric, designers began experimenting with multiple tiers, adding complexity and dimension. Imagine the movement! Imagine the ethereal charm!
I know what you're thinking, "Emma, does this mean tutus were suddenly becoming less pink?" Heavens no! Pink was, and remains, the ultimate colour of ballet. The blush of the first sunrise, the softness of a petal, the joy of a dance – it all sings out in pink! Just ask the ladies in our 1881 Parisian ballet class. Pink tutus were still the essential costume, radiating a soft femininity that, honestly, never goes out of style.
Now, back to this exciting 19th July – a date that resonates with dance history buffs. Why, you ask? It's the birthdate of the legendary dancer, Anna Pavlova!
Pavlova! Oh, my darling darlings, we’ll be discussing her in detail at another time (a time travel spree specifically dedicated to this iconic ballerina, perhaps?) but for now, just remember: her incredible artistry was built upon those incredible, multi-layered tutus! And that's exactly what our #TutuTuesday adventure is about - the ever-evolving evolution of those beautiful dance garments.
Of course, being in Paris, a shopping spree is in order, isn’t it? Let's imagine strolling down the Grands Boulevards, pausing at the ateliers of Parisian dressmakers who are now beginning to make those gorgeous new layered tutus. (You can always recognise them by the fluttery silks hanging from the windows and the almost audible whisper of their beautiful fabric swirling as it blows gently on the breeze.) I always bring my own tailor's scissors - just in case I spot a piece of lace that speaks to me!
This isn't just a tutu adventure, darling, it's a journey through time and fashion!
Speaking of journeys, time to take a grand spin back to the 21st Century (by train, naturally!) to my lovely little ballet school in Derbyshire, where I'm preparing for tonight's performance. Oh, it's going to be divine! A beautiful showcase of classical ballets and some of those "new-fangled" contemporary pieces, too.
We may be in different times and places, but our love of ballet - the magic, the movement, the art - it never falters, right, darlings?
Until next time, remember, don't just be inspired by the tutus...wear them! Embrace the pink!
With a whirl and a pirouette,
Emma
xx
P.S. I know I always say it, but I genuinely believe that every woman deserves to own at least one pink tutu. So, tell me: What’s your favourite pink tutu memory? Leave a comment below and share your ballet adventures!
