Hello my lovely tutu-loving friends! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad blogger, Emma, here, ready to whisk you away on another exciting trip through time for our weekly #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog post! Today, we're hopping aboard the magical Time Train and setting our clocks for March 21st, 1882. Buckle up, darlings, because this is a date that takes us straight into the heart of the dazzling Belle Époque!
Now, I must confess, it's been quite a journey. You wouldn't believe the fashion faux pas I encountered at the French border! I tried to waltz across with my pink tutu and was promptly told "pas de bourrée" (no waltz) unless it was "very well concealed." My heart skipped a beat, but, darling, have you ever tried to fold a tutu into a travel bag? It's more challenging than mastering a triple pirouette!
So, thanks to the charming conductor who was a bit of a real tutu-lover (a secret ballerina, apparently), I managed to "conceal" it (that is, throw it over my shoulder, let's be honest) and now I'm in the very epicentre of all things ballet: Paris, darling!
Now, what were you thinking about while I was slightly dodging border control? Why, yes, it was the ballet, wasn't it?! As we waltz into the heart of this vibrant, artistic era, we also step onto a stage where the tutu is truly in its element. We're at a turning point, my dears, where the ballet tutu is blossoming, becoming more than just a piece of clothing. It's evolving into a symbol!
(This post is number 2621 in my Ballet Tutu History series, if you are reading along! Visit www.pink-tutu.com each Tuesday for the newest posts.)
The Belle Époque is known for its beauty and elegance, its extravagant displays of wealth, and - you guessed it - its fabulous fashion. This time period is a true delight for a tutu enthusiast! Parisian ballrooms are alight with shimmering gowns and swirling tulle, and at the heart of it all are the magnificent ballets like La Sylphide, Giselle, and Swan Lake.
You see, this period isn't just about fluffy pink tutus for the every day. This era is all about the romantic tutu - imagine swirling, ethereal, delicate creations, made with the finest silks and tulle, allowing ballerinas to move like graceful fairies and ethereal creatures. It’s a celebration of all things feminine and enchanting.
On this particular 21st March in 1882, a little bit of history was made. The Ballet Russes, which was formed a few years later in 1909, was beginning its path towards global recognition. We can see the foundations for that kind of ballet, that artistic, expressive, graceful, captivating dance taking form here! What a magnificent time to be alive, eh?
But now, let's dive into some fashion specifics!
The Romantic Tutu: Think cascading layers of white, billowing, sheer tulle. Just imagine the dreamy, almost cloud-like sensation when these ballerinas danced! This tutu emphasized lightness and airiness, mirroring the emotional drama of the ballet performances. Think Giselle - a story of heartbreak and sorrow expressed through these stunning ethereal forms.
The Colour Spectrum: While the white tulle Romantic tutu was most prominent, shades of pale pink, light blue, and a little bit of gold or silver started appearing in the 1880s, adding an extra dash of visual drama and elegance. The colours added depth, allowing the ballet dancers to express a wider spectrum of emotions. Imagine that beautiful blush of a Sleeping Beauty gown!
The Decoration: These romantic tutus also brought the era's flair for embellishments and decoration to the forefront. The costumes would be finished off with gorgeous flowers, glittering sequins, even ribbons, all delicately tied with a ribbon for that true vintage ballerina elegance! This attention to detail transformed the tutu into an essential part of storytelling, as the adornments complemented the themes and character traits in the performance.
I am positively thrilled to see that even then, the designers were incorporating the pink! The color wasn’t limited to the ballerina's shoes!
This trip is absolutely incredible for its combination of classic fashion and ballet artistry. We truly can see the origins of the ballet world as we know it. I’m dreaming of how I could style up these incredible tutus! A modern interpretation of the 1882 style? Maybe with a subtle touch of pink around the edges. I think we’d get rave reviews at the theatre, don’t you?
Speaking of the theatre, a little side trip I took took me to a lovely vintage theatre boutique. They even had a real silk tutu in pale pink, with these absolutely adorable sequined ribbons that you would never find these days. It made my heart flutter - not quite a modern day fashion trend, but absolutely worth a look. If I was on holiday instead of a mission, I’d be taking this to the French capital and strutting my stuff!
Oh, but my darlings, time is of the essence. It’s been a splendid time journey but my Time Train awaits! We are heading back to 2023 where you all are and to that beloved #TutuTuesday and my favourite tutu!
Join me next week for another incredible Ballet Tutu History trip through time. Remember, if you see any beautiful ballerinas, you go girl, be bold, and try wearing pink. Be the queen of the dance floor and don’t let anyone tell you differently!
And of course, share your own ballet adventures! You know I love hearing from you, especially when you are enjoying your tutus in the spotlight. See you next Tuesday, my dears!
Keep dancing and remember: Every day is a good day for a pink tutu!
XOXO,
Emma
