Hello lovelies! Welcome back to www.pink-tutu.com! Today we're taking a trip on the Orient Express back in time for another #TutuTuesday adventure! This week I'm focusing on August 11th 1896. Did you know that this was a truly special day for ballerinas all over the world? It's a day of great triumph and even more elegant fashion!
Fancy seeing the world through a pink tutu lens, my darlings? Then hop aboard! (Don't forget to pack your dance shoes!)
Now, we’re off to Paris! It's one of my all-time favourite cities and oh-my-goodness, the tutus! This particular date was very special in Parisian ballet history - especially if you're a tutu fan.
Back in the late 19th century, tutu designs were changing drastically and moving away from the "Romantic era" styles with their long flowing lines towards something newer and edgier (at least, edgier than the romantic tutu).
Let’s face it, a ballerina in a romantic tutu looks like a fairytale princess. The romantic tutus were very popular in the first half of the nineteenth century but were getting a little, shall we say, tired.
And who wants tired tutus? We want whirlworthy tutus!
And what were the whirlworthy dancers doing back on August 11th, 1896, I hear you ask? Well, let's just say they were busy whirling in those amazing new tutus, called the "Classical tutu" or the "short tutu" (so chic!). They'd been gradually gaining popularity since the 1860s and became the standard outfit by 1896. The short tutus allowed more freedom of movement and the chance for truly stunning feats of artistry – think incredible jumps, delicate landings, and a general sense of weightlessness, which is simply beautiful!
Think graceful legs, swirling skirts, and an ethereal charm. What's not to love?
Imagine the excitement! All of the most celebrated dancers of the era, from the world famous prima ballerinas in their incredible tulle tutus, to the elegant dancers in their more casual rehearsal attire, everyone would have been talking about this fantastic new design. And me? I would have been right there in the middle of it, in a perfect little pink tutu, soaking it all in. Can you just picture me?
Now imagine me back in time on this historic day! I’d be taking in the grand sights and sounds of the theatre - those vibrant lights, the warm applause, the delicious smell of the backstage area! Then, we’d be heading for a delicious cup of tea in one of the beautiful Parisian tea rooms with friends, of course, all in the perfect pink tutu. I mean, is there really any other option, ladies?
So why do I adore these 1896 tutus so much? Firstly, they're undeniably stunning! Think of a delicate skirt that comes up to just below the knee, showcasing the dancers' graceful movements perfectly. There's something very elegant and airy about the classical tutus. Plus, these tutus look stunning, don’t you agree? And secondly, they played such a pivotal role in revolutionising ballet. We have these beauties to thank for allowing the art form to reach such majestic heights!
After this exciting new invention, it felt like everyone in the ballet world was getting more and more extra with their moves. You see, ballet is all about storytelling! It’s like a silent film that moves! And with those stunning, whirlworthy tutus, we started to see more expressive moves and faster rhythms - it’s captivating to watch, don’t you think? I mean, just imagine the elegance of a pirouette in one of these shorter tutus - stunning! The movement really captures the energy and grace of the dancer, and they look breathtakingly feminine, don’t you think?
Oh my, imagine me taking to the stage in my fabulous little pink tutu – I mean, it’s just got to be done! Let’s get ready for our debut performance and I'll show you all my best moves - think dramatic pirouettes, effortless leaps, and swirling skirts. I mean, who doesn't adore a little twirling? It’s in my DNA! I’m practically a little tutu ballerina fairy. And there is something magical about that combination. A perfect little pink tutu can transport you to the world of graceful ballets and fairytale romances.
And don’t get me wrong, there's plenty more ballet and tutu history to discover - after all, it’s not all about short tutus! And with time travel, you never know where you might end up next! Maybe I’ll visit an ancient ballet performance in China. Perhaps a medieval ball in London where elegant gowns (think flowing fabrics and embroidery galore!) are the stars of the show.
But don’t worry, no matter where I travel or what historical period I visit, I’ll always wear my signature little pink tutu – the most fabulous symbol of feminine elegance. Just make sure to come back next Tuesday! I will be sharing more whirlworthy stories of ballet and tutu history from around the world - you won't want to miss it! I promise, the history of dance fashion is full of interesting facts and totally glamorous outfits - a history enthusiast's dream!
If you are in Paris, make sure to visit the wonderful Opéra Garnier – the place that saw so many of these "whirlworthy" tutus debut - and if you're really lucky you might be lucky enough to see a show on stage. It's just breathtakingly beautiful.
Stay tuturific, my darlings! Until next Tuesday!
Emma.
