Welcome back to my Pink Tutu blog!
It’s Emma here, your time-traveling fashionista and ballet enthusiast, back from another exhilarating trip through history! Today's #TutuTuesday takes us right back to 1896-09-01, where the tutu world was blooming beautifully. We're in Paris, naturally, the heart of ballet, the heart of fashion, and frankly, the heart of any pink tutu lover's dream!
(Psst... This is my 3375th post. Honestly, I need a vacation! Maybe one where I wear nothing but pink tutus! Haha! But I wouldn't want to miss sharing all these delightful little snippets of tutu history with you. So let's get on with it!)
1896 was an exciting year for the world of dance! Remember, the tutu has been evolving from the long romantic tutus of the early 1800s towards the shorter, more flowing style we see today. Now, the dance world is getting ready for a new revolution, with an iconic dancer named Isadora Duncan. Duncan's radical ideas challenged traditional dance and costuming, favouring natural, free movement in loose, flowing dresses, a stark contrast to the structured tutus of the time! She wanted dance to reflect life itself, you know, to express emotions authentically, which is so much more than a tutu can tell us.
I have to confess, I was a bit unsure at first. No, no tutus at all? It's the tutu, that delicate tulle whisper against the skin, that defines grace, elegance, and pure movement! But then, I witnessed her dance. Oh, my dear, it was a revolution! A vibrant whirlwind of passion, energy, and breathtaking expression, defying all rules and pushing the boundaries of movement itself.
You see, in 1896, the world of ballet was starting to experiment with movement, both on the stage and in society. There was an undeniable movement towards freedom. Women were venturing outside the boundaries of strict societal norms, embracing individuality. This desire for freedom was evident in dress, too, and Duncan’s dance championed a more flowing and liberating style. I still say, a ballerina can rock both a classic tutu AND a flowing gown!
Speaking of fashion, 1896 was a fabulous year for ladies! The Edwardian era was at its start and the 'S-bend corset' (which looked like an upside down 'S' and ooh, they didn't hold back! ), which constricted the waist into a tiny hourglass shape. But on the other side of this, a desire for more relaxed, flowing styles also blossomed in evening wear, using delicate fabrics. The same fabrics used in a delightful array of beautiful tulle tutus! It was a fantastic contrast.
Let’s talk train travel in 1896! Oh, you've got to try travelling on a train in this era! You feel like you've been transported into an Agatha Christie novel. Steaming through the countryside, watching the world slip by. I just adore those old carriage compartments, all plush red velvet and antique luggage. And, I just love taking time to stop off at grand Victorian train stations! Such beautiful, elegant spaces, you can feel the sense of wonder that swept the world at that time! So many exciting inventions like the gramophone, the camera, and new styles of bicycles. It’s thrilling, even a bit daunting at times! It makes me wish for a tutu I could fly off into the future in!
Here's a little peek into 1896 that you can add to your calendar!
- On this very day, September 1st, the world lost a very special woman, Queen Victoria's beloved Grandmother, Duchess of Kent, at the grand age of 94! She lived an incredible life.
As always, I am so eager to hear your thoughts and reflections. Did you have any experiences in Paris in 1896 or an enchanting train journey you'd love to share?
Leave me a comment below, dear readers, I'd love to chat with you!
Until next time, remember - life is a beautiful stage. Don't be afraid to let your tutu fly!
#PinkTutu #TutuTuesday #BalletHistory #TimeTravel #Emma
