Hello lovelies! It's your favourite tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back with another exciting #TutuTuesday!
This week, we're stepping back in time to the glorious year 1897. Just picture it: the cobblestone streets of Paris, the gentle aroma of croissants in the air, and the clinking of champagne glasses as the city's elite celebrate the dawn of a new century. Oh, how I adore Paris! It's practically overflowing with exquisite fashion and captivating culture, making it the absolute best place to indulge in all things dance!
And what’s a Parisian party without the mesmerising, ethereal dance of the ballet? We all know that ballet is a timeless art form, but let's dive a bit deeper into its enchanting history! Today, we're exploring the evolution of the tutu, those glorious frilly creations that define ballet costumes, a symbol of elegance and grace that never goes out of fashion!
1897 holds a special place in ballet history because it's when the "Romantic tutu" emerged - a revolution in costume design that changed the world of ballet forever. It was a shift away from the heavy, restricting garments worn previously! It wasn't as much a change in shape or design of the tutu itself - we all know they're very much a 'fluted-fabric-and-fairy-tale' look, aren't they?! But more the way it was designed to complement the movements. It all about freedom and grace! You know how I love my twirls, it must be nice to move without feeling weighed down!
This Romantic tutu was made with a tighter, more streamlined bodice. But don't get me wrong, it was still designed to accentuate the beauty of the female form - we have to make those long, lean legs look utterly fabulous. However, it incorporated layers and layers of tulle, a sheer and lightweight fabric, resulting in a lighter, more ethereal design - absolutely perfect for all those grand jete's! The Romantic Tutu allowed ballerinas to twirl, leap and spin with a level of fluidity that had never been seen before, truly showcasing the breathtaking beauty of ballet movements! It's all about bringing the attention to the movement and the artistry! And of course, with all that glorious swirling fabric, a bit of drama is absolutely essential!
I just have to show you an image from a ballet performance that took place this very day - it's a masterpiece! The scene depicts a dreamy, moonlit night in the woods, with the ballerina in a delicate, shimmering tulle skirt, it almost looks as though it's been crafted out of moonlight itself! So beautiful, so romantic! There's no denying it, this Romantic Tutu revolution completely changed how people saw ballet! It wasn't just about structured choreography and rigid movement; it became about romanticism, expression, and pure, captivating artistry! It was the era that brought ballet to life, so it’s no wonder we see elements of it in tutu designs even to this very day!
So, you're probably wondering, how on earth does a fashion-loving, pink-tutu obsessed girl like myself travel through time?! Well, let's just say that a love of dance and some rather clever time-travelling inventions do wonders! To fund my travels, I perform as a guest ballerina in various ballet performances. Imagine, dancing alongside some of the most brilliant dancers of the era – talk about an unforgettable adventure! I can honestly say that the excitement never wanes.
This very day, in fact, I have the pleasure of performing in the Parisian Opera House - such a grand, lavish place. You’d imagine, with so much exquisite architecture and exquisite design, there's no place more elegant to watch a ballet performance! This performance, like every one of the Parisian operas I’ve attended, has to be absolutely spectacular. From the rich velvets, the gleaming gold, the grand stage design and even the opulent boxes for high-society - it’s nothing short of dazzling! Of course, I can’t forget about the audience! Parisians know all about their fine fashion. I spotted such an array of stunning dresses - the elegant corsets, billowing fabrics, beautiful embroidery… every gown is truly unique, with their hats and lace-gloved hands... there’s absolutely no doubt, these women have a serious grasp of what fashion is all about!
So, to tie this whole post up for you, and to tie up this lovely bow of my exciting trip back in time to 1897... It seems like the Romantic Tutu was the beginning of something quite special in the ballet world! Not only was this style the precursor of the tutus we love today, but it also marked a truly significant change in the artistry and drama that could be conveyed in a performance! Oh, and who can deny how breathtaking it looks as ballerinas twirl gracefully? The swirling tulle almost transforms them into mythical creatures, don't you think?
Well lovelies, my journey back to 2023 is about to begin, I just couldn’t resist one last stop before boarding the train - a trip to the famous department stores! Nothing makes me happier than exploring those aisles packed with opulent silk and lavish lace fabrics. I mean, they say fashion repeats itself - maybe I can even snag a little inspiration from those historic garments for my own designs back in the present!
But I must say goodbye, until next week's #TutuTuesday, darlings! Remember to keep your dreams big and keep those tutus twirling! Don’t forget to tell everyone you know about the joy of wearing a pink tutu! It really will change the world... you know that is my aim after all!
- Emma www.pink-tutu.com
