Hello my lovely twirlers! Emma here, back again from another time travel adventure, straight from the heart of the Parisian dance scene. Today weāre stepping back into history for another #TutuTuesday, taking a peek at the wonderful world of ballet fashion back in July 1898.
Now, you know I'm all about the tutu ā itās my signature, my passion, my everything! But let's be honest, the iconic tutu wasn't always the whimsical delight it is today. Imagine, if you will, the prima ballerinas of this eraā¦ not quite the dainty, flowing, fairytale silhouettes you picture!
Their tutus were far moreā¦ restrictive, shall we say. Tight, stiff, and oh-so-heavy. They were designed to showcase the classic "Romantic" era ballet technique, with long, flowing lines, but they also heavily relied on heavy layers of silk, stiffened fabric, and countless yards of crinoline to create that expansive, airy look. Itās like a giant fluffy cloud you had to wrestle around the stage!
Let's rewind a bit ā weāre in the era of the great Ballet Russes. It's all about dramatic interpretations of classic fairy tales like Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker. Now, I love a good fairy tale as much as the next person, but back then the stories came to life in grand, opulent, highly decorated settings, with costumes that reflected that level of drama. Imagine an abundance of jewels, shimmering fabrics, and fringed and feathery adornments, a total extravaganza for the eyes!
But hold on to your tutus, my friends, because a major change is a-brewinā. Weāre about to enter the early 20th century, and with it a dramatic shift in fashion, including the arrival of a new style of tutuā¦ the tutu-de-chausses. This design would become a mainstay of the classical repertoire for the next 70 years! This was the beginning of what we now consider the quintessential tutu.
Oh, and speaking of 1898 ā what a month! It was The Year of the Empress. It was a special year for Russia as they celebrated the 40th year of Empress Maria Alexandrovnaās reign, making the whole month one huge glamorous gala with parades, music, theatre performancesā¦ you name it! It was all glitter and sparkle! Imagine all the costumes, all the lavish outfits, and imagineā¦ everyone with tutus of their own! (Ok, perhaps not everyoneā¦ but I dream!)
That's all for now my lovelies, but next week we'll be back for more #TutuTuesday ā letās journey further through the fascinating history of the tutu!
Now, what do you say we travel to Paris for some shopping and ballet in style? Let's find some exquisite Parisian fabric, add a bit of lace, a touch of shimmerā¦ a touch of magic and who knowsā¦ we might just invent a new style of tutu together! I'm thinking a pastel pink with an extra layer of silk... don't tell anyone š
Till next time, Emma xx
P.S. Just popped over to London by train, and you know I couldn't resist taking a peak at the shows! So excited about Swan Lake - just got to catch the dress rehearsal. The ballerinaās costume is the epitome of romance! This style of tutu was the ultimate āballet dressā - so feminine, flowing, and beautiful ā exactly how it should be. Can't wait to tell you all about it next week!
P.P.S. Keep those eyes peeled for your very own Pink Tutu, and donāt forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com. Letās dance our way into the future!
