#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1898-11-01

Hello darlings! It's Emma here, back for another fabulous foray into the fascinating world of tutus. Today, we're jetting back to 1 November 1898. Imagine, ladies, no internet, no social media, and the only tutu pictures available were in dusty, expensive books! The world's a much more glamorous place these days, thank heavens!

But just because we have so many wonderful, sparkly tutus today, it doesn't mean the past wasn't a feast for the eyes, too! Let's hop on my time-travelling train (pink velvet seats, naturally) and journey to the heart of 19th century ballet...

My first stop is the glorious city of Paris. It's the beating heart of fashion, and of course, that includes tutus. Think flowing silk and delicate netting, exquisitely crafted with hand-sewn beads and feathers. You might see a prima ballerina gracefully pirouette in a classical romantic tutu, just like those beautiful, pouffy clouds you see on stage nowadays. Those ethereal tutus made of tulle and soft silk would make any girl dream!

However, the world wasn't completely smitten with those billowing, dramatic creations just yet. Some dancers, particularly those working on classical storylines like the ballet "Giselle", favoured more practical, streamlined tutus with a shorter length. Think of a romantic yet sleek style, highlighting movement with delicate, billowing fabrics that don't impede the performance.

This year in Paris, at the Opèra [Opera House] I was lucky to see the incomparable Anna Pavlova perform. A star with incredible lightness and grace, Anna's style changed the way ballerinas presented themselves. The era was shifting towards refined movement and elegance. Just imagine, ladies, seeing Anna grace the stage with effortless poise in a shimmering white tutu... truly, a moment to cherish!

And for all those who haven't had the joy of a live ballet performance, you're missing a true treasure! The feeling of anticipation, the grandeur of the theatre, and the magic of watching these incredibly talented dancers perform... there's simply nothing quite like it.

After a delightful week of tutus and performances in Paris, I found myself hopping onto the train, bound for London. Now, the ladies in London, they appreciate their fashion. You won't find them wearing the same style of tutu as in Paris though. London embraces more practicality. You see, while French tutus are designed to capture the eye, English styles are crafted with more focus on ease of movement and the functionality of the ballet performance. Think a slightly shorter tutu with a more tailored silhouette, elegant but with a subtle, streamlined elegance that's simply charming.

On my visit to the Royal Opera House in London, I discovered another reason why English tutus differ. They tend to feature richer colours and materials. Imagine lush crimson or luxurious velvet adorning the ballerina's skirt! The colour palette isn't as starkly romantic as Paris; they've got more of a daring edge. It's certainly exciting!

Back in the days of 1898, the ballet world wasn't as unified as it is now. While the grand traditions of London and Paris were admired throughout Europe, each country had its unique twist.

In Russia, a strong sense of dramatic intensity infused their ballet. Their tutus were designed for grand displays of artistry and power. They favoured dark, strong fabrics like silk satin, crafting them with grand swaths and layers, accentuating every movement.

But in my homeland, Derbyshire, we have a different sort of style. You won't find tutus on stage in our small village, no. Here, we take to the streets for our dance celebrations. Maypole dancing is an annual tradition in our quaint English villages, and believe me, it's every bit as graceful and festive as a formal ballet performance! Now, I might be biased, but I do believe Derbyshire women are the most spirited and glamorous Maypole dancers anywhere in the world! Imagine bright ribbons twirling against the background of lush English countryside! You don't even need a tutu to enjoy this joyous dance – just some charming attire and a willingness to embrace the spirit of celebration.

And what would our festive occasion be without colourful, floral headwear and a cheerful ensemble? Now, picture a quaint countryside village adorned in vibrant hues of flowers! In those days, there was such a celebration of life and artistry, and what could be more enchanting than seeing young girls in beautiful dresses, their hair adorned with flower garlands, taking part in a maypole dance!

Back in my own time, I spend many hours in shops browsing tutus for the perfect dress for my next ballet performance. Now, imagine: if we had access to all those wonderful, romantic materials back in the days of 1898, imagine the sheer opulence! Think rich silks, sparkling brocades, intricate lacework, and dazzling gemstones woven into the very fabric of a tutu! I would certainly indulge in that if I were given the chance. But we do have it good now, darling. We have all the incredible designs and fabrications imaginable at our fingertips. Just imagine the stunning tutu we can create!

While time travel isn't quite a reality yet, we can always travel through the magic of fashion, ladies. Let's embrace every moment, every colour, and every sparkle with joy and confidence. Who knows what treasures and inspiring stories await us on our next #TutuTuesday adventure? Until then, remember... everyone looks fabulous in a pink tutu! 💖

Love,

Emma