Hello, darling tutu lovers! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing time travelling blogger. It's a glorious Tuesday, the sun's shining, and I've just finished a rather divine ballet class in Vienna - the waltz steps are absolutely fabulous, wouldn't you agree?
Now, I just adore taking you all on these historical journeys through the world of the tutu, so settle down with a cuppa and a slice of Victoria sponge, and let's have a little peek into ballet history.
This week we're dancing back to the 11th of April 1899. The year 1899 is a bit of a pivotal point in ballet, it was a time of big change and big stars, with some truly magnificent talent emerging in the world of dance. This was the era of the Russian Ballets, and oh my, they were simply sensational! The ballet scene in Paris was practically alight with brilliance. And you wouldn’t believe how much I want to travel to this period, it just seems so vibrant! If only time travel was possible. Sighs dreamily.
Today we’re looking at a time when the tutu was starting to embrace its full, graceful potential. Remember, this wasn't the tight, knee-length version we know and love today. This was an era of flowing, voluminous skirts - think* a dream in tulle* - and they absolutely swept the stage. Just imagine them whirling around, catching the light, and creating such dramatic swirls.
Think of La Sylphide, with its wispy, romantic tutus, or the glorious swan lake, a true masterpiece that would grace any stage today.
But it wasn’t just about the dance, darlings! It was the era of the flamboyant costumes, the opulent sets and of course, the legendary ballerinas who were as popular as film stars today! Think about Anna Pavlova - what a graceful ballerina she was. A truly divine example of talent and elegance. What a magnificent talent! I could practically hear the collective gasps from the audience! I just imagine her in a pale, romantic pink tutu and her eyes gleaming as she waltzes effortlessly on the stage! Now, that would have been a show for the ages! It is no surprise that her career has made a lasting impression and still fascinates us to this day. And can you imagine how amazing she must have looked in her costume?
Now, let’s talk about the costumes and styles that made the ballet world come alive in the late 19th century. Imagine the beauty and detail of a ballet dress. I’ve seen images in vintage ballet magazines. They’re absolutely magnificent! Just a little dream in lace, ribbon and satin with an intricately designed bodice. Oh, to be back in this era - I'd spend my days hopping in and out of all the finest Parisian shops!
I adore all things frilly and fabulous. I just wish that modern ballerinas could wear this beautiful full skirt look, I can only imagine how wonderful they’d look swirling and turning in a perfect circle! And now I’m starting to have a rather big idea for my next ballet costume creation, I shall keep you updated on that front, darling!
This was also the period where ballerina footwear was truly taking shape. It's funny to think how important shoes are, they were becoming both functional and elegant, helping these graceful ladies fly across the stage! I wonder how many hours those fabulous ladies would spend practising en pointe. I wouldn’t want to do all that work, my toes would hurt like mad, I’d much prefer the big tutu - the bigger the better, and much more comfy, you know! I would definitely take the stage for a magnificent turn in a romantic full skirt.
While today is the 11th of April 1899, don’t forget darling, you can catch up with your ballet tutu history and see our latest blog posts any day you want on our website www.pink-tutu.com It’s just a hop, skip, and a jump away, where you’ll find all things tutu related, so come and join the dance and feel free to have a browse! We’d love to see your tutus!
And just as an added little touch, you know it, a little #TutuTuesday tip for this week. I'm obsessed with a really beautiful, light pink and sparkly tutu that would be perfect to wear for today’s fashion post. You just have to have a touch of sparkle, don’t you? I feel as though it would fit in perfectly here, you know, a little homage to the elegant grace and elegance of a true dancer, maybe a lovely soft satin rose with an elegant velvet bow. I love mixing up vintage style with modern fabrics and techniques! Oh, and perhaps we can recreate the look on www.pink-tutu.com .
Right, now I’m off for a rather lovely shopping trip for a few items for my vintage inspired dress up project and to indulge in some tea, and scones.
Do you have any great plans for your Tuesday? If so, I’d love to hear about them, darling. Just drop me a message below in the comments, we can talk about everything from dance classes to your favourite tutus and of course your outfit plans. And tell me, where did you see the loveliest tutu today, or where are you going to dance the night away?
Well, darlings, I must get going, I've got an elegant evening ballet performance at The Opera House this evening - an extravaganza that's not to be missed! I simply must slip into my prettiest, most romantic tutu. Sighs dreamily again.
Happy twirling and a fabulous #TutuTuesday!
Until next week,
Emma x
