Hello, my lovelies! It's Emma here, back from another delightful time travel escapade! As always, I've been exploring the history of the tutu - the undisputed star of the ballet world! And wouldn't you know it, this week's adventure has taken me to the glittering, opulent world of the late 19th century. Specifically, I'm stepping into the year 1899, just a few weeks shy of the start of a new century. Imagine, a whole new era!
I can practically hear you asking, "Emma, did the tutu change? Was it still the crème de la crème of dancewear?"
Well, dear reader, I'm here to tell you that the tutu of 1899 was a real vision! Think long, flowing layers of tulle, sometimes with more than one colour (can you imagine?!), and those breathtakingly romantic bell sleeves that, let's be honest, make my little heart flutter. And I'm not just talking about the ballets – you wouldn't be caught dead wearing anything else on a night out, especially if you wanted to make a grand entrance.
You know, for someone who hails from a place as beautiful as Derbyshire, even I was wowed by the Parisian salons of this era. These were places of such unimaginable glamour. From the exquisite gowns adorned with shimmering sequins and delicate lace, to the stylish hats with elaborate feathers, everything seemed to exude pure elegance! It was during one such enchanting evening that I spotted something incredible: the first sketches of the "Romantic tutu", as we now call it.
But, like all things fashionable, this shift was driven by an underlying yearning for something fresh and modern. Even back in 1899, people were starting to get bored of the "classical" tutu, you know, the one we associate with ballets like Swan Lake. Now, I adore those traditional tutus - don't get me wrong. But you know, a change is as good as a rest, and people wanted to see something that felt a little bit more dramatic, more daring. This yearning for something new is what led to the rise of the romantic tutu.
Think wispy, ethereal layers of tulle, cascading down to the floor like a waterfall. Just the sight of it was breathtaking! It had a kind of whimsical quality that made it look so incredibly graceful, so incredibly, utterly romantic.
So, imagine this: It's 1899. We're in Paris, the centre of the ballet world, and the opera is the heart of social life. It's all grand chandeliers, glittering jewels, and, yes, beautiful ballet performances.
Today's ballet is "Giselle," and you won't believe the excitement – I saw it with my own eyes! This ballet, and especially the famous "mad scene," is just what made the Romantic tutu such a hit. It’s the perfect stage to showcase that exquisite tulle, that weightless fluttering, those romantic and expressive poses. And oh my, what a story "Giselle" is! It's just so emotional. I almost cried! I swear I saw a tear glistening in the eye of a famous ballerina after her curtain call. What a beautiful sight!
However, it’s not all tutus and champagne in 1899. While the French are dancing away to a more "Romantic" vision of ballet, across the channel, life for those involved in the dance is a little more ... "Victorian". I'm talking corsets (imagine having to wear one under your tutu!) and really, really long skirts, not exactly ideal for turning and leaping!
Thankfully, these rigid dance standards slowly started to fade as the 20th century approached, paving the way for even more comfortable, exciting, and expressive styles.
For this particular journey, I decided to travel by train! That first steam engine was just extraordinary - who knew that those puffing clouds could take us at such breathtaking speeds! My adventure today is bringing back all the memories of train travel: the crisp air rushing through the open windows, the friendly smiles and polite chatter of the fellow passengers, and of course, the scrumptious tea served with a generous slice of cake.
Honestly, wouldn't you love to travel by train through a landscape of rolling hills and lush valleys? It's so much more charming and, dare I say, romantic than being crammed on a noisy aeroplane, with people who don't quite understand the value of a beautiful, bright pink tutu.
It’s hard not to romanticise a past era, but as always, with all its grandeur and fashion, this time was filled with social and economic injustices that we thankfully are beginning to tackle today. So, let’s focus on embracing the evolution of the tutu. We may long for the grand elegance of the past, but we know there's room for all types of tutus and ballet. We can cherish our history, while always dreaming of a bright, bold future.
Now, as the final chime of the evening calls out to remind me of the journey back to my own time, I can't help but be inspired by what I have experienced. It’s amazing to witness how much the tutu has evolved throughout the centuries. And, let's be honest, who can resist a little bit of historical romance?
As you all know, my aim in life is to get everyone to wear a pink tutu. I am a huge advocate for expressing ourselves, and nothing screams "be your fabulous self" quite like a pink tutu!
Remember, lovelies, your style and your passion are a reflection of your unique self. Let’s always strive to create beautiful and expressive moments, like the magic I experienced in 1899.
Now go on, go get your dance on! I'm sure you will find some lovely tutus that can perfectly capture your individual spirit!
With the greatest of love and the tiniest sprinkle of fairy dust,
Emma.
P.S. Don’t forget to head over to www.pink-tutu.com to browse all the exciting things happening in the tutu world. And, remember, a little pink goes a long way!
See you next Tuesday, for another fascinating trip through Ballet Tutu History!
