Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your pink-tutu-clad guide to the wondrous world of ballet history, and welcome back to my blog, Pink-Tutu.com. It's #TutuTuesday, and this week we're taking a little trip back in time to January 9th, 1900!
This Tuesday feels extra special because today, on this date, one hundred and twenty-three years ago, something truly momentous happened! No, I'm not talking about the turn of the century – though that’s definitely a biggie – but about an event that changed ballet fashion forever. You see, my dear readers, it was on this very day in 1900 that the very first true ballerina tutu was worn on stage at the Paris Opera Ballet.
Can you imagine the thrill?! It was the talk of the town, a complete revelation for all those lucky enough to be present. It must have felt so exciting, like stepping into a fairytale. The shimmering layers of tulle, so delicate and ethereal, were a stark contrast to the long, restrictive skirts of the past. The ballerina in her brand-new tutu looked absolutely breathtaking, a vision of freedom and grace on stage.
Of course, a tutu revolution can’t happen overnight, even when the innovation is as magical as a feather-light layer of pink tulle! For decades before this day, ballerinas were stuck in long, bulky skirts that definitely hindered their movements. It was almost like wearing a coat while doing a pirouette! Not very graceful, was it?
Thankfully, a Russian ballet dancer named Anna Pavlova decided she had had enough of the cumbersome fashion restrictions and helped revolutionise dance attire. Now, I know we all love a dramatic entrance, and darling, Anna did not disappoint. She was an absolute force to be reckoned with in the world of ballet! She wanted her leaps and turns to take centre stage, so she commissioned her own tutu made of layers upon layers of tulle. This magnificent creation was so much more lightweight than the previous costumes that it enabled her to truly fly on stage! And that's precisely how she entered the history books - a revolutionary dancer in a groundbreaking tutu.
Oh, I’m so excited to talk about all the changes in tutu styles over the years! Don't worry; we’ll be back to exploring this beautiful and fascinating history of the tutu throughout the century, with all its intricate details, changes in silhouette, and even how the material itself has evolved. I’m going to pop by the library for a little peek into ballet history and find out if there were any other fashion trends this week in 1900. Did you know the popularity of la robe du soir had exploded in Paris by 1900? I can’t wait to go to the shops tomorrow to check out the latest fashions! It might even be time for a little update to my own tutu collection – there’s nothing like a brand-new tutu to make you feel like you’re floating on air!
But for now, darling, I just wanted to take a moment to appreciate how important a simple little piece of tulle really is! A tutu has changed the face of dance, allowing the ballerinas of the world to express their beauty, their talent, and their stories, free from any restrictions. Don't forget to subscribe to my blog to catch all of our upcoming #TutuTuesday and join me as we explore the enchanting world of tutus together! Now, how about you? Do you have a favorite ballerina? Which tutu design do you love best? Share your thoughts in the comments section below! Until next week, stay sparkling!
Lots of love,
Emma
P.S. Don't forget to visit our shop for a gorgeous pink tutu and to follow my Instagram @pinktutublog. You can also share your favorite ballet moments with me and other fans using the #TutuTuesday hashtag! Let's keep this lovely fashion trend alive!
Traveling with the Ballet - A Pink Tutu's Tale
The sound of a train engine whistles through my daydreams as I click-clack down the aisles of London’s iconic Harrods. My imagination is taking me far, far away from the bustling city centre to the elegance and spectacle of a ballet theatre in Vienna. But for now, the richly carpeted floor beneath me is all I can feel, and the air is thick with the scent of perfume and rich fabrics. It’s always a sensory feast here at Harrods. After the bustling atmosphere of London's crowded streets, it's like stepping into a whole different world - and who am I to say I don’t like the juxtaposition? After all, I'm a bit of a juxtaposition myself, wouldn’t you agree?
* A Pink-Tutu-Wearing Time Traveler! *
Just the thought of that makes me grin from ear to ear. I’ve always dreamed of travelling the world, discovering its beauty and history, and sharing it all with you, my dear readers. It's so much easier with the wonders of a trusty vintage Time Travelling Tutu. All I need to do is spin in circles three times, concentrate really hard on my desired destination, and BAM! I’m there. Not bad for a tutu, huh?
My travelling expenses, you ask? Well, luckily I'm also a semi-professional ballet dancer. Every few weeks, I catch the train across England, up north, where I join a small theatre group in a pretty little town called Derby. There, they make room in their touring schedule for me - my time travel funding – so they say! My favourite ballet, of course, is Swan Lake. The dramatic costume changes, the elegant choreography… just magnificent!
I try to get to Paris at least once a month - there's no shortage of incredible performances in the City of Lights. Just a short journey from the Gare du Nord, it’s a haven for beautiful ballet. There’s also some divine shopping, I have to admit. I find so much inspiration for my #TutuTuesday blogs in Parisian shops and art galleries, though some of them look a little out of place on a humble ballerina! And sometimes, I head north, too – there's something truly magical about the ballet scene in St. Petersburg! The culture is a whole new world of dancing, which always brings my travels to a very beautiful conclusion.
Speaking of inspiration… where were we, oh yes! My latest shopping haul at Harrods... a soft, peachy pink tutu that I plan on wearing on stage next month! I also bought a very lovely chiffon shawl in an emerald green that reminds me of a beautiful princess in a fairytale. (There’s a hint of ballet fashion trend for you to look forward to next week – think tutus with soft, drapey fabric accents. Keep your eyes peeled!). Oh, I simply cannot wait to show off this ensemble!
I wonder if this week's blog is my longest yet… I’ll go check for typos and do some quick editing, then pack my suitcase, grab my travelling ballet shoes and jump aboard the train to Derbyshire for rehearsals! I'll leave you, my dearest readers, with a little bit of Parisian poetry…
"Tulle of the tutu,
You are my dreams of flight.
Your delicate, soft embrace
Allows my spirit to take flight."
So that’s all for this week, my little angels! I hope you're loving the trip down memory lane with me! Come back next #TutuTuesday for more fascinating insights into the history of the tutu – there's so much more to discover! Don't forget to follow my Instagram @pinktutublog for more fabulous fashion, ballet insights and exciting travels!
Lots of love!
Emma xx
Remember visit our shop for a gorgeous pink tutu
www.pink-tutu.com
3550 PinkTutu BalletHistory TutuTuesday
