#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1900-01-30

Hello lovelies!

It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu-wearing, ballet-obsessed time traveller! 🕰️🌸 Ready to delve into some fascinating ballet history? Today we're taking a trip back in time to January 30th, 1900 – a date that’s oh-so-important for the development of the tutu we know and adore today.

Let's set the scene: imagine London, bustling with the excitement of a new century! Theatres were ablaze with the glamour of musical productions, operas and – you guessed it! – ballet! And even if you're not a history buff, you can probably imagine what’s in fashion in the early 1900s. We’re talking beautiful, frilly dresses and hats galore, and it's those fashions that were about to inspire the ballet world – get ready, because we're about to go on a truly spectacular journey of style!

For today's trip, I’m channeling my inner Victorian lady and I’ve opted for a tutu that echoes that lovely era: think delicate lace, frilly edges and a generous helping of pink! To be honest, I can never resist a pink tutu – it's like a beautiful whisper of feminine energy. I simply adore them! 💖🩰

It may come as a surprise, but the tutu of this period wasn't always the whirlwind of billowing fabric that we're familiar with today. Back in the day, ballet dancers had to wear much longer and fuller skirts – imagine those magnificent ballroom gowns! But, as we all know, long dresses can sometimes get in the way, especially when you’re trying to kick and leap like a ballerina.

Enter the groundbreaking choreographer, Marius Petipa. (Remember that name - he's pretty important in our tutu story.) He saw that the beauty of dance was sometimes hidden by these grand, flowing skirts. So, what did he do? He took inspiration from the fashion world of the time and experimented with skirts that were shorter and more layered. It was a revolutionary move – like finally being able to really see a ballerina’s steps! The effect was nothing short of magical. Imagine those delicate movements, the perfect arabesques and elegant leaps... a beautiful and exhilarating display of strength and artistry! ✨

And get this, this shift was about more than just looks! These shorter skirts were also practical for ballet, enabling ballerinas to move freely and showcase their talent in a more impactful way! So you see, style and practicality have always gone hand in hand with tutus! We truly have Marius Petipa to thank for making ballet that little bit more captivating. 👏

From that point onwards, tutus started getting ever shorter, thanks to those visionary designers. But the early 1900s brought a twist that changed everything! You see, by 1900 , skirts in the wider fashion world started incorporating an eye-catching element called fringe - those dangly bits that just make everything a bit more flamboyant, wouldn’t you agree? Well, that fringe had an irresistible appeal and ended up making its way to tutus as well! And wouldn’t you know it, that was the birth of the tutu as we recognise it today: short, with lots of those bouncy fringes - making for truly unforgettable onstage entrances.

And that’s how a trend in regular fashion went on to transform ballet forever. Now tell me, isn’t that just exciting? Fashion can influence the arts – it's always a beautiful dance between inspiration and creativity. 🥰

What could we find on January 30th, 1900 , the day of our historical ballet escapade? Well, in the heart of London, the Covent Garden Opera House was the place to be for those who truly loved ballet! If we’re lucky enough to find ourselves at Covent Garden on that date, we might find the legendary ballerina Anna Pavlova taking centre stage. Pavlova was already famous in her day – known for her lightness and unparalleled artistry (just think of all the breathtaking tutus she'd have worn). And speaking of costumes, on that particular day, Pavlova might have even worn one of those innovative tutus with the fringes , just imagine the spectacle! 🤩

I highly recommend visiting London, and more specifically Covent Garden! It’s where so much history comes alive, the streets echo with whispers of past performances and incredible artists! Oh, how I’d love to slip into one of my prettiest pink tutus and twirl down those historic streets, taking in all that creative energy. But sadly, time travel isn't quite that simple. 😂

### A Pink Tutu for Everyone (My Secret Dream!) 🩰 💖

Even today, *tutus still have this *magic power to inspire us. Every time I slip on a tutu, it's like putting on a different skin. My whole demeanor changes, and so much joy and energy radiate from within. There's just something about it, and you know what? I really believe that every woman should own at least one tutu . Whether you’re wearing it in the privacy of your own home, strutting down the street with confidence or even performing a little ballet number, I think a tutu can make you feel invincible.

But of course, it's not just about the looks! Tutú dressing is also a wonderful way to connect with the fascinating world of ballet, the incredible artists who inspire us, and the beauty of self-expression through dance!

And when it comes to ballet-inspired fashion, you’ll be delighted to know that tutus aren't just for dancers anymore. If you love tutus, there are so many ways to rock one . Here’s a secret tip, London has brilliant shops selling beautiful ballerina-inspired outfits! (It’s my go-to destination for shopping for a new pink tutu)

Do you know what's really great? I find it truly empowering to shop for those stylish ballet looks inspired by history – from the elegant costumes of Victorian dancers to the contemporary creations of the modern ballet world! Just imagine stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing a look that exudes effortless style, feminine charm and a dash of rebellion – I find it very inspiring! 💖

I hope you've enjoyed our journey back in time!

Don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com next Tuesday for another #TutuTuesday adventure! I’m already busy planning a trip back in time to 1901 (just wait until you hear about that one). Until next week, *happy twirling! *

Lots of love,

Emma 💖