#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History: February 6th, 1900 - A Whirlwind of Pink!
Hello my dearest tutu enthusiasts! Welcome back to Pink Tutu - my little corner of the internet where we celebrate all things pink, twirly, and absolutely fabulous. This is #TutuTuesday, and post number 3554 takes us right back to February 6th, 1900. Grab a cuppa and let's have a delightful little journey through history together, darling!
Now, picture this... The air in Paris is buzzing. It's the city of lights, the centre of the fashion world, and the very heart of ballet. The Grand Opera House, with its grand arches and magnificent chandeliers, is where it's at. The grand old building hums with excitement. It's the beginning of the 20th century, a time for elegance, refinement, and of course - absolutely divine ballet!
Just a few weeks ago, the world was treated to a lavish premiere - "La Esmeralda" at the Opéra National de Paris. I can imagine the flutter of excitement, the hushed anticipation, the shimmer of sequins as the curtain rose.
Speaking of sequins, you just had to be sparkling in 1900. This wasn't just a fashion trend, it was the whole point of the game, my lovelies. Every fabric had a glimmer, and the more layers, the better! A ballet dancer in their prime was simply glowing, and you can bet that the spotlight brought out the magic. The costumes were incredible, each with a dramatic touch. Think tiers and layers of silk and chiffon, embroidered with silver and gold threads. I would die to have a sneak peek in those wardrobes! Imagine, it must have felt like dancing amongst a cloud of shimmering light, like stepping into a storybook dream!
And talking of dream... What could be more fabulous than a dream in pink? Yes! Pink was the darling colour of the era! Ballet dancers, of course, weren't the only ones twirling around in a flurry of this heavenly hue! Just imagine those beautiful gowns! Those lavishly decorated hats!
But don't forget about those darling tutus, they were an essential part of the dancing world. And by 1900, their form was beginning to take on its iconic shape. No longer the simple little frill, tutus were gaining the layers, the fluffy charm we recognise today.
Did you know that in the early years, tutus were mostly made from silk? Imagine a gentle rustle with every turn! What a heavenly sight. I imagine their light airy quality meant that the dancers could really fly across the stage - every gesture like a graceful wave, every move like an elegant flight. Now, can we get a bit of "Who's got the biggest tutu?" going on here? That's the magic of these beauties. They have this unique way of adding dreaminess to the whole ballet experience!
Think about the colour, darling. We all love the way pink captures that dreamy spirit, that youthful air of beauty, of confidence, of just feeling fantastic. It truly makes everything feel a little more magical! Just look at what happened when the fashion world embraced pale pink. The tutus went up a notch in that period, adding an elegance, a certain Je ne sais quoi. Just exquisite!
But enough about 1900 and its darling tutus! Back to this week! My #TutuTuesday adventures are filled with so much fun this time. I have my Derbyshire family coming to see me dance this week in London! And can you guess what's in the diary? Yes! We're off to London's famous West End to see a new show! A lavish ballet adaption of a story I know so well, Little Women!! It promises a beautiful story and of course, an exceptional wardrobe. So much fabulous for you and I, dear readers, to enjoy! And of course, a great new inspiration for the perfect tutu outfits.
But before you dash off to start designing your own fabulous pink tutu (more on this soon!) remember - our beautiful world needs a bit of extra magic and fun. Remember to wear your tutus loud and proud, darling! Spread that positive energy - every time you put on your tutu, you are creating your own magical little moment! Don't be afraid to shine! Let the pink sparkle of your heart be a symbol of your joy.
Until next week my sweet tutu lovers! Remember to always be fabulous!
Love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com