Oh my darlings! It's #TutuTuesday and the little pink tutu fairies are fluttering around in excitement. It's always such a joy to slip into my favourite pink tutu and tell you all about the history of our favourite, swirling piece of clothing. Let's travel back in time by steam train - imagine, the whistle of the train as we travel from my little Derbyshire cottage to 1900 Paris! There’s such a wonderful sense of anticipation, of going to a grand ball with glittering jewels and swirling tulle, to a world where dance and elegance are the very air you breathe!
Paris, The Heart of Romance, Beauty and, Yes, Tutus!February the 20th in 1900, what a day! I can practically smell the warm, sweet, perfume-laden air as we arrive at Gare du Nord, the imposing iron railway station, which feels more like a palace than a station. All around us there are carriages pulled by grand horses, dapper gentlemen with polished shoes and ladies with exquisite hats and parasols, like pretty butterflies. We're in Paris, the very heart of romance and fashion and, yes, tutus!
Today is all about tutus, and where else to start our #TutuTuesday journey than with the most celebrated ballerina of the time, the legendary Anna Pavlova. A tiny figure with a commanding presence on the stage, a queen of Ballet Russe and its glorious, vibrant dances. Anna Pavlova's influence on ballet and the design of the tutu was phenomenal. Imagine – it was the start of the ‘Romantic’ period in ballet history and she was like a beautiful star, making everything sparkle around her. We would be entranced in her performance at the Opera Garnier, or at the Theatre Châtelet, two of the most dazzling, beautiful theatres in Paris, a glimpse into another, magic world of dance. It's all about flowing lines, effortless movements and elegance, with her graceful steps creating a magical aura. A wonderful ballet called La Source by the famed ballet maestro Marius Petipa was a staple of her repertoire – I'd certainly be booking tickets to see her in it today.
From The Short & Flouncy To The Romantic Long & Swirling Tutu: A Dance HistoryIt's interesting to think that around 1900, tutus weren't long, flowing and graceful – not at all. Imagine tiny little dancing La Sylphide from 1832 in a short, frilly white tutu and Carlotta Grisi, the ballerina of the day, almost looking like a small fairy. But this era introduced a revolutionary shift. Tutus were beginning to lengthen. By 1900 they were definitely longer and more sweeping. It was the beginning of a new period in dance, a shift towards the ‘Romantic’ - more fluidity and emotion, and, yes, long tutus which swirled and flowed like elegant silk as the dancers moved with exquisite grace. This is a wonderful example of how clothes can change to match how a dance moves.
Now imagine walking around Les Galeries Lafayette, one of the most incredible department stores in the world - just think of the window displays with the dazzling latest fashion. Or the Galeries Barbès, where the boutiques overflow with luxurious fabrics - think taffeta, tulle, satin, all the exquisite silks you could imagine. And, my dear, imagine what's at Boulevard des Italiens – a street full of wonderful theatre boutiques, brimming with shoes, gloves, costumes and all the other necessities for an unforgettable theatrical experience. It's not only tutus that are beautiful – just think of those beautiful dancing shoes - delicate ballet slippers and more intricate pointed shoes with ribbon fastenings! They really complete the ballet outfit.
It's Not All About The Stage!You know I have to tell you about the most exciting fashion news – a pink tutu - just for me!! I imagine all the lovely ladies of 1900 in their stylish, fashionable dress and jacket outfits. Now imagine those beautiful hats – the wonderful cloche hats with feather embellishments and the beautiful ‘boudoir’ caps. So, ladies, let’s add a pink tutu, because this century, the era of ‘modern life’ is about individuality, about expressing yourself and adding your own unique flair. So think pink and let’s express our personal flair with a tutu of our own - just like they did in the ‘Belle Époque’ (meaning the ‘Beautiful Era’.)
Well, my dearest readers, we're about to set off on our journey through history once again – and that means time to pop on a glamorous, vintage tutu to be perfectly prepared for a night of extravagant ballet performances!
I hope you loved this #TutuTuesday blog! Please let me know if you are heading out to the ballet. I’m sure I’ll be at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, seeing Giselle. Next week I’ll take you all on another adventure, maybe to Milan or even Vienna.
Till next week, and don’t forget to share your pink tutu style ideas and memories in the comments!
Love
Emma xxx
