Bonjour, mes chĂ©ries! Welcome back to another delightful delve into the world of #TutuTuesday! It's Emma here, your ever-so-slightly-obsessed-with-tutus blogger, bringing you another captivating glimpse into the fascinating evolution of ballet tutus. Buckle up, darling, because we're about to take a trip back in time â specifically to 13th March 1900 â and let's be honest, what could be more thrilling?
Just picture it, darling: a crisp Parisian morning, the aroma of fresh croissants filling the air, and a hush falling over the grand Théùtre de l'Opéra as the curtain rises. The year is 1900, and while we don't have photos of the exact tutu designs, we can imagine the graceful movements and ethereal silhouettes captivating the audience.
Oh, how I wish I could have been there, watching the renowned ballerinas glide across the stage! My heart would have been skipping a beat!
Today, darling, we'll explore a period brimming with artistic flair and innovative designs, where tutus were more than just costumes; they were works of art, expressing movement, emotion, and the essence of dance itself.
But first, let's chat about my adventures! I took a thrilling train journey to the charming city of Vienna just last week. Oh, the vibrant atmosphere! I spent a delightful day shopping in the Stadtpark, finding some absolutely stunning silk fabrics for my new pink tutu! (I'm always on the lookout for new materials and designs, you see. You can't stop a girl like me from adding to her tutu collection, can you? giggles)
And the evening was utterly magical! I saw a captivating ballet performance by the Vienna State Opera Ballet, the elegance and skill of the dancers were simply breathtaking. The sheer delight of witnessing the graceful art of ballet in such a magnificent setting â I could've stayed in Vienna forever!
But alas, time travel is a busy schedule! We're back in our own time for this #TutuTuesday adventure, so let's rewind the clock!
1900 â The Dawn of a New Era for Tutues
At the turn of the 20th century, the ballet world was a fascinating place. We had already seen the romanticism of the earlier tutu styles (imagine those voluminous skirts, flowing like billowing clouds â pure magic!), and we were moving towards something new â something lighter, shorter, and even more elegant.
You see, darling, this was the period of the celebrated Russian ballerina, Anna Pavlova! She brought a newfound fluidity and lightness to ballet, a change that had a major impact on tutu designs, of course!
Imagine the excitement when Pavlova first danced with her exquisite short tutus! The new styles allowed for a more ethereal look and allowed the ballerinaâs incredible legs to become centre stage, emphasizing the intricate steps and athleticism. This new style wasnât about hiding the ballerinaâs form â it was all about showcasing it!
Now, just to clarify for you, the âtutuâ at this time wouldn't have been that recognisable single layer tulle structure we associate with the word today. Youâd often have multiple layers of gauze and tulle for added volume, which meant it was pretty darn heavy! However, the designs were getting shorter â no more ground-sweeping hems!
The Influences that Shaped 1900's Tutus:
- Art Nouveau: Just as you can see the influence of art in modern design, we see its presence in this periodâs tutus. Think flowing lines, asymmetrical designs and a sense of the unconventional, capturing the essence of this vibrant art movement.
- Romance and Dreams: While shorter, the romantic element was still very much present. These were not strictly fitted to the body â there was plenty of room for graceful swishing and billowing as the dancers moved. This airiness definitely gave it an ethereal and magical feel!
Where Could We See 1900s Tutus in Action?
We're lucky that the magic of ballet, especially these gorgeous tutus, is well preserved! Head to museums such as the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, The Musée du Costume et de la Mode in Paris, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York for some truly breathtaking historical costumes and fascinating insight into how tutus have evolved.
Remember, darling, ballet, like a beautiful pink tutu, is a reflection of time. Every fold and layer, every stitch, tells a story, and what a tale it has to tell! I do hope this blog post has ignited your interest, inspired you to learn more about the fascinating history of the tutu, and given you a chance to appreciate its evolution!
Thatâs it for this week, darlings. Remember to stay sparkly, fabulous and⊠PINK!! Until next Tuesday, where Iâll share another #TutuTuesday post filled with the wonders of the ballet world, be sure to keep those beautiful toes tapping!
Donât forget to visit us at www.pink-tutu.com and share your love for ballet with us!
Love always,
Emma
Xx
