Hello, darling readers! Emma here, your resident pink tutu enthusiast and time-traveling ballerina, bringing you another delightful dive into the history of the tutu! Today we're whisking ourselves back to a very special year – 1900 – to explore how tutus were twirling their way onto the world stage! 🩰
I must confess, this week's journey was particularly exciting! As you all know, my passion for tutus isn't just about the fashion; it's about the story they tell – a tale woven through centuries of graceful movement and artistic expression. And 1900, oh my! That was the year when the romantic ballet was truly reaching its zenith!
Stepping off the train, a steam engine I must add – it felt very elegant to travel like that – I immediately found myself transported into a world of glittering theaters and grand balls. Oh, how I love the hustle and bustle of London's West End! The very air buzzed with the anticipation of grand performances. And in those opulent theaters, tutus were truly having a moment!
The romantic ballet had been growing in popularity for decades. I was simply mesmerized watching ballerinas like Anna Pavlova, with her graceful leaps and impossibly long, flowing tulle skirts! Think swirling pink clouds – a ballet dream in motion! Her performances were breathtaking, a perfect storm of elegance and ethereal beauty, proving just how captivating a well-worn pink tutu could be!
But what about the history? What were those lovely tutus like in 1900?
Well, ladies, picture this – a blend of elegance and romanticism. Gone were the rigid, frilly, shorter tutus that dominated the era before! They were slowly morphing into longer, more flowing, and wispy tutus, allowing for even more incredible moves. This era really saw the development of tutus we see today, with delicate layers of tulle swirling around the legs, enhancing every plié and arabesque.
Speaking of, have you all tried making a tulle skirt yourself? I've recently become obsessed with DIY projects and my recent attempts have been amazing – think layers of lilac and pink tulle, ending with a big, beautiful fluffy ruffle. My neighbours even cheered when I practiced a few twirls in the garden – so chic, no?
As for fashion – oh, darling, this was such a vibrant era! This period truly saw the emergence of haute couture, and oh boy, the ladies dressed like the most exquisite blooms. The era's fascination with elegance extended from ballet to fashion, with tutus inspiring designers to craft frothy, voluminous dresses. It was like seeing a scene out of a fairytale! I even spotted a few daring souls in pale pink evening gowns adorned with beautiful ruffles, making tutus even more popular in day-to-day life! I mean, why not embrace that airy and feminine touch in everyday attire, eh?
Don’t worry, my dear friends, I’ll have a post next week about where you can find tutus from this time – perhaps a vintage fair? Imagine rocking a true, original 1900s tutu, or a lovely recreation! That would be simply divine!
Of course, no trip to 1900 would be complete without visiting the theater, now would it? Seeing a show at the Royal Opera House – an old favorite of mine, darling – was utterly delightful. I sat transfixed as I watched those enchanting dancers, the silhouettes of their tutus practically singing under the warm stage lights, a magnificent spectacle of beauty! Oh, and the gowns, dear! Those evening dresses, a symphony of sequins and satin – pure Victorian glamour. It’s almost a pity you can’t go back and experience those things, although the crowds at the train station were simply too much.
One thing that’s clear is the way we dress has always been linked to art, and the stage in particular. This era reminds us how deeply fashion is influenced by the art forms of the time, from ballet’s graceful elegance to opera’s bold glamour, and it’s a lesson I carry with me as I journey across time, exploring those delicate wisps of tulle.
Oh! My phone’s just pinged! A notification for a new tutu from a shop I’m in love with. Perhaps I should go treat myself. The day was such a success – imagine a life with the grace and flow of the tutus from 1900! They are simply magical!
Until next week, keep twirling and dreaming! And remember, my lovely readers, there’s a pink tutu out there for every soul, and there’s always more to explore! 🩰
Love,
Emma xx
