Hello my darlings! Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast, ready to whisk you back to a time when elegance reigned and ballet was the talk of the town. This week, I’m hopping on the time machine and setting the dials for the 17th July 1900, a truly momentous date in the grand story of tutus.
Now, gather 'round and let’s embark on this little adventure… 🚂
First, I've gotta tell you, this date coincides with the opening of my all-time favourite dance spectacle - “Le Lac des Cygnes”! Oh, to witness Anna Pavlova's ethereal portrayal of the Swan Queen in those exquisitely feathered tutus - a performance so majestic it could leave you spellbound! I know it did for me. I got my first ever tutu the same year I first saw the show. My Mum even gave me some pointe shoes for my 11th birthday so I could start training. They were still pink!
We're talking a world where dancers in lavish, multi-layered tutus took the stage, gliding across the boards with the grace of butterflies. They truly made you feel like you were watching fairies taking flight - just like me! 💖
But before we dive into all the fancy frills and fluttery fabrics, let’s take a peek at the world outside the theatre. Think London's bustling streets, with horsedrawn carriages and ladies in their elegant corseted gowns and stylish hats. And in the midst of all that, you would see the enchanting allure of the ballet shining through. The London season was in full swing. People were going crazy for "Le Lac des Cygnes", with packed audiences and the whispers of rave reviews. I think this show will never get old!
Now, speaking of those fabulous tutus that made the ballet stage such a breathtaking spectacle... let's take a close-up look. Imagine: layers upon layers of silk, delicately sewn to create billowing skirts. For those truly majestic pieces, it was often gauze over silk that provided an elegant layering that provided some weight and a fantastic sense of movement when a dancer spun and twirled. These weren't your everyday tutus, they were the epitome of grace and beauty. They were even crafted in vibrant colours like cerise, magenta and emerald green, which is something you just don't see very often these days, do you? My favourite colour will always be pink - it’s simply so charming! But I think this period really proves how vibrant and adventurous designers were in the early 1900's when it comes to tutus.
One of the things that fascinates me about tutus from this time is the connection to the history of fashion itself. Imagine a tutu like a delicate whisper in the language of high society! Every stitch and pleat was a reflection of what was fashionable outside the ballet world. The corseted forms, the flowing silhouettes, the ornate details - it all found its way into the design of a ballerina's tutu. The world of dance really reflected fashion. Which makes me think about modern dancers. Perhaps tutus can have more connections to modern trends. How cool would that be?
I believe that's the magic of a tutu! It's not just a costume, it's a reflection of the time, a work of art, and above all, a symbol of elegance, grace, and boundless joy. And even more so, a symbol of female empowerment and creativity! It truly allows dancers to be both powerful and feminine. Who wouldn’t want to experience that? I could be on stage forever in my tutu and just glide across the stage, performing for all to see and feel. Oh, how lovely that would be! 💖
And I’ve got a mission, darling! To get every single one of you embracing the magic of tutus and feeling that wonderful joy of expressing yourselves. This is why I love to share stories about my trips, my passions and my love of tutus in my blogs.
After all, what better way to add a touch of magic and beauty to your everyday life than with a pink tutu? 💫 💖
See you next #TutuTuesday for another journey into the enchanting world of ballet history!
And remember… never be afraid to twirl! 💖✨
Emma xx
