Hello my darling tutus! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, your weekly dose of all things tutu and fabulous! Today we're taking a trip down memory lane, all the way back to the dawn of the 20th century. Buckle up, darlings, it's going to be a whirlwind! 🌪️
For today's #TutuTuesday, we're travelling to 1900, October 23rd. My pink tutu and I are stepping onto the grand platform at Victoria Station in London, where we’ll soon be whisked away on a beautiful, opulent train journey – it’s always a treat to be swept along by steam and steel! This is where the story of the tutu really takes off, as it were. And let me tell you, ballet has become a total craze. Everyone's talking about it. Just like with our contemporary street fashion shows, there are performances happening all over the city – from grand opera houses like the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, to smaller venues around the West End.
Now, my sweethearts, this is where our history lesson gets fascinating! Around 1900, the ballet tutu, as we know it, is in its "classical" phase. These aren’t your cute, knee-length tutus, like you see us wearing on the streets! The classical tutu is all about grandeur, and, as you know, grand is definitely my middle name! It's a multi-layered explosion of tulle that makes ballerinas look like ethereal fairy-tale creatures – quite divine! Picture voluminous, cascading layers of fabric in gauzy shades of white or blush pink, making dancers appear to float through the air. These tutus are like the biggest, fluffiest meringue you've ever seen – just divine! 🍰
But there’s more! The tutu itself wasn’t just about looks back then – it was an integral part of the performance! You see, in the early days of ballet, it was primarily a technique for highlighting the ballerinas’ elegant leg movements. It was like a magical cloak of ethereal elegance. Imagine dancing in a whirlwind of white – you just can't go wrong! 🤩
Now, if you were to walk into a London theatre in 1900, you’d be totally transported to another world. Think decadent theatre interiors, elegant gentlemen in tuxedos and ladies with gorgeous hair styled into stunning, elaborate creations. You’d also see an amazing range of theatrical outfits – and a lot of it is inspired by the ballerinas. It’s almost like we have come full circle! Today’s street fashion takes inspiration from the runway, but back then, everyday fashion was heavily influenced by the beauty of ballet costumes and the tutu itself. That’s just what we want for our generation, darling!
It was truly an exciting time to be a ballet fan. The rise of the classical tutu led to the evolution of new dance styles, pushing the boundaries of movement and creativity. The tutu wasn't just about looks; it was about a sense of freedom and artistry – and what more could we ask for?
What's on October 23rd, 1900? Well, imagine a balletic calendar of events more jam-packed than a Parisian pâtisserie! That evening at the Royal Opera House, there is a production of the ballet The Nutcracker. This production had the audience enraptured! In those days, everyone would come to the ballet in their finery.
For our grand finale, let’s bring things back to the 21st century, because our pink tutus need to go everywhere! Remember, I always tell you to make the everyday magical and extraordinary! Why not get a friend together and plan a “Tutu Tea Party” ? Invite your favourite friends over for afternoon tea in your prettiest pink outfits. You can even set a ballet theme and have a mini ballet performance afterwards! Who needs a theatre when you have the grace and beauty of tutus in your own home? 🩰
Don’t forget, you can read my last post and many more amazing tutu blog posts, stories, news, tips and tricks and more at www.pink-tutu.com. Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @pink_tutu!
I'm always looking for inspiration. You never know, the next exciting travel adventure for my tutu and me could come from your amazing ideas. Until next week darlings! 👋🏻
Emma xx
