Hello lovelies! It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu-loving time traveller, bringing you another installment of #TutuTuesday, your weekly dose of ballet history from the heart of the world! This week, we're waltzing back to 11th December 1900!
Oh my goodness, I simply adore this era! Fashion was so incredibly dramatic, think swirling skirts, feathered hats, and a sprinkle of Edwardian glamour. It was an absolute explosion of elegance, just waiting to be incorporated into the dance world.
Today, I'm dreaming in pink in a most wonderful Parisian salon, surrounded by beautiful things! Can you imagine? The most delightful velvet armchairs, walls adorned with charming floral paintings, and just a dash of scent of lilies hanging in the air - just perfect for tea and gossip, don't you think? I'm all about the little details, darlings, and it just wouldn't be a real visit to the 1900s without an absolutely gorgeous pink tea dress with a fluffy skirt that would rival a ballerina's tutu. And just like every true lady in Paris, I have my trusty fan, oh darling, how utterly essential it is to the ladies! And can we talk about the hat? This exquisite masterpiece is perched jauntily atop my hair and features the most delicate silk flower, truly a masterpiece of feminine charm. Oh my, the blush on my cheeks, just like the soft rosebuds peeking out from the crown.
And of course, my pink tutu isn't far behind! In fact, let's delve into the history of these magical garments shall we?
Back in 1900, tutues were starting to find their own voice in the ballet world! Remember, tutus were a bit different back then, the fluffy and wispy creations we know and love were still taking shape! This was the era of the Roman tutu , a short, bell-shaped, or skirt-like tutu, featuring lots of pleats, like a lovely flower opening up! And as the centuries rolled on, we saw even more variations pop up on the stage – like the tutu classique - all delicate netting and billows! Oh, and of course, the iconic layered or Romantic tutu. This darling had more volume, a beautiful swathe of layers that flowed like a magical cloud.
It's all so utterly romantic and whimsical, and as a time traveler, it truly brings to life the beautiful dance history we are so privileged to be part of! But back to Paris - I’m going to be meeting a wonderful young dancer who has come from across the Channel, and is so incredibly talented! This incredible performer is a ballerina with such a gift for dance, I simply cannot wait to catch her in the upcoming performance at the Paris Opéra - a classic production of "La Bayadère" - a timeless masterpiece! Isn’t it utterly exciting that we can be swept away by tales of love and intrigue right here in the heart of Paris, just like they did 100 years ago?
The sheer skill of dancers during that time blows my mind, from their exquisite grace to their perfect execution of every pirouette. There's simply nothing quite as enchanting! We couldn't possibly imagine dancing in those shoes - talk about commitment!
Paris always feels like home to me, darlings. It's truly a city of romance, sparkling lights, and of course, ballet! And don’t get me started on the shopping! Parisian stores are positively bursting with charm and glamour! You have to experience the delicate lace, exquisitely designed ribbons, and exquisite hats of all shapes and colours, all designed to bring out that fabulous inner diva we all have.
If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in Paris, don’t miss out on the delicious pastries and heavenly cakes - a true celebration for your taste buds. And don’t forget to wear your pink tutu, of course! Just imagine waltzing through the streets, a vision of pink-tutu-ed grace and femininity. Oh, and I almost forgot! It’s essential to pick up a little something from a Parisian cafe, they're absolutely adorable, with dainty tables, delicious macaroons and freshly brewed coffee.
You see darlings, every trip I take to the past inspires new ideas for my own ballets! Perhaps my next grand choreographic adventure will feature Paris as the enchanting backdrop. What better way to showcase the world of tutus?
And of course, a reminder - if you haven’t already, visit my website, www.pink-tutu.com. The blog is packed with stories of dancing dreams, fabulous fashion and tales of adventure from around the world. Until next Tuesday, let’s embrace our love for pink tutus and spread joy and happiness wherever we go, darling.
Always dance your heart out,
Emma. 💕
P.S. - Just so you know, darling, this Tuesday we travel back to the year 1900 for good reason! Because on this very date – 11th December 1900 - an extraordinarily talented ballet dancer, Anna Pavlova, was born! This little girl was destined for greatness and her contributions to the world of ballet are truly incredible, a shining example for us all. So, this Tuesday is extra special, we’re all celebrating the legacy of a phenomenal ballerina. Remember darlings, if you can dream it, you can dance it!
