Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast, and it's time for another Tutu Tuesday. I'm so excited because today is extra special. We're travelling back to December 25th, 1900, to celebrate Christmas with a twist of tulle!
Oh, my loves, you wouldn't believe what I just saw! Stepping off the train at Gare de Lyon in Paris, I felt like I'd entered a whimsical dreamland. It's bustling, yes, with festive lights illuminating the beautiful architecture. The streets are filled with laughter and carols, the air thick with the aroma of cinnamon and gingerbread.
But it's the sheer abundance of fashion that's taken my breath away. I feel like I've stepped into a fashion magazine, but live. I swear I even saw a woman with an extravagant hat that could double as a small bird's nest! The ladies are flaunting their chicest dresses and intricate bonnets, and I couldn't resist grabbing a fluffy, feathered boa to add a touch of elegance to my own pink tutu ensemble!
Of course, I wouldn't be here without my darling tutu. But hold on to your hats, dearies, because what I'm about to tell you might just knock your stockings off!
Christmas 1900, the Tutu Story
Believe it or not, in the world of ballet, Christmas 1900 was actually a time of change and transformation, much like my favourite twirling ballerina, Aurora, before her magical slumber!
Think Victorian era, but with a sparkle of rebellion! You know, just like moi with my little pink tutu. 😉 The world of ballet was going through a major fashion overhaul. Those super-heavy, long tutus were out, darling. The shorter tutus, those little whimsical whirlwinds of tulle, were making their way in!
Imagine! The ballet stage was becoming a lighter, airier place, full of graceful movement and expression. More space to twirl, if you know what I mean!
Fashionable Fusion
Even then, ballet costumes reflected the contemporary fashion trends of the era, which was all about romance, with an added dash of "la belle époque" grandeur. Remember that lovely lace we're seeing in so many outfits now? Well, that era's lace was delicate, a bit on the wispy side, like a dream caught in tulle! Just imagine the effect on the ballet stage!
It wasn't just the length that was changing either. It was all about that gorgeous, dreamy shape. The skirts of the tutus were starting to take on new, swirling, almost whimsical forms, reminding me of that feeling you get when you spin with the wind in your hair!
The Pink Factor
Pink, my dearies, was always my favourite. And I can tell you, even back then, pink was a huge hit for the stage! It wasn't quite as bold and vibrant as our bright pinks today. Back then, it was a more subtle pink, almost a rosy blush, a hint of the bright future for tutus in pink. Think vintage ballet poster, my darlings, delicate but oh so chic!
And did you know that a whole host of delightful designs were appearing around this time?
Think romantic tutus made with feathers, beads, sequins! You see them everywhere, from Paris to London. Imagine the sparkle of sequins in the dim, stage lights. So theatrical! So divine!
A Christmas to Remember
For Christmas Eve, my dear friend Gabrielle took me to the Opéra Garnier in Paris. This grand, beautiful venue has always been the heart of French ballet. Can you believe I got to watch a performance of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake? I couldn't keep still! The whole place was electric with excitement. The ballerinas in their ethereal white tutus, floating across the stage... I could barely breathe it was so beautiful. I just knew in that moment, as the snowflakes fell on stage and the final notes of Tchaikovsky's beautiful music drifted through the grand auditorium, that I was meant to bring back the sparkle and grace of ballet to our modern world.
After all, every single one of you deserves a touch of ballet in your life, wouldn't you agree?
And what could be more perfect for a Christmas present, darling, than the gift of a little pink tutu, a piece of this joyful history! You could be your own dancing fairytale!
Stay tuned, my dears, for more Tutu Tuesday travels next week! I've got more fun facts, stunning fashion and dazzling dance adventures in store for you! Let me know your thoughts and memories on tutus - maybe we’ve got a tale or two to share!
Until next week, darlings,
Keep twirling! 🩰
Yours truly,
Emma 💖
P.S. Did you know you can also learn all about ballet and history through amazing books, movies and plays! Let me know what your favourites are! Maybe I can even inspire you to try some ballet classes too! ✨
