Post 3622 - 28th May 1901
Oh hello, lovelies! Emma here, back with another delightful delve into the fabulous history of the ballet tutu! This week, I'm taking you all the way back to the start of the new century – May 28th, 1901 to be precise. Can you imagine? Queen Victoria was still on the throne, the Eiffel Tower was still brand new and the world was on the cusp of thrilling change!
It's not a date I can readily travel to in my trusty time machine, but thankfully the internet allows me to peek through a little portal into the past, don't you agree? Let's whisk ourselves off to Paris, the heart of the dance world back then. Can't you picture it? The cobblestone streets bustling with elegant carriages and ladies in glorious, trailing gowns? The aroma of freshly baked pastries hanging heavy in the air... Oh, to have been a part of that scene!
You see, 1901, in the ballet world, is all about the Romantic era. We're talking grand, flowing, dramatic stories and beautiful, ethereal tutus. But not the kind we see on today's dancers - these are long, full-skirted tutus. Imagine a billowing cloud of tulle, cascading down the dancer's legs to their feet, a visual echo of the Romanticism movement with its emphasis on emotions and the sublime. It's quite the sight, believe me.
Now, picture this - I've been fortunate to experience ballet in this era myself, performing at the magnificent Opéra Garnier in Paris! The theatre, grand and opulent, a temple to the art form. You wouldn't believe the exquisite detail and grandeur of it all, especially when it comes to the costumes. The shimmering fabrics, the delicate lace, the feather boas!
Speaking of costumes, a key detail of the time was the 'pastelisation' of the tutu! Imagine light pinks and blues and yellows, all perfectly complementing the soft and ethereal aesthetic of the Romanticism movement. And let me tell you, the audiences were just as fascinated with these ballet colours as I am!
The dance was much different then. The movement was graceful, flowing, full of expressiveness. No complex jumps or sharp turns! Oh no, darling, it was about the beauty and tenderness of the story - think of delicate, long arabesques and elegant, fluid gestures. It's just a completely different type of beauty and expression!
Imagine being there, at the theatre on this particular 28th of May 1901! You're about to be whisked away to a fantastical world through the magic of ballet. Can you smell the perfume in the air, the rustle of silks? Do you hear the orchestra tuning up, the anticipatory buzz of the audience? Such a romantic and immersive experience.
And remember, ladies, this is the moment the tutu took its true leap to iconic status, moving from something for mere practice to a crucial part of the performance. This is the time to really start dreaming big about that pink tutu, eh?
For this #TutuTuesday, darling, let’s channel our inner ballerinas, dreaming of a Parisian stage lit by gaslight, of billowing tulles and captivating narratives.
You may not be able to dance the grand jeté, but that’s alright, my lovely. There’s nothing stopping you from wearing a pretty pink tutu! Let’s make this a truly pink world.
Don't forget to share your own Tutu Tuesday moments in the comments below! And don't be afraid to don a pink tutu yourself - the world needs a little bit more sparkle. I’m always thrilled to see your fantastic #TutuTuesday moments.
Until next week, darling, keep your toes pointed!
With love and twirls,
Emma x
P.S. I'm going to Paris in the summer. What would you wear to a ballet performance? Let me know! I love all your fantastic fashion suggestions!
