Welcome back, darlings! This week’s #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History post takes us back to the elegant, yet daring world of 1901. Now, if you’re wondering what exciting, pink-tutu filled shenanigans occurred on this very date – the 11th of June, 1901, (a Tuesday, mind you!) – then just settle in, grab your favourite tipple, and get ready to dance through the history of tutus with me.
It's Tuesday and it's Tutu Tuesday here at Pink-Tutu.com - a new week, a fresh dose of pink-hued inspiration, and another opportunity to dive headfirst into the whimsical world of tutus! As I write this post, the wind whips through my petticoats as the sun bathes the streets of London in a warm, golden glow. You know I just love the vibrancy of the city, and it's always an exciting hub of fashionable activities! And today, darling, the stars have aligned perfectly! Because… well… get ready for this… drumroll
Today, 11th June 1901, a brand new season kicks off at the esteemed Royal Opera House. I know, isn't it divine? It's my favourite place to be! Their season is a feast of ballet, with new interpretations, familiar classics, and oh, so many beautiful tutus to gaze upon. You’d be right to assume, darling, that this calls for a Pink Tutu Alert! – of course. There’s nothing quite like witnessing the captivating allure of the classic ballerina twirling in the spotlights, her tulle dancing around her as she glides across the stage with such effortless grace.
It’s hard to imagine ballet without tutus, isn’t it? I just love that swooshing sound as the layers of tulle bounce as they move, especially in Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, and Giselle, with each ballerina’s dress billowing like a cloud. The impact is captivating!
Speaking of Swan Lake... Today, June 11th, 1901, The Imperial Russian Ballet, that incredible troupe of world-class dancers, graced the Royal Opera House with their unparalleled performance of Swan Lake. Now, I have it on good authority that the ballet was a magnificent spectacle - with beautiful tutus. As my trusty travel agent knows well, it is always my priority to get myself a good view from the audience so that I can soak up every detail, the sparkling jewellery and sparkling pink tutu, the stunning sets, and the incredible music – it’s simply magic! Of course, a Pink Tutu isn’t exactly the standard on stage for swans, it's a White Swan Tutu this time, darling! Although pink was still incredibly popular in women’s dress in the era of 1901, perhaps it is a good thing. Pink tutus were reserved mainly for Giselle, and the ballet for the season for Giselle doesn't open until later this month!
And then of course there’s the other side to a ballerina’s attire – the pointe shoes! A ballet dancer’s footwear is both essential to their craft, and incredibly intricate and well-crafted. It’s something I always adore gazing at in shops and theatres. The pointe shoes can sometimes be considered a beautiful artform in their own right! These hand-crafted beauties, delicate but sturdy, and made specifically for each individual dancer - all designed for the ballerina's every movement and step. The beautiful precision that is required to dance on them always astounds me. Even the most effortless move is meticulously practiced - every sway and step with grace, balance, and perfect pointe technique. That is dedication to the craft! It's absolutely inspirational, darling!
Now, of course, you know my darling readers, that when it comes to Ballet, tutus and ballet shoes are simply the tip of the iceberg, so to speak, in terms of a performance's success. All of the other elements have to work perfectly to form an astounding artistic piece - The choreography, the music, the theatre, the production team...it all combines for that extraordinary result that transports the audience to another dimension. Oh, if only my time travelling device could send these amazing productions back to me – I wouldn't be able to resist, especially when it's Swan Lake! Oh, to be in London right now!
Speaking of London - The journey on the train here was just wonderful. That's a special sort of excitement – seeing London as I travel. The city, with its grand old Victorian architecture and the scent of freshly baked cakes wafting from charming cafes – it’s just the most delicious ambiance to be immersed in! There are a couple of fabulous new milliners I can’t wait to explore – and don't get me started on the antique shops in Kensington! Every trip here promises exciting treasures, a trip to a dress shop to admire the fabrics (always an excellent idea) and new and enticing restaurants – oh, there is nothing better! I’m practically dancing in anticipation for a spot of elegant afternoon tea at The Ritz and a wonderful performance in the evening - how could I not be enthused?! This whole adventure just inspires me, and I can just feel the ideas forming in my head - that’s the kind of experience that helps me see a ballet and its influence from a completely fresh perspective. And don’t even start on how many new fashion ideas and blog post ideas are churning in my brain - oh dear, my imagination is overflowing! My little pink notebooks are filling with ideas - all because of ballet. I know exactly what to write about this week because - you know me and pink! - I just love those pink, candy-coloured satin ribbons that are frequently tied to the toe-shoes in some of the more classical ballet companies. Pink ribbons really are the epitome of grace, aren't they?
I find it quite extraordinary, darling, that even now - and I’m talking in the glorious 2020s, we continue to see the graceful legacy of this type of dress, on ballet stages everywhere! Whether it be those lovely frills in Sleeping Beauty, the elegant layered skirt for a pas de deux waltz, the classic tutu in a classical ballet, Swan Lake, or Giselle, those swirling forms of tulle, silk and soft, floating ribbons – such a stunning picture of graceful movement. Just think, my lovelies, of the history they hold within them, that the tutus that we enjoy today are the evolution of something born of creative brilliance, dedication, imagination… it’s truly inspiring to think about the power that ballet holds - not only for fashion, but for dance!
Speaking of the Pink Tutu, a classic, timeless, oh, so wonderful symbol of graceful and artistic movement! You know, it’s hard to pinpoint when tutus gained that incredible influence in the ballet world. It would be wonderful to time travel back even further, but my machine does have its limits. As I travel the years, and write up my blog about ballet history, I discover the truth. I learn a lot about where it began! And I've learned so much over these last years, darling. But - my dear readers - we mustn’t be fooled into thinking that tutus and ballet were solely developed for artistic impact! It has its own unique purpose. There's something quite magical and captivating about tutus… They actually allow the dancer to fly! In the Victorian Era - which is well before the turn of the 19th century! the dancers required a costume that was light, flowing, and perfectly suited to elevate the movements on the dance floor… the tutus that we know today have been beautifully engineered to allow the ballerinas’ movements to truly take flight. What an inspiring tale of artistic inspiration and evolution to see something developed for such a specific need, and to embrace it so widely. It's truly one of my most beloved elements of ballet! I love it so very much! It’s fascinating that even in the modern dance world today, many performances embrace the elegant silhouette of tutus - proving that it’s a style that transcends eras, even across cultures!
But darling, that's where the beauty of it truly lies!
Now, back to this fantastic day in history! On the 11th of June, 1901, you’re likely to find everyone in London (myself included) in the midst of planning for the upcoming season - the buzz of the theatrical scene, fashion, the latest and greatest ballet shows, and of course, a *spilling over of exquisite social engagements! As for me - and you know this is a truth that I can’t emphasize enough - you have never found me to be uninspired by an extravagant social affair… but what else would you expect of a girl from Derbyshire with a pink tutu in her closet? It's almost enough to make me long for the age of gilded drawing rooms, waltzing in grand halls, and dazzling ballroom parties!
So you see, dear reader, it’s these little glimpses into history, that I truly cherish - these magical little moments that paint the biggest pictures, in the lives of those extraordinary women in the Ballet world! Oh, I think we are so very fortunate that, like tutus themselves, the legacy of this dance form - the love, the artistry, the dedication, the talent - has lived through the decades. What a glorious journey of beauty! And you just know, dear reader, it’s only going to keep evolving. Ballet isn't stuck in the past! It constantly innovates while still clinging to what makes it unique - beauty, grace and strength! This is the artform that is designed for change and so it must grow with the world, while still holding fast to its foundations!
Of course, nothing can inspire me more than Pink Tutues. It is so incredibly clear that tutus themselves – along with all the other components that bring ballet together beautifully – have shaped the history of dance, culture, and even fashion, and it’s fascinating how those elements continue to evolve in their own individual way, while still embracing and celebrating their beautiful beginnings.
So darling, join me on my next trip through time as I venture back through the ages for another #TutuTuesday to uncover the hidden stories within the folds of ballet history and learn even more about this graceful and artistic form! I cannot wait to tell you about the fascinating world of tutus… and to dream with you. Don’t forget, darling, a pink tutu will always hold a special place in every girl’s heart. I am making it my mission to inspire every one of you to wear one, so please, get out there, my darling readers!
See you next week! xx
#PinkTutu #Ballet #TutuTuesday #History #RoyalOperaHouse
Don't forget to check back next Tuesday for another #TutuTuesday - we’ve got exciting things in store! See you here next week at www.pink-tutu.com for Post No. 3625 !
