Hello, darlings! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-clad time-travelling fashionista, back for another #TutuTuesday with the history of the fabulous tutu. I'm popping in from the exciting world of 1901, and let me tell you, fashion is absolutely blooming! As always, I'm here to share my love of all things sparkly, swishy, and oh-so-very pink, with a side of ballet history, naturally. 😉
This is post number 3626, and this week, my dears, we're taking a trip back to 25th June 1901. What a delightful date, chock-full of captivating ballet history!
I must tell you, stepping back in time always throws up a new delight, but this time, it’s a bit chilly here in Paris! I do adore my fluffy pink tutu, but it wouldn’t be doing much to ward off this blustery wind. But darling, the chill is nothing compared to the excitement swirling around this particular Tuesday. Why? Because my sweet friends, it's the premiere of The Nutcracker, one of the most charming ballets ever! Yes, Tchaikovsky's whimsical masterpiece graced the Parisian stage for the very first time.
Imagine the flurry of feathers and tutus in the audience! There was certainly no shortage of fluffy frills and flowing skirts in the ballet houses in those days. Now, while the "tutu" as we know it wouldn't quite be in fashion just yet, it wasn't too far off. Let me tell you, dear readers, those iconic knee-length tutus - the ones we see gracing the stage and twirling across our imaginations - were still a little while away!
In 1901, the tutus, the ballet dancers were wearing were more fitted to the waist, much like a bell skirt but flowing out to create a captivating bell shape as they swirled on the stage. And you wouldn't find any gauzy tulle! Oh no, the fabrics were a bit heavier, maybe a bit more...practical. Can you believe that? Practical? Ballet and practicality simply don't go hand in hand!
Still, I adore this time. This was a pivotal period for ballet, my loves! It was just after the "Romantic era", you know? That era that saw ballerinas twirling across the stage in wispy white tutus, almost like ethereal sprites.
Think of all the stories we've read about "Giselle" and the tragic tales of "La Sylphide." They captured the imagination of Europe with their ethereal dances and fluttering white tutus. And now, 1901, is moving towards something different. I mean, the costumes are already showing that change. This era, this turn-of-the-century, it was the dawn of new movement, of more strength and power in ballet, of bold dancers! I daresay this was the perfect prelude to the incredible 20th century!
Let’s talk a bit about fashion. It’s quite the spectacle! I love it. But you’ll find none of this "practical" you find in the tutus. Imagine it, darlings, the height of fashion in Paris? The epitome of femininity! There’s a new emphasis on elegance, on grace. That elegant “S” shape that we all strive to capture, which is not helped by my habit of swishing around in my very un-S-shaped pink tutu, and there’s no escaping the sheer abundance of frills.
The ladies are all in these incredibly elaborate gowns. Imagine layers and layers of fine fabrics. Ruffles and ribbons! And lace, darling, so much lace! Even their hats are a spectacle – elaborate creations that almost rival the ballerinas' dancing hats. I don't dare wear a hat out on the streets here, my dear! The men, meanwhile, are quite dashing. Think sharp suits and crisp cravats – not a drop of colour unless it is their own beautiful face and dashing beard. My dear readers, don't let me even begin to describe how utterly jealous of these gentlemen I am. What a picture!
If we were to transport back to 1901, darling, wouldn't that be simply splendid? Imagine waltzing at a Parisian soirée, in the very heart of this vibrant society. All in that wonderfully structured clothing that's the very embodiment of elegance. Oh, darling, how I wish!
I simply can't leave this glorious Tuesday without mentioning some other delightful facts about June 25th, 1901. It was the birthday of, the incredible Queen Mary, wife to our beloved King George V. Isn’t that wonderful!
So, darling readers, we've enjoyed another exciting trip back in time. And just remember, wherever you are in the world, no matter what day it is, wear a pink tutu! You'll always look fantastic, even if you don't time travel.
Love and tutu wishes,
Emma,
The Pink Tutu Blogger
*(Click here to go back to www.pink-tutu.com) *
