Hello, darling tutufarians! Emma here, your pink-loving, tutu-obsessed guide to all things ballet. It’s Tuesday, which means it's time to delve into the fascinating history of our beloved tutus. Today's journey whisks us back to 2nd July 1901, a time of burgeoning progress and exciting change in the world of dance.
Before we step onto the stage of the past, let me tell you about my latest adventure. I travelled all the way to Vienna for the opening night of a breathtaking new production of “Swan Lake.” Oh my, it was absolutely divine! The dancers, simply exquisite in their ethereal tutus, floated across the stage like swans on a moonlit lake. And the music! Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece was brought to life with such elegance and passion, it left me breathless. Vienna itself was a whirlwind of grandeur, from the opulent palaces to the bustling cafés filled with lively conversation and music. I confess, I had to pick up a couple of exquisite new tutus while I was there, naturally. (My collection is forever growing!)
But back to our time-travel! So, on 2nd July 1901, what were the ballet trends of the day? Well, it's a bit of a mix! It was a transitional era where the Romantic ballet style of the 19th century was giving way to the more technically demanding, streamlined style of the 20th century. This means you had two distinct styles of tutus vying for centre stage:
1. The Romantic Tutu: This glorious confection, born in the late 1800s, is characterised by its voluminous, almost bell-shaped form. Think of billowing layers of tulle, creating a soft, ethereal silhouette. These tutus, worn by dancers in the likes of Giselle, were designed to enhance the ethereal grace and delicacy of the romantic era, a style perfect for conveying the dreams and aspirations of the heroines of these ballets.
2. The "Short" or "Classical" Tutu: Now, this style was still relatively new in 1901, with its short, tiered layers, and close-fitting waistline. This streamlined silhouette made it easier for ballerinas to execute complex leaps and turns, emphasizing precision and strength. We’ll see more of this tutu later in the century as ballet moved towards a more athletic style.
Think of the tutu, in 1901, like a charmingly rebellious child, embracing its romantic past while looking to the future for inspiration. This blend of old and new makes this era so fascinating!
Now, you might be asking yourself, "What happened on 2nd July 1901, Emma?" I'm so glad you asked! While we don't have exact performance records for that date, we can be sure that beautiful tutus would have twirled their way through ballets all across the world. The very same tutus that captivated audiences in the glittering grand theaters, are the very same that have inspired generations of dancers and tutu lovers, like myself, across the decades!
And speaking of inspiration... remember, darling tutufarians, there is no time, no place, and certainly no outfit, that can hold back the magical world of ballet. Wear your tutus with pride, embrace your inner ballerina, and let your joy shine bright!
Until next week, keep twirling, darling!
XOXO
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
