Hello dears! It’s Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast, back with another journey into the captivating history of the ballet tutu! This week, we're stepping back in time to 17th December, 1901. I know what you're thinking: "Emma, a Tuesday in 1901? What could be so special about that?" Oh, my darlings, buckle your tutus because today we're diving deep into a very important year for the evolution of our beloved tutu. And, of course, we're making the journey in style – by train! There's nothing like a first-class carriage, a cup of tea, and a good book about the latest ballet productions to put you in the mood for a little time travel.
London: A Dance Capital
We're arriving at London’s Victoria Station. It's the bustling heart of England and, for ballet fans, one of the most exciting cities in the world. This is where the Royal Opera House stands proudly, home to the world-famous Royal Ballet. There's a buzz in the air, the scent of freshly cut flowers, the rhythm of carriage wheels, and everyone's getting dressed up in their best frocks. The 1900s were a whirlwind of creativity, style, and an eagerness to break free from the stiff Victorian constraints – and nowhere was this more apparent than in the theatre!
A New Era for the Ballet
Just think about it: a century ago, tutus were already taking the world by storm. 1901 is an important year because it saw the burgeoning of modern ballet. Ballet, dears, was already well-established, but things were starting to change. Imagine a stage, a spotlight hitting a single dancer - a captivating, almost revolutionary vision for the time.
From Fluffy Romanticisms to Tight Elegance
The Romantics were starting to give way to a more modern, graceful style of movement. Think flowing tulle, flowing skirts, and dancers reaching out, limbs outstretched towards the heavens – these Romantic tutus are our iconic long tutus. And, remember how tutus used to be just a light layering of tulle, worn under longer dresses? By this point, tutus were making their dramatic debut, centre stage in all their glorious puffiness!
Tutu Trend Alert: 1901!
In 1901, we start to see the first glimpses of what I call the “new tutu". Gone are the big, heavy skirts of the past. We start seeing the introduction of those stunning short, “classic" tutus – they're still super fluffy, but more compact. Picture them tightly held against the waist and creating a stunning, more modern silhouette. It was the beginning of a new era, my dears, where tutus could really start to showcase the strength and agility of the dancers.
What's On in London Tonight?
While I don’t have access to specific playbills for 17th December 1901 (imagine the technological leaps we’ve made – no internet for Emma!), but I know there were loads of performances going on in the heart of the theatre scene. A trip to London would have been overflowing with dance shows! Maybe there's a premiere of a new ballet, or a dazzling performance from the Royal Ballet – even then, ballet was a major force in entertainment and fashion.
Time for a Spot of Shopping
Now, any fashionista worth their salt would know that shopping is an essential part of any trip to London. Let’s just say I wouldn't be spending all my time looking at old dusty archives. A girl needs to check out the latest fashion trends! It’s hard to imagine London's shopping scene without a trip to Harrods. This was the place to find everything, from gowns to gloves to exquisite silk for making those puffy tutus. The shopping streets of London, especially around Regent Street, would have been bustling with tailors, dressmakers, and shoppers alike – everyone trying to embrace that era's new flair for fashion and flair.
Pink Tutu Inspirations:
Oh, the colour pink – how I adore it! In 1901, pink would have been quite popular but, dear readers, it was a lighter shade than our bright modern pinks. They're more subdued but equally elegant, much like the tutus themselves! This colour fits with that 1900s feminine sensibility, evoking a feeling of romance and sweetness, the same feeling you get watching a ballerina glide across the stage! I think a beautiful dusky rose pink tulle skirt would look utterly enchanting under the stage lights, don't you?
From Derbyshire to London - Travel By Train
Speaking of elegance and style, I wouldn’t travel anywhere but by train! From my home in Derbyshire to London’s Grand Central, the journey itself is part of the experience. Imagine it: a plush velvet seat, a crisp cup of tea, and a well-read copy of The Sketch (a weekly London magazine filled with all the latest fashion news - highly recommended!).
Our Ballet Tutu History Timeline
Each Tuesday I look into history to see how the ballerina tutu has changed through time! For every Tuesday this year, I'll pick a day for our Ballet Tutu History to explore a bit of what was going on! From time-travel train journeys to fabulous shows in historic theatres, there's a dance and fashion journey just waiting for us to explore. Why not join me and become a ballerina at heart and add that little touch of elegance and grace to your life by getting dressed up in pink tutu and taking the journey through time – one Tuesday at a time. See you all next week!
Don't Forget * Visit my blog at www.pink-tutu.com and read all 3,651 posts on Ballet Tutu History! * Let me know your favorite eras in the history of the tutu! Comment below! * Make sure to add me on social media so we can share all our #TutuTuesday inspiration – from antique boutiques and historical shows to your latest ballet tutu style!
Keep Dancing, Emma
