#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1902-05-13

Hello my lovelies! 💋 Emma here, your favourite tutu-obsessed time-travelling ballerina! It’s #TutuTuesday, and we’re diving into the captivating history of our beloved ballet staple – the tutu! Today we’re whisking ourselves back to May 13th, 1902, a time when ballet was blossoming into its golden age. Buckle up darlings, as we're taking a whirlwind tour of the world of ballet, style, and the iconic tulle skirts that define the dance!

Before we begin, make sure to pop over to our website www.pink-tutu.com! I've got some darling little pink tutus, and other ballet-inspired garments on sale, you know you need to treat yourselves to a touch of tutus! 😜

This week, I’m in…wait for it… drum roll… Paris! Ooh la la! You can just imagine, my dears, the bustle and glamour! Parisian fashion was simply divine at the start of the 20th century, and ballet was just as influential, so you know it’s a real hotbed of tutu brilliance!

Oh, and before I forget, you lovely lot have reached post number 3672 in my never-ending quest to chronicle the story of tutus. Isn't it thrilling? Imagine the stories these tutus have to tell! Let’s begin our trip down memory lane…

The early 1900s was a revolutionary time for ballet! Gone were the days of strict, stiff corsets. We were finally embracing free movement, a joyous expression of the human body. That's why, darling, tutus started to evolve as well! The infamous Romantic Tutu with its billowing skirts became all the rage in the early to mid 1800s! And in the late 1800s, something even more amazing happened: the Tutus got shorter! 😲 Now, we’re talking the “Short Tutu” – a delightful evolution which revolutionized the look and feel of ballet. It allowed for greater fluidity and showcased the ballerinas’ beautifully graceful limbs in all their glory. Can you imagine the sheer joy and delight it brought to the stage?! 😍

The Paris Opera Ballet in 1902 was a true icon! It was where ballet and fashion came together, and the short tutus were all the rage. It made the dancers appear both dainty and powerful. The way the tulle fluttered and danced with each pirouette – truly a spectacle! You could tell, it wasn't just about the dance, it was also a visual treat! The colour schemes in the ballets themselves were so bright and whimsical. It wasn’t all pink, you see, but pink is certainly one of the most enchanting hues! They’d often feature vibrant greens, vibrant blues and reds, too. And let's not forget, it was all made with the finest tulle in France, just a bit of extravagance that always puts a smile on my face. 😊

You may ask, what would a ballet be without the fabulous costumes! 👗 It wasn't just about the tutu. The Parisian ladies loved a bit of detail! Think sparkling gems, intricate beading, lace trim. They all had their part to play in this beautiful ballet dance, each enhancing the visual story and leaving a lasting impression on the audience. Can’t you just imagine the sparkle?! 🌟

Now for today's historical tidbit! On May 13th, 1902, The Paris Opera Ballet performed “La Source”, a dazzling, four-act ballet about a princess falling in love with a humble peasant. This story was a classic! Full of passion, beauty and breathtaking performances. The tutus were so ethereal in this ballet! Imagine layers and layers of delicate tulle swirling and floating as the ballerinas gracefully danced. Swoon. They added a sense of magic and beauty, reflecting the romantic storyline perfectly! Just divine! 🥰

Think of the backstage excitement! This is a little peek behind the scenes! It’s fascinating. Imagine a room full of tutus! I know this for a fact: they were already using machines to create this beautiful tulle material! I know what you're thinking - it must have been a ballerina's dream! And let me tell you, it truly was a dream! This level of creativity and craftsmanship just fuelled the ever-evolving ballet scene and fashion. The ladies loved being a part of this ever-changing world, even when the changes could be drastic, but the essence of ballet stayed true - beautiful and mesmerizing.

I bet the ballet dancers were buzzing about the latest tutus! Perhaps, they even found time to sneak a bit of fashion shopping between rehearsals, just like we do today! The tutus would have been quite pricey, even back then! The price depended on the quality of the tulle and the amount of decoration – you know how the ladies love a bit of glitter and beads! 🤩

If you know me well, my loves, you'll know that I have an unashamed soft spot for pink tutus! You might think I am biased. But honestly, a pink tutu is the epitome of grace, elegance, and all things beautiful! In the 1900s, pink was used in tutus too, but in a slightly more subtle way, more pastels and light shades, more gentle. This made me think that we are now seeing a sort of homecoming. After going from super bright vibrant shades in the Romantic period, and getting to the stage and style of the 1900s short tutu period, which included lots of light shades and white, nowadays it’s become about celebrating bolder pinks, bolder reds and yellows. And that is an absolute delight, especially because I personally, I just can’t get enough of pink! 💖

My dear darlings, it’s not just a skirt, a pink tutu, it’s an invitation to express yourself, a statement that makes you smile and radiate. You know what, we all need more pink tutus in our lives! What could be better than swirling about and embracing your inner ballerina with a gorgeous pink tulle dream? What are you waiting for, my loves? 😉

And there you have it, my dears! A glimpse into the tutu world of 1902 – full of history, glamour, and dance! Now, who's ready for a twirl?

Until next week! XOXO

Your Emma