#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1902-06-03

Hello lovelies! Emma here, back with another exciting jaunt through ballet history for your #TutuTuesday treat. Today, my fellow tutu-lovers, we're heading back to the oh-so-stylish era of 1902, and let me tell you, things were quite different in the world of ballet attire then!

Today I’ve landed in Paris, France. It's always an adventure, wouldn’t you say? I've popped on my trusty pink tutu, naturally, because a girl can never be too prepared for a Parisian ballet soirée, and just stepped out of my favourite hotel near the Grand Palais, just a hop, skip and jump from the Opera House. And boy oh boy, this city’s positively buzzing with creativity and excitement - the perfect recipe for a splendid performance!

Right, let’s get back to that fabulously fussy fashion, shall we? The 1900s are a delightful cocktail of flowing silks, lacy embellishments, and lots of elegant drapery. I'm picturing grand balls with swirling gowns, dazzling jewellery, and the gentlemen looking all dapper in their suits and top hats, don't you? But hold on, it's a little different on stage!

Gone are the days of the overly voluminous, puffed-up romantic tutus of the past. Think graceful flow, my darlings! Ballet dancers back then wore light, diaphanous skirts. You see, the dancers are focusing on more intricate and precise movements, and this requires freedom of movement, no longer bound by layers upon layers of tulle! Think streamlined, ethereal beauty! The emphasis is on line and fluidity, not extravagant ornamentation. The ballerina’s body is highlighted as she flows through the choreography, and, dare I say it, a lot more stylish as the skirt whips and twirls through the air!

It’s a look that emphasizes the natural beauty of the body. No fussy, big tutus for this decade, oh no. Think graceful swathes of material and beautifully choreographed steps. But, and this is the key part for our love of the tutu, while there are no huge poofy skirts, there is a key element that will absolutely tickle your tutu fancy: the tutu is evolving!

The first version of the tutus were all about the soft and romantic form. It looked more like a ballerina version of a nightgown! I imagine it would have swished and swayed delightfully during performances, a touch of grace and elegance. However, it would be easy to imagine that a tutu would have felt restrictive in some situations!

But it seems there were several revolutionary designs taking shape in these times. One of my absolute favourites has got to be the ‘demi-tutu’. I’m thinking knee-length, fitted bodice and a slightly pouffy, flared skirt. And here’s the interesting bit. This allows for incredible movement while maintaining that captivating feminine touch, with the grace of a swan gliding through the water! It’s definitely a trend I could see popping up on today’s runways! Think ‘classic ballet’ style! A long and beautiful skirt is worn over the dancer’s costume and then has some very clever stitching holding it in shape at the hips. They actually get into the material on this, it’s just fabulous and looks almost like an underwater fairy!

Another stunning and iconic design - for me, it's simply perfection, but I can imagine the debates happening between dancers and choreographers back then about the sheer daring of this invention - the Russian tutu! Oh my. The sheer audacity, darling. Imagine a skirt cut almost straight around the dancer, fitting tightly at the hips and then a wide skirt of layers of tulle to give the movement. The flow of that fabric is unbelievably elegant, and the drama that it creates with a well-choreographed performance makes this design pure poetry! You get that striking balance between control and free movement, with this design it is all about highlighting those moves!

Back in Paris now, my dears, the atmosphere is positively electric. Today is June the 3rd, 1902, and we're buzzing with the thrill of the latest and greatest fashion! This being France, I can hardly resist popping into some of those lovely shops. Imagine me, strutting down the cobbled streets with my pink tutu, a little like a whimsical ballerina bird, hopping between silk shops and finding the finest materials for future creations. My very own, Emma’s Fashion Emporium – the tutus are definitely going to be next-level fabulous with those exquisite silks! I may even just have to buy myself a brand new Parisian tutu – oh my, just imagine that gorgeous Parisian pink silk!

I’ll be honest, even with my knowledge of the time period, and the history of the tutu – well I find I am constantly learning more and more about fashion and styles, but even with all this knowledge it can be a little overwhelming. My darling tutu is like a magic carpet - taking me to new, exciting locations, so much to see, but it can get overwhelming at times, wouldn’t you agree?

What shall I wear tomorrow? Ah, it is a tough life! I am absolutely spoilt with the selection of gorgeous dresses that I discover every day! Today has been quite special - the sheer fabrics, the colours, the amazing tailoring skills! And so many amazing materials! But it seems, when you are talking about ballet clothing, the French love to design and create - oh I can't wait to see the next stage in fashion’s history!

So, darling friends, that is just a tiny glimpse of what life looks like today in Paris, France! If you've got a passion for the twirl-worthy style of yesteryear, be sure to hop on board with me!

My trip here wouldn’t be complete without indulging in some spectacular ballet performances. I shall report back next week! What shows will be happening? Well I have my eye on a few of them. We have The Grand Opera Ballet - a renowned company that always boasts amazing productions. The Parisian ballet style is often thought to be very graceful, a mix of romantic styles with a contemporary flair and they absolutely adore their tutus - all styles, short, long, you name it. There is also a group of performers called the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo - I will be there as quickly as my tiny ballet slippers can carry me, just for that one! It will be a feast for the senses, my lovelies, just wait and see!

We've got the wonderful world of fashion to explore, delicious French treats to sample, and of course, enchanting ballets to enjoy. Remember, every Tuesday, join me right here, as we sashay back to explore the history of the iconic tutu! Let me know if there is a period of ballet history you would like to learn about in the comments.

Stay stylish, Emma

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