Hello my darling darlings! Emma here, back for another #TutuTuesday, bringing you all the latest (or should I say, oldest) news from the fascinating world of tutus! This week, I’m whisking us back to August 12th, 1902. Buckle up, lovelies, because things are about to get exciting!
My trusty time machine landed me right in the heart of Paris. Yes, darling, Paris, the city of love and of course, ballet! The year is 1902, and believe me, there’s nothing more captivating than the Parisian theatre scene right now. We're talking gaslight glow, swirling dresses, and an air of excitement you can practically taste!
Today marks a monumental day in ballet history, and guess who’s at the centre of it all? The tutu, of course! 👑 But hold on a minute, dear readers, because back in 1902, the tutu was undergoing a transformation, just like me every time I put on a new feather boa.
Think of it: the 19th century, all about billowing romanticism. Long, flowy skirts that whispered as the dancers moved. But then came Isadora Duncan, a whirlwind of a woman who revolutionized the dance world with her free-flowing, natural style. She wore a loose-fitting, simple tunic - imagine! No fluffy layers, no restrictive structure. A bit un-tutu like, if you will! 😜
Now, dancers who embraced this modern style (and believe me, it was radical for its time) called it "free dance". They rejected the strict, classical ballets and danced in a new way, allowing the body to move freely, like the wild, passionate wind. This inspired many designers, like the ever-so-elegant Paul Poiret, who designed garments like his revolutionary hobble skirt that was made with a minimum of material and gave dancers (and ladies of leisure!) a chance to be free and move with grace!
But remember my dears, dance has its rules. The "classical tutu" was born during the late 1800s, designed by a visionary called Maria Taglioni. Think of it as the original pink tutu's grandmother - so chic and elegant, but much more... um... structured! 😉
Made of tulle (that gloriously delicate material we know and love) with multiple layers and carefully fitted with a short, bouffant skirt that danced and twirled around the dancers legs, it created a silhouette that seemed to float, defying gravity, making you believe these women could truly fly! It’s what makes ballets like “Giselle” and "Swan Lake" so enchanting. We all just want to twirl like that, right?!
Now, 1902 found ballet embracing a new era: the "tutu transition!" Dance companies were trying new styles and designers were exploring the possibilities of a lighter, more airy version of the tutu! These “new” tutus were made of shorter skirts with layered tulle and an underlayer, made of fabric called étamine. That's French for "weave," and darling, let me tell you, it's the most gorgeous way to weave a story on stage with your movements. This evolution led to a design that was easier to move in, highlighting the fluidity of a dancer's movements. This was a significant shift because now, tutus weren't just an extension of the ballerina, they became part of the dance itself!
During this time, Paris was buzzing with dance companies! The legendary Opéra Garnier was hosting incredible productions, and new ballets were debuting all over the city. I can only imagine the excitement!
Even though it may not have been tutu-tastic at first, those free dance ideas have paved the way for so many different tutu variations today! Just like the vibrant and expressive styles you see in ballet companies around the world - think American Ballet Theatre, the Royal Ballet or even the English National Ballet. Each ballet company brings a unique flair and their own version of the tutu, allowing their dancers to express themselves even more freely on the stage.
So, if you find yourself transported to Paris on this day, darling, take in a ballet performance, you won't be disappointed! But most of all, celebrate the #TutuTuesday evolution. Whether it’s a classic ballerina tutu or a more modern, expressive design, each version reminds us of the magic of movement and artistry!
Remember my dears, every time we put on a tutu, we step into a world of creativity, fantasy, and infinite possibilities. Now that’s what I call fashion, and dance, darling!
Until next week,
Your darling ballerina,
Emma 💋
P.S. If you're wondering what else happened on August 12th, 1902 - besides the amazing evolution of tutus - let me share a few interesting tidbits!
- World Famous The legendary actor, director, and filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock was born in Leytonstone, Essex, England. A master of suspense, Hitchcock would forever shape the cinematic landscape, a legacy still influencing films today!
- Time Traveling Fashion On August 12, 1902, women were flaunting Edwardian fashion at its finest, featuring long, full skirts, and elaborate hats, creating an image of feminine elegance that was utterly charming and captivating! My time-traveling self, I must admit, went wild shopping for a few of those exquisite accessories! We can only dream of how those garments are cherished by the vintage collectors of our own era.
A Journey by Train While my time travel journey isn't as luxurious as the Orient Express, I find myself fascinated with the railway system. Imagine travelling across the country in such a manner!
Until next time darlings!
xx
