Greetings, my darling tutu enthusiasts! It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu devotee and time-traveling fashion historian, ready to whisk you back in time to a glorious era of grace and elegance – September 23rd, 1902, to be precise.
Now, picture this: you’re seated in a plush velvet chair, the aroma of sugared almonds in the air, the air electric with anticipation. The lights dim, the music swells, and the curtain rises on a world of vibrant colours, dazzling costumes, and incredible choreography. Ah, the joys of ballet!
This Week's Trip: Parisian Charm
Today's #TutuTuesday takes us to the heart of the Parisian ballet world. The City of Lights, known for its fashion, food, and art, is a natural hub for the beautiful, ethereal ballet. Imagine strolling down the grand avenues of Paris, admiring the stunning architecture, the ladies in their elegant dresses, and gentlemen sporting their sharpest attire. Oh, the Parisian flair for the dramatic is something special!
Ballet History in a Whirl
1902? You might be thinking, "tutues, weren't those...new?" You're on the right track, darling! This year sees the dawn of a revolutionary ballet style, the Ballets Russes. It's about to sweep the world! This new ballet, created by the incredibly talented Sergei Diaghilev, brought about a whirlwind of change – it took ballet out of its formal shell and embraced movement, colours, and costumes like never before. It wasn’t just the music that had everyone’s eyes and ears locked to the stage, oh no, these new dancers’ costumes took ballet attire to another level of style!
Now, before we jump back in time further, let’s focus on 1902 fashion for a moment. It's an era of feminine elegance, where flowing fabrics and delicate details reign supreme. The "S-Bend" silhouette with a tiny waist, full hips, and a gentle curve is all the rage. Think ruched necklines, layered lace, and the prettiest, most romantic gowns! Oh, and let’s not forget the hats! Large, feathered creations adorning the ladies' heads are quite the statement!
Back to our Tutues
1902: the year that began the transition for ballet tutus! The traditional white, layered tutus we know today hadn't quite arrived. But the groundwork was being laid. The focus was on the overall aesthetic: light, fluid garments that moved freely with the dancers. And wouldn’t you know it, pink, the colour of my heart, was gaining ground!
I'm sure, you'll agree, the graceful movements, the dramatic costumes, and the magical storytelling of ballet is just enthralling! But I can’t go time-traveling without you, my fellow fashionistas. I need you to help me find the most dazzling pink tutus for our next dance! Don't be shy! Tell me all about your favourite pink tutus, what style, fabric, or designs take your breath away, in the comments below.
Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog www.pink-tutu.com for weekly #TutuTuesday posts! Keep on swirling!
See you next Tuesday, Emma
P.S Did you know, today, 23 September 1902, is also the anniversary of the death of Queen Victoria, the much-loved monarch who ruled the United Kingdom for over six decades! It was a very somber time, though the country is gearing up for the crowning of the new king. This period marks the end of an era but is certainly also an exciting one to look forward to. I think the Victorian era has had some fabulous moments – but let's just say the fashion could use a little tweaking. Oh, how much I love this period when it’s just beginning to change! It’s so exciting to see these new developments and I am going to see what treasures can be found! Do remember I finance all these exciting travels and time-hops with ballet performances – this evening it's a production of La Bayadère. It’s said to be the best, most exquisite production of this stunning ballet in all of Europe. Now I have got to get myself some proper Parisian-style finery. Maybe some shoes and a hat first. And of course, a pink tutu! You all know how much I love those…
