Hey darlings! It's Emma here, back with another #TutuTuesday post. This week we're waltzing back in time to 1902, to a date brimming with ballet magic - October 21st. Oh, to be living in this era! The romance of it all! 💖
And it’s all thanks to you, lovely readers, for making this week's post our whopping #3695th post for www.pink-tutu.com. It feels wonderful to have all of you join me on this tutus-tastic journey through time, exploring the history of ballet and all the wonderful tutus along the way. We’re a lovely little ballet fam, aren’t we? 🥰
Now, you’ll be thinking, “What’s so special about this day?” Well, you’re right to ask! 1902 was a pivotal time for tutus, and we’re about to delve right in!
But before we begin, I just had to show off my gorgeous outfit! A lovely blush-pink tutu with lace trimmings that practically begs for a graceful pirouette, and paired with a delicate cream silk blouse for just a touch of whimsy. I feel ready to step straight onto the stage and enchant the whole world! ✨
Right then, back to our journey…
Parisian Chic and the Romanticism of Tutu FashionIt’s almost impossible to talk about tutus in the early 1900s without thinking about Paris! Paris was truly the epicenter of everything fashionable, from haute couture gowns to those delightful ballet tutus. Oh, to have lived there back then! I’m certain the boutiques were filled with exquisite lace and silk, just begging to be turned into romantic, fluttery tutus. 🌸
The tutus we’re seeing now were all about femininity and ethereal beauty. You’ll notice lots of delicate tulle layered for a light, flowing look - much like my own ensemble! - with those glorious, generous, full skirts. But a ballerina in this period wouldn’t be complete without their fitted bodices. It gave a sense of poise, balancing out the graceful flutter of the tutu with a touch of elegance.
Think of all the incredible ballet productions they had in Paris back then! “Giselle,” “The Sleeping Beauty,” “Swan Lake.” Those breathtaking performances must have filled theatres with oohs and ahhs as those magical tutus glided across the stage. 🤩
And can you imagine shopping for a new tutu for the big dance show in Paris? Walking into a beautifully lit shop, adorned with shelves overflowing with glorious silks, laces, and shimmering satins... Swoon! I must time-travel back soon for another Parisian fashion adventure. The thought of picking out new fabric for a dress is practically enough to set me spinning. 😉
The Ballet World Around UsOkay, so Paris was where ballet went from a delightful diversion to an all-out art form, but 1902 was a very big year for ballet around the world, too. In London, Covent Garden, with its rich history of ballet performances, was abuzz with productions. The year 1902 saw, for example, the rise of dancers like Anna Pavlova. Can you even imagine dancing with that legend? 😲
Even further afield, American ballet was really starting to find its feet. In the states, they were enjoying more of a “Broadway-style” performance, full of elaborate sets and costumes and theatrical flair. This type of ballet was about showmanship and spectaculars, and with its own dazzling costumes, tutus included! Imagine a glamorous Broadway performance in 1902, filled with tutus and music and sparkling light. You can bet my time machine is itching to make that trip. 🤩
And on this side of the pond, the world of dance was being embraced all over England. From the beautiful ballrooms of the landed gentry, to the vibrant theatres of London, ballet and ballroom dancing were popular and fashionable. I imagine, at one such social gathering, there would have been dancers whirling in the grand halls in beautiful gowns and even daring to take a whirl with a romantic tutus tucked away in a basket just for the grand finale! 🥰
More #TutuTuesday TipsSpeaking of grand finales… here are some fab ideas if you want to be the belle of the ball!
Tulle, Tulle, Tulle! The secret to achieving that lovely romantic silhouette is all about layering tulle! Make sure you pick some with a slight shimmer to it - oh, so chic.
A Perfect Pairing Think of this when choosing a bodice. Something that will fit in perfectly with the romance of a delicate tutu: lace, silks, velvet, and simple yet stylish patterns would all be perfect.
Tutu Accessories: Think of an enchanting ribbon, a flower crown, or a shimmering sparkly tiara – you want to feel like a real-life ballerina fairy! 🧚♀️
That’s a Wrap!
Now that’s quite enough gushing for this week, isn't it? Time to sign off. I can’t wait to be back here next week, and to show you the history of #TutuTuesday, right here on www.pink-tutu.com.
Make sure to let me know if you are making a tutu-tastic costume inspired by this week's #TutuTuesday - you can share your photos and designs with us using #PinkTutuHistory! Until next Tuesday, darlings!
Remember, the world is waiting to be turned pink... 💖
