#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1902-10-28

Hello my dearest tutu-loving darlings! Welcome back to another whirl through history, this time landing us in a glorious 1902!

I’m your time-traveling, tutu-wearing fashionista, Emma, here to bring you the latest in ballet history fashion. And let me tell you, things are getting decidedly extra this week! We’re in Paris, the undisputed centre of all things stylish, and believe me, it's a beehive of activity here. Today is October 28th, 1902, and if I’m being completely honest, I haven't been able to tear myself away from the shops! The chic, the daring, the downright dazzling… it's a cornucopia of fashion, and let me assure you, tutus are definitely on the menu.

Imagine if you will, cobbled streets lined with shops brimming with luxurious fabrics. From satin to silk, lace to velvet, everything sparkles with a brilliance you wouldn't believe! I simply had to grab a handful of sumptuous velvet ribbon for my latest creation, and the colours, oh my! It was like dipping into a candy store for your eyes. Burgundy, emerald green, sapphire blue – it’s hard to choose a favourite!

Speaking of colours, we can’t forget about our beloved pink, of course! Oh, my darlings, have you ever seen such beautiful pinks? There were blush pinks for the demure and bold raspberry for the confident. Just think of the divine tutus I can conjure up!

Speaking of tutus, 1902 is a truly fascinating time in the world of ballet. We're still firmly rooted in the Romantic Era, meaning flowing lines, delicate fabrics and…well…tutus that were, frankly, a bit too billowy for my liking! Think more 'giant cloud' than the sleek elegance of today.

But let me tell you, that doesn't mean they weren't beautiful! Picture swirling clouds of tulle in delicate pastels, perhaps adorned with a few shimmering sequins. The look is undeniably romantic and whimsical, a far cry from the tight, streamlined lines of modern ballet costumes. And, well, a girl has got to have a little romantic whimsy in her life!

We have much to thank the legendary dancers of this time for, such as the exquisite Madame Anna Pavlova. Did you know she danced at the very famous Theatre National de l'Opéra in Paris? Talk about an incredible dream! She was known for her lyrical grace and her breathtaking interpretations of roles like 'The Dying Swan', a story she brought to life with sheer passion. But did you know she was a fierce fashionista too? She loved to wear daring colours, especially rich emeralds and vibrant blues. Perhaps she had an inkling about the amazing colours we would see just a century later?

Speaking of dancers, it’s the start of a particularly thrilling season here! The Opéra has been thriving with ballet performances and the stage has never looked more divine. The ballets they perform are like little slices of history themselves, filled with captivating narratives and incredible choreography. They're practically a time machine all their own!

Imagine, waltzing with a prince amidst a dazzling court of sparkling gowns and graceful waltzing, the music swirling around you like a magical dream... It’s no wonder ballet became so popular during this time!

But wait! We haven't even touched on the latest theatre productions! I absolutely adore them – a little bit of glitz and glamour is always the perfect escape from the everyday. Did I mention the stunning dresses? The grand ladies in the audience – their elaborate gowns and dazzling jewels were truly sights to behold! The opulence of it all is quite overwhelming.

Of course, no visit to Paris is complete without exploring the captivating charm of the streets. A meander through the quaint shops, perhaps picking up a delicate piece of Parisian lace to adorn a future tutu – now that’s a perfect Parisian afternoon. And let's not forget about the delicious pastries, my darlings! They are simply irresistible! I indulged in a delicate macaroon with rosewater filling – an exquisite touch of Parisian charm, don’t you think?

However, I confess that nothing quite compares to the magic of stepping into a ballet studio. Seeing all the talented ballerinas and their incredible grace as they glide through their routines is pure inspiration! It’s easy to forget you're in the past when the passion and artistry on stage are this captivating.

And so, my dearest tutus lovers, my journey through 1902 comes to an end. As I bid farewell to this Parisian escapade, let us take a moment to appreciate the incredible legacy of the tutus. We’ve travelled through time and discovered the delicate wisps of the Romantic era, and we've witnessed the burgeoning elegance that would pave the way for the bold, sleek styles of ballet today.

So, my dears, as I bid you a fond adieu, I encourage you all to embrace the whimsical and captivating spirit of tutus. Let’s create our own stories, embrace our own interpretations, and inspire each other with our own personal expressions of ballet! Remember, every tutu has a story, and every dancer, a unique voice.

Now, let's all dance into the rest of our week – tutu-fied, of course! And if you see a pink one flitting through your neighbourhood…that just might be me. Until next week!

Much love, Emma xx