Hello darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where tutus are the only fashion we need! This is post number 3698 of my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog, so buckle up because we're taking a trip back in time, darlings! Today, we're setting our tutus in the year 1902.
This is an extra special journey today because, as a born-and-bred Derbyshire lass, I get to step back in time to visit the birthplace of some of the most iconic ballerinas! I'm whisking myself off to St. Petersburg, Russia!
Imperial Russia, a haven for ballerinas
The world of ballet in 1902 was a fascinating one. It was a time of grand ballet theatres like the Imperial Mariinsky Theatre, right here in St. Petersburg! Imagine it, a dazzling space with chandeliers, gilded décor and all the glitter of the Tsarist court!
Back then, the ballerinas, with their grace and poise, truly set the tone for the age of glamour! Their tutus, crafted with such meticulous care and artistry, were works of art in themselves!
Let's be real, darling, nothing says "I'm ready to twirl into the night" quite like a beautiful tulle tutu! You couldn't step foot into any prestigious ball or opera house in Europe back then without the signature elegance of a ballerina's tutu. Even if you didn't know a pirouette from a penché, there was no denying the absolute allure and captivating femininity they embodied.
Let's delve deeper into these exquisite masterpieces:
The tutu itself had become a staple in ballet, originating from the Romantic ballet era. It had evolved drastically since its humble beginnings, becoming much more elaborate.
The "romantic" tutu, featuring many layers of soft, tulle material was starting to give way to the classic "Russian" style. This version was often shorter, featuring a layer of crinoline or tarlatan underneath the tulle, allowing for even more dramatic lifts and high leg extensions, the hallmark of Russian ballet!
I've even seen beautifully hand-painted tutus around this era, which must have looked incredible on stage under the gaslight illumination! Now that's the type of detail that just shouts 'I'm a ballerina' to the whole world!
And oh, the colour! We're talking cream, white, blush pink, even pale azure and lavender. I'm definitely picking up on a theme of ethereal lightness and femme fatales here!
What else was happening on the 11th November 1902?
Besides a ballet performance, no doubt, the world was experiencing quite the cultural whirl.
Over in Paris, the Exposition des Arts Decoratifs, celebrating all things aesthetically delicious, was in full swing! They probably had a fabulous exhibition on tutus in that show! There was also a play at the prestigious Theatre Sarah Bernhardt, so theatre and dance were definitely hot topics of the day.
And closer to home, the lovely Derbyshire had a bustling market in Chesterfield. Imagine that - a little touch of home away from home.
Making the Pink Tutu your signature look:
Well, darlings, it's time for us to embrace the magic of the ballerina spirit and add some pink tutu flair to our lives! Remember: it's never too late to embrace your inner ballerina. It's about confidence, expressing yourself, and finding joy in a beautiful form of dance that’s all about empowering femininity and beauty. I think it's about time we claim our right to twirl with gusto.
So, I'm officially declaring the 11th November Pink Tutu Day!
Go on, darling. Be daring, twirl like nobody's watching, and let the world be swept off their feet by the sheer beauty of the pink tutu! You go, girl!
Join me again next Tuesday for another fabulous #TutuTuesday journey through history. Remember to pop over to www.pink-tutu.com and tell me all about your own tutu adventures. Keep dancing, keep twirling and keep shining! Love you lots, darlings.
Emma x
