#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1903-05-19

Hello, darlings! It's your favourite pink-loving, tutu-obsessed time traveller Emma here, back with another peek into the world of ballet history! This week, we're swirling back in time to 1903-1905, a delightful period when the tutu was truly becoming a sartorial sensation! Fancy stepping into my time machine and joining me for a little trip? 🚂

So, dear readers, let's start at the very beginning... ahem, ahem! That is, in this case, the very beginning of the early 1900s. The world of ballet was becoming increasingly sophisticated. From Paris to St Petersburg, the art of ballet was becoming adored by high society and, whisper it, the common folk too. Our ballerinas were starting to look utterly fabulous in their meticulously crafted costumes, with the tutus becoming the stars of the show.

A Touch of Romance:

In this time period, think soft tulle, beautifully draped and embellished. Imagine a whirl of delicate chiffon, creating ethereal clouds of fabric that shimmered with every plié. Think intricate embroidery, pearls, and lace - the very essence of romance and grace. Our ballerinas were practically draped in spun sugar! 🍭

Paris: The Fashion Capitol of the World

It is no surprise to you fashionistas out there that Paris was where it all happened. The Ballet Russes were wowing Parisian audiences, their exotic dances becoming legendary, and their dazzling tutus, a source of awe and inspiration. The famous ballerina, Anna Pavlova, for example, became renowned for her enchanting costumes, often with flowing, billowing tutus that added to her magical stage presence. Oh, the dreamy romance! 😍

Ballet in Britain

In Britain, things were slightly less radical, but our ballerinas were catching the Paris fashion bug. London’s Covent Garden Opera House hosted some lovely performances, with British ballerinas taking their inspiration from Parisian trends. It's a bit of a 'catch up' era for ballet in London. Think classic silhouettes, delicate ornamentation, and tutus that oozed elegance. We can even spot the romantic look in British artists' paintings, with many including images of ballerinas in charming tutus, showcasing the emerging popularity of this graceful garment. 🩰🖼️

Fashion & Shopping

I love, love, LOVE getting lost in a grand department store, you guys. I recently had a fabulous shopping spree in a charming boutique in London. Imagine it! Rows and rows of beautiful materials, silks, and delicate tulles... Just divine! My shopping spree inspired me to find a fabulous milliner in the heart of Covent Garden to create some absolutely darling ballet hats. My new hat collection is to die for! 👒

Oh, My Travel Plans!

My most recent time travel adventure was in France, with a whistle-stop tour through Paris, followed by a journey south to Provence! I travelled, of course, by train, which is always such a treat! My journey allowed me to observe the French fashion scene at the time, and I tell you, their passion for elegance was absolutely breathtaking! 💖

What's On 19 May 1903?

The world was humming along. Just this past Tuesday was the 19th May in 1903! On this date in Paris, the ballet world was buzzing with excitement for a fantastic new performance! It was "La Danseuse" by Leon Minkus at the Paris Opera. Oh my! I hear the music and the excitement is palpable! It's like a time warp - I'm whisked back into the beautiful auditorium of the Paris Opera with a stunning tutu, my toes just itching for the stage! ✨

*Keep Calm and Tutu On! *

This Tuesday we traveled through the enchanting world of early 20th century ballet and tutus. Do you see how captivating the tutus of that time were? Remember to look back on the early years, to understand the impact and influence they had on the tutus that are worn today! And, always remember my friends, the world is a better place with a touch of pink, a pinch of fluff, and a good twirl! 💖

Love and twirls,

Emma www.pink-tutu.com