Hello lovelies! It’s Emma here, your time-travelling tutu enthusiast, back with another post on #TutuTuesday! This week, we’re whisking ourselves back to the elegant year of 1903, right here in the heart of Paris!
This is a truly exciting time for the tutu – we’re talking romanticism, exquisite details, and a real air of sophistication. And who better to illustrate this than the divine Anna Pavlova herself, gracing the stages with her breathtaking performances. This extraordinary Russian ballerina was a real trendsetter, with her delicate movements and beautiful costuming becoming instantly recognisable.
A History Lesson on Tutuline Trendsetting:
Think of the tutu around this time as a gentle revolution in ballet design. The 19th century tutus, all stiff and heavy, are slowly giving way to something lighter, flowing, and far more expressive. We’re talking ethereal layers of tulle, with each tier catching the light just so – and a hint of a fitted bodice, allowing for that perfect balance between grace and movement.
While this new romantic tutu is undeniably elegant, I must say, they did not initially favour those with shorter statures, dear readers. The longer tutus didn't allow for a lot of jumps! But luckily for us, they did help accentuate the lovely arabesques and slow movements that are just so captivating to watch.
Now, speaking of enchanting performances… did you know the 26th of May, 1903 marked the opening night of The Sleeping Beauty by the legendary Marius Petipa and Tchaikovsky at the Mariinsky Theatre in St Petersburg, Russia?! It's absolutely wonderful to think of a packed auditorium filled with a glittering array of tutus, all rustling as they reacted to the spellbinding music of Tchaikovsky.
Imagine that, a truly magnificent moment in ballet history – and just the perfect excuse to dig out a gorgeous pink tutu of my own and dream of graceful movements, dazzling performances, and that truly wonderful feeling of swirling in a cloud of tulle.
What I Would Have Worn (And Done!):
Honestly, it wouldn’t be hard to slip seamlessly into this time – I’d probably pick out a dreamy, almost lavender-toned tutu – think delicate, light layers of tulle with a touch of satin for a touch of elegance. Topped off, of course, with the quintessential ballerina hair style – a soft, romantic bun. Oh, I’d definitely spend a delightful day at a Parisian cafe, observing the latest in Parisian fashion! It's all so inspiring – the wide skirts, the elegant hats, and the lovely ladies. It is a dream to walk among those fashionable women! The ladies love a hat in Paris, it is so exciting! I adore the hat making industry, I do. They do say, when the ladies in Paris wear hats that have birds on top then it's a good omen! That really is the epitome of elegance! Oh my! I also simply must indulge in the finest chocolates Paris has to offer – nothing more romantic than a cup of hot cocoa on a sunny Parisian afternoon! Just thinking about it makes me sigh in blissful delight!
And How to Keep Your Pink Tutu Looking Divine:
Let’s be honest, darling. Maintaining that ballerina freshness requires a little extra love for our tutus, right? Now, with the sheerness of tulle in mind, hand-washing is absolutely a must – especially for the pink beauties I adore so much. So, make sure you’re gentle, darling. No rough scrubbing, just gentle swirls in a basin of soapy water, then rinse with fresh water to keep it soft and lovely. For drying, don’t even think of the tumble dryer, dear! Gentle drying on a flat surface – maybe adorned with pretty pink ribbons – is your friend.
But honestly, if you're ever in a pinch, the best method for making a tutu gleam? I dare say the best secret is just to swish it about! Make it flow in the air to feel a rush of joy, dear. It's my secret for creating the perfect tulle tornado of loveliness! Remember, darling, treat your tutu with the same affection as it will bring you, and it will last you through countless twirls and moments of elegance!
Travel Plans for #TutuTuesday:
Next week, I’m setting my sights on a captivating journey to Vienna, where waltzes are in the air and the music is enchanting. But you, darling, don’t need to go back in time! To bring back that vintage ballet magic, just embrace the spirit – pick up your own tutu, add some lovely vintage-inspired hairpins and enjoy your own little time-slip experience. I just know it'll be wonderfully romantic!
See you next Tuesday, lovely ladies! Remember to send me all your #TutuTuesday adventures! You can also share your fashion picks! Let me know what you are wearing! I have a pink outfit every day – but they’re just a tad too outrageous for most shops! I am trying to inspire women all around the world to be bold, and fabulous and, of course, wear pink! I would love to make pink tutus the national dress. But I will work on one thing at a time! Oh, don’t forget – you can check out more on www.pink-tutu.com ! Remember: you are an elegant ballerina with style and elegance. So embrace it! And if you’re planning a little visit to the ballet – you better bet I’ll be there with my fabulous tutu on! Until next time, darlings! 💖
Post Number: 3726
Author: Emma, A Ballet Blogger from Derbyshire, England, with a penchant for tutus, Paris, and anything pink.
P.S. Did you know there was a lovely lady in Vienna by the name of Maria Anna Trefilova - the first woman ever to manage a dance company?! How amazing is that!
